Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My cat ate a few bites of beef stew that had loose tea leaves cooked in it and now seems wobbly — what do I do?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

This is urgent — tea leaves contain caffeine, which is toxic to cats. Signs like wobbliness, vomiting, tremors, or a racing heart can appear quickly. Do not wait; contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away. Tell them exactly what she ate, how much, and her current symptoms. Keep her calm and confined in a safe, quiet space while you seek help. Prompt veterinary care is crucial for caffeine exposure.

Tea leaves & teabags — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Caffeine like coffee — a dog that eats loose tea or a teabag can get vomiting, tremors and a racing heart. Emergency for larger amounts.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Tea leaves & teabags should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system, and pets clear it so slowly that tremors and restlessness drag on far longer than they would in a person.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Tea leaves & teabags food facts page.

Open the full food page: Tea leaves & teabags food facts →