Alcohol was once considered one of humanity's greatest inventions; a glass of wine can soothe a troubled mind and provide relief. It has also been medically proven to have various health benefits, such as accelerating blood circulation and preventing cardiovascular disease. When we open a bottle of wine at home, we often see our cats coming over to sniff it, showing great interest. So, can cats drink alcohol? 
Bob Potter, a pub owner in Salisbury, recently made a surprising discovery: his pet cat, Spencer, not only loves playing tag but also has a passion for alcohol. Moreover, Spencer is quite picky about his drinks. He dislikes Millers or Budweiser, preferring craft beers. He also accepts red wine. Currently, Spencer is undergoing compulsory alcohol rehabilitation. His owner, Potter, says he loves his cat very much and has never intentionally made him drink alcohol or done anything to harm him. However, Spencer is indeed a skilled "thief," always managing to easily obtain his beloved drink. Reports indicate that Spencer has successfully stolen various types of alcohol, including red wine, white wine, and sparkling wines such as Bloody Marys and margaritas.
Some people worry about cats drinking alcohol, wondering if it shortens their lifespan. Let's look at the components of alcohol. Red wine, for example, is made from fermented grapes and contains mostly grape juice, along with tartaric acid, pectin, sugar, and other substances. Grapes are harmful to cats; excessive consumption can lead to kidney failure, and a large accumulation of sugar in a cat's body can cause endocrine disorders. As for spirits, they are made from grains and contain various acids, including lactic acid, malic acid, gluconic acid, tartaric acid, and succinic acid. Beer, on the other hand, has a very high alcohol content. It's clear that these types of alcohol generally contain large amounts of acids and alcohol. Cats generally cannot metabolize alcohol, so drinking it can lead to alcohol poisoning. Externally, this poisoning may appear similar to that in humans—unsteady gait, confusion, etc. However, the acids and alcohol disrupt a cat's endocrine system, and their accumulation can impair organ function, leading to diseases such as kidney failure. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for cats to drink alcohol.
So why was the cat that stole the alcohol unharmed? I think it might be due to its constitution. Among so many cats in the world, there will always be a few that show different constitutions. This could be due to genetics, acquired mutations, or antibodies, but the probability is very low. Most cats don't have the ability to digest alcohol. Furthermore, large amounts of alcohol can be fatal.
However, while cats can't drink our alcohol, they do have their own special drink. A Japanese pet vitamin manufacturer recently announced the launch of "Nyan Nyan," a brand of wine specifically for cats. The report states that "Nyan Nyan" wine comes in small 180ml bottles. The price is 1000 yen (approximately 62 yuan), but will eventually drop to 399 yen (approximately 24 yuan). The company's press release states that this wine is specifically designed for owners who worry about their pets not being able to celebrate birthdays, New Year's, Christmas, or other holidays with them.
According to reports, "Xinqi Miaomiao" (a type of catnip drink) is actually alcohol-free, primarily composed of Cabernet grapes, vitamin C, and catnip extract. The report states that catnip has a stimulating effect on felines; in the past, circus trainers would give it to lions and tigers to tame them. It can excite cats through smell or taste, causing them to roll around on the ground, rub their faces against each other, and even purr happily as if drunk. Therefore, although it doesn't contain alcohol, this "drunkenness" can still make cats "intoxicated."
