Can Cats Drink Alcohol? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

No. Cats should not drink alcohol. Beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs and alcoholic desserts are unsafe for cats and should be kept out of reach.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline has a specific alcohol poisoning page, ASPCA lists alcohol among people foods to avoid for pets, and VCA's cat household hazard guidance includes alcoholic drinks. In NZ homes, the risk is usually a cat licking a glass, RTD, cocktail, trifle, boozy cream, spilled drink or party leftovers.

If your cat ate it

Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.

Safer alternatives

Offer fresh water and complete cat food. For a treat, use a cat-specific treat or a few pieces of the cat's normal food rather than milk drinks, cream, alcohol or cafe leftovers.

Related reading

• Cat Food Guide NZ
• Cat Care NZ Complete Guide
• Pet Emergency Kit NZ Civil Defence Guide

References

• Pet Poison Helpline, Alcohol, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/alcohol/
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Toxic Household Hazards for Cats, checked 2026-06-13: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/household-hazards-toxic-hazards-for-cats

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (June 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*