Can Cats Drink Coffee? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

No. Cats should not drink coffee or eat coffee grounds, beans, caffeine tablets, energy drinks or coffee-flavoured desserts. Caffeine is a pet-poisoning concern, not a cat treat.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline has a specific caffeine poisoning page, ASPCA lists coffee and caffeine among people foods to avoid for pets, and VCA includes coffee and caffeine in cat household hazard guidance. In NZ homes, the realistic risks are a cat licking a flat white, walking through a keep cup spill, or tasting tiramisu, mocha icing, coffee grounds or an energy drink.

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 enrichment, use a cat-specific treat or a few pieces of the cat's normal food rather than coffee, milk drinks, cream, desserts 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, Caffeine, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/caffeine/
• 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.*