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

I saw ‘wine’ listed in a catnip spray ingredient list — is that safe for my senior cat to inhale or ingest?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

No, it is not safe. Any product containing alcohol, even in trace amounts from wine, is dangerous for cats. Alcohol is toxic and can cause vomiting, disorientation, breathing problems, and even coma, especially in older cats. Do not use this spray on your cat’s toys or in her environment. Stick to plain, alcohol-free catnip products. If your cat has already been exposed, watch for signs of wobbliness or depression and contact your vet immediately for advice.

Wine — Food safety facts

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

Alcohol, and in sweet wines the sugar too. Raisin-based wines add grape toxicity.

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

Wine 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

Grapes and raisins are linked to kidney failure in dogs, and no safe amount is reliable — some pets react after only a few.

Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.

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

Open the full food page: Wine food facts →