Household danger · 2 min read

Is Coins dangerous for cats?

No — dangerous

No. UK coins — particularly pennies minted after 1992 — contain zinc, which is acutely toxic to cats if swallowed. A swallowed coin can also obstruct the stomach or intestines. Either way it's an X-ray trip.

If your cat has just eaten coins

  1. Don't try to make the cat vomit — coins can damage the oesophagus on the way back up.
  2. Go to your vet immediately. X-rays are the next step.
  3. Bring a spare matching coin if possible so the vet can identify the likely composition.
  4. If you can't reach your vet, call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

What's the full picture?

Post-1992 UK 1p and 2p coins are copper-plated steel, but older pennies and many foreign coins are higher-zinc alloys. When swallowed, stomach acid dissolves zinc into a form that's absorbed and can destroy red blood cells (zinc toxicosis).

Even a non-zinc coin is a physical hazard. A cat that swallows a coin may have vomiting, reduced appetite, and risk of intestinal obstruction.

This is much more common with kittens and young cats who play with small shiny objects. Coins on bedside tables and bottom of handbags are the usual route.

Symptoms to watch for

Hours to days
Vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite.
Days
Pale or yellow gums (zinc-induced haemolysis), collapse. Emergency.

If you're worried right now

Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency vet first. For poison advice, the Animal PoisonLine (UK) is on 01202 509000 — 24/7, charges apply. Your vet can also call the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) directly.

Batteries no Broken glass no Silica gel caution String, ribbon, and thread no Sunscreen (human) no Tinsel no

About this guidance

Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.

This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.

Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.

Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team

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