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

My 4 kg cat drank some wine 6 hours ago, the vet gave activated charcoal. What now?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

The next 24 hours are critical. Alcohol is absorbed fast, but charcoal helps bind any toxin left in the gut. Your vet will likely want to keep him on IV fluids to support his liver and flush out the ethanol. Watch for any worsening wobbliness, disorientation, or slow breathing — if you see these, call your vet or the ASPCA poison line at 888-426-4435 immediately. Recovery can take a couple of days, and he’ll need a quiet, warm place to rest.

Alcohol — Food safety facts

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

Ethanol poisoning in pets is fast and serious — a small amount of spirits can be fatal to a cat.

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

Alcohol 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

Rich, fatty food is the classic trigger for pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that usually needs veterinary treatment rather than rest alone.

Alcohol has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Alcohol food facts page.

Open the full food page: Alcohol food facts →