The harm of eating coffee beans to civet cats

The harm of eating coffee beans to civet cats

Civets are small mammals that live in Asia. They mainly feed on plants. However, in recent years, it has been discovered that civets occasionally eat coffee beans, which has attracted widespread attention. This article will explore the hazards of civets eating coffee beans from multiple aspects.

1. Caffeine poisoning

Coffee beans are rich in caffeine, and for small animals such as civets, excessive intake of caffeine may cause poisoning. Caffeine poisoning can cause adverse reactions such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle twitching, and may cause damage to the nervous system and organ failure.

2. Digestive problems

Because the digestive system structure is different from that of humans, civets may lack the ability to adapt to certain foods. Although most mammals can break down caffeine by producing a special enzyme, civets may lack this ability. Therefore, eating coffee beans may cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.

3. Cardiovascular problems

Caffeine is a stimulant in Italian coffee that can speed up heart rate and increase blood pressure. For small animals like civets, excessive caffeine intake may put a burden on the cardiovascular system. Long-term consumption of coffee beans may lead to cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

4. Damage to the central nervous system

In addition to affecting the heart and digestive system, excessive caffeine intake can also have adverse effects on the central nervous system. Civets may experience abnormal behaviors such as excitement, anxiety, and convulsions after consuming a large amount of coffee beans, and long-term exposure to high doses of caffeine can also cause neurodegeneration.

5. Other health issues

In addition to the above major hazards, civets eating coffee beans may also cause other health problems. For example, caffeine affects the absorption and metabolism of calcium, which may lead to bone problems such as osteoporosis. In addition, long-term excessive intake of caffeine is also related to kidney disease, liver damage and other problems.

in conclusion

In summary, although occasional consumption of a small amount of coffee beans by civets will not cause immediate serious harm, long-term or large-scale intake poses certain risks. Due to the differences in their digestive systems and metabolic capabilities, civets should be prevented from contacting or consuming substances containing caffeine when considering these potential hazards.