Matcha is a finely ground powder derived from specially cultivated green tea leaves. This product poses a danger to cats. Owners must understand that matcha, whether in powder form or prepared as a beverage, is unsafe for feline consumption and should be kept completely out of their reach.
Why Matcha is Dangerous for Cats
Matcha is toxic to cats due to naturally occurring compounds called methylxanthines. These substances, which include caffeine and, to a lesser extent, theobromine, act as powerful stimulants in the feline body. Cats are exceptionally sensitive to methylxanthines because their liver enzymes are not efficient at breaking down and eliminating these compounds from their bloodstream, leading to a prolonged and intense toxic effect.
The high concentration of caffeine in the powder makes matcha significantly more hazardous than regular steeped green tea. When matcha is prepared, the consumer ingests the entire ground leaf, resulting in a much higher dose of toxins. A typical serving of matcha powder contains anywhere from 38 to 176 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the amount used and the quality of the tea. For a small animal, even a single teaspoon of dry powder represents a substantial and potentially life-threatening dose of stimulant.
Methylxanthines exert their toxic effect by blocking adenosine receptors in the central nervous system, heart, and muscles. This blockade leads to the release of stimulating hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing excessive central nervous system and cardiac stimulation. The minimal amount of theobromine present in matcha also contributes to this toxicity, though caffeine is the more prominent threat.
Recognizing Signs of Toxicity
Symptoms of matcha toxicity can manifest relatively quickly, often appearing within 30 minutes to two hours following ingestion, as caffeine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The severity of the signs depends directly on the amount consumed relative to the cat’s body weight. Initial, milder symptoms frequently include gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhea.
The cat may display restlessness, hyperactivity, or extreme agitation, as the central nervous system is stimulated. Owners might observe tremors, muscle twitching, or an unsteady gait, indicating a more serious level of toxicity.
As the condition progresses, the cardiovascular system becomes involved, leading to an elevated heart rate, known as tachycardia, and abnormal heart rhythms. Ingestion of higher doses can cause hyperthermia due to excessive muscle activity. Without immediate intervention, these symptoms can escalate to severe seizures, collapse, and potentially death.
Immediate Action Steps
If there is any suspicion that a cat has ingested matcha powder or a matcha-containing beverage, immediate professional help is required. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as early action significantly improves the prognosis. Contact a veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital, or an animal poison control center right away.
When contacting the professional, be prepared to provide specific details. Information such as the type of product ingested, the estimated maximum amount consumed, and the approximate time of ingestion are essential for determining the appropriate course of treatment. It is helpful if the owner knows the cat’s approximate weight, as toxicity is dose-dependent.
Veterinary treatment focuses on decontamination and supportive care to manage the stimulant effects. If ingestion was very recent, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the toxin from the stomach before it is fully absorbed. Administering activated charcoal is another common step, as it binds to the remaining methylxanthines in the digestive tract and prevents further absorption.
Supportive care typically involves intravenous fluids to help flush the toxins out of the cat’s system and correct any dehydration. Medications may also be used to control the more severe clinical signs, such as anti-seizure drugs to stop tremors or sedatives to manage hyperactivity. To prevent future incidents, all matcha products, especially the concentrated powder, must be stored securely in cabinets or containers that cats cannot access.