By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Last updated: 3 November 2026
Kombucha is a popular fermented tea, and an open glass on a coffee table is easy for a cat to reach. If your cat has had a lick or two, it is unlikely to cause harm. Kombucha is still not a drink for cats. It is made from black or green tea, which contain caffeine, and fermentation can produce small amounts of alcohol. Many brands also add sweeteners and flavours.
Key takeaways
- Kombucha is fermented tea. Black and green tea contain caffeine.
- The ASPCA lists caffeine and alcohol among people foods to avoid feeding pets.
- Remedy Wild Berry Kombucha, sold at Woolworths, is made with black and green tea and sweetened with erythritol and steviol glycosides.
- The live cultures in kombucha are not a recommended probiotic for cats.
- Small licks rarely cause problems. Larger amounts should be discussed with your vet.
What is in kombucha?
Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a culture of bacteria and yeast. Labels vary. As an example, the Woolworths listing for Remedy Wild Berry Kombucha (250 mL, 4 pack) shows: certified organic raw kombucha (sparkling water, wild kombucha culture, black tea, green tea), hibiscus tea, natural sweeteners (erythritol and steviol glycosides), lemon juice and natural blueberry, blackberry, strawberry and caramel flavours.
Home-brewed kombucha can be quite different from shop-bought drinks, and there is no label to tell you what is in it.
Why kombucha does not suit cats
Caffeine. The ASPCA explains that chocolate, coffee and caffeine share the same concern, methylxanthines, and that the higher the caffeine content, the greater the risk. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures. A lick of kombucha contains very little caffeine, but cats are small.
Alcohol. Fermentation produces alcohol. The ASPCA notes that alcoholic drinks and foods containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, incoordination, depression, difficulty breathing, tremors and, in serious cases, coma. Alcohol content varies between products and home brews, so check the label if there is one.
Sweeteners. Remedy uses erythritol and stevia, not xylitol. Other brands may use different sweeteners or sugar. The ASPCA warns that xylitol can cause low blood sugar and potentially liver damage, depending on the amount. Evidence for xylitol in cats is limited, but any xylitol product is best kept away from cats.
Acidity and fizz. Kombucha is tangy and acidic, which may upset some cats' stomachs.
The "probiotic" question. People sometimes ask whether kombucha could help a cat's gut. There is no good evidence for that. If you are interested in gut health, ask your vet about products made for cats.
Signs to watch for
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- drooling
- restlessness or hyperactivity
- wobbliness or unusual sleepiness
- a racing heart, tremors or seizures (more likely after a larger amount)
What to do if your cat drank kombucha
- Put the glass or bottle away and estimate how much is gone.
- Check the label for caffeine, alcohol content and sweeteners.
- For a lick or two, offer fresh water and watch your cat for the next day.
- If your cat drank more than a lick, the drink is home-brewed, or it contains xylitol, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
- Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
When to see a vet urgently
Go to your nearest emergency vet clinic if your cat:
- is wobbly, very sleepy or hard to wake
- is restless with a racing heart
- is trembling or has a seizure
- vomits repeatedly
- is breathing with difficulty
Better drinks and treats for cats
- fresh, clean water, which is all a cat needs to drink
- a little of their usual wet food to boost fluid intake
- freeze-dried meat treats made for cats
The RSPCA advises keeping clean fresh drinking water available at all times. Cornell suggests treats make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories.
FAQ
Is kombucha toxic to cats?
It is not a classic toxin, but it can contain caffeine and some alcohol, both on the ASPCA's list of things to keep from pets.
Can I give my cat a SCOBY to chew?
No. It is acidic, contains live yeast and bacteria, and is a choking risk.
What about decaf or caffeine-free kombucha?
Removing caffeine does not remove alcohol, acidity or sweeteners. It is still best avoided.
Talk with a vet
If your cat drank something unusual and you are not sure whether to worry, book a video consult with Dial A Vet's real vets and vet nurses (we help with dogs and cats). Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Woolworths. Remedy Wild Berry Kombucha 250mL x 4 pack.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Emergency Instructions.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency vet clinic.