Can Cats Drink Tea? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

No. Cats should not drink tea. Black tea, green tea, matcha, iced tea and many cafe drinks can contain caffeine, and tea with milk, sugar, sweeteners or spices is not cat food.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline has a caffeine poisoning page, ASPCA lists coffee and caffeine among foods to avoid for pets, and VCA includes coffee and caffeine in cat household hazard guidance. In NZ homes, risk often comes from a cat licking a mug, keep cup, chai, matcha latte, iced tea or sweet tea spill.

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. If your cat likes novelty, use a cat-specific treat, a food puzzle or a few pieces of their normal food rather than tea, milk drinks 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.*