- Alcohol — toxic in small amounts
- 15–60 min
- Affects: Brain & breathing
Why this verdict for cats
Alcohol of any kind is dangerous for cats — keep champagne out of reach.
Warning signs to watch for
- Disorientation
- Collapse
⚠ If your cat drank champagne
Act immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline right away.
- Note how much was eaten and when.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
Champagne is the celebration drink most likely to be left unattended at pet height, and it carries the same two-part risk as wine — with a third problem of its own: a glass knocked over by a wagging tail spreads a surprising amount of alcohol across a floor a dog will happily clean up.
How much is safe?
None. Sparkling wine is made from grapes, so alongside the alcohol there is the grape component, for which there is no established safe amount in dogs. The bubbles also carry a practical hazard: carbonation can contribute to gas and bloating, which matters most in deep-chested breeds. Cats are affected by the alcohol at very small volumes given their size.
What happens if a cat drinks too much?
The alcohol effects come first — wobbliness, disorientation, vomiting, a falling body temperature, low blood sugar and slowed breathing. The grape-related kidney concern, if it materialises, appears over the following one to three days as persistent vomiting, lethargy and reduced urination. New Year's Eve and weddings are, unsurprisingly, when these calls cluster.
⚠ What to do if your cat drank champagne
Call a vet or poison line with your pet's weight and how much was drunk (ASPCA 888-426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661), and flag the grape component explicitly. Keep your pet warm and quiet while you arrange care, and do not induce vomiting in a wobbly animal. Early IV fluids handle both problems at once.
⚠️ Worried your pet got into this?
Frequently asked questions
It was only a splash from a knocked-over glass — worth a call?
For a large dog, probably minor; for a cat or small dog, yes. And the grape element means a call is worthwhile either way.
Is prosecco or cava any different?
No — all are grape-based alcoholic drinks and carry the same pair of risks.
More drinks for cats
By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · Last updated July 31, 2026.
Sources
- ASPCA — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- American Kennel Club — Dog Nutrition
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poison List