Can cats eat chocolate?

Giggle just a little bit at your cat’s love for chocolate, then double over in laughter when you remember that he probably ate some of it. Don’t worry, though—your cat will be fine!

But chocolate is toxic to cats. When cats eat chocolate in large quantities, it can even lead to premature death. Although it’s more common to hear stories of dogs with stomach upset after digging into sweets, chocolate causes a significant health risk to cats, as well.

Along with sugar, fat, and xylitol, this sweet compound contains two ingredients that are extremely dangerous to felines: theobromine and caffeine. Pet parents need to understand the risks of chocolate and take action to keep it out of their cat’s reach.

Why is chocolate bad for cats?

Chocolate contains trace amounts of caffeine and larger portions of theobromine, which are both methylxanthines known to contribute to clinical signs of toxicity within animals. Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid found in the cacao plant and the primary reason why chocolate is bad for cats.

Unlike humans, most animals metabolize Theobromine very slowly and therefore build up toxic byproducts in their bodies. If your cat consumes caffeine alone, the risks are typically less severe, but you’ll probably notice a difference in their hyperactive behavior among other symptoms.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats

It usually occur within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to three to 4 days in severe cases. When a cat eats chocolate, the signs of toxic exposure may include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Accelerated heart rate
• Accelerated breath rate
• Decreased appetite
• Heightened temperature
• Restlessness
• Seizures
• Muscle tremors
• Coma

Cats with these symptoms can worsen very quickly. Elevated heart rate and sudden rhythm changes can lead to low blood pressure. If left untreated, muscle spasms and tremors can cause your cat's body temperature to rise dangerously.

Pro Tip: The expenses of a vet visit resulting from chocolate toxicity are generally not very high if the cat arrives within an hour after eating chocolate or the amount consumed is deemed to be mild.

However, if your feline needs intensive care following a serious accident or illness, the expenses can add up quickly. We recommend that you get pet insurance for your cat to help cover these costs so that you're not left footing the bill on your own.

What to do if your cat eats chocolate?

Keep the kittens in a quiet environment to prevent them from experiencing increasing symptoms of chocolate toxicity.

If you think that your cat has eaten chocolate, it's best to keep them under close observation in case they become ill. If your cat is usually allowed to spend their day outdoors, keep them inside for a day to ensure that they don’t develop any severe symptoms. It is always best to keep your pet inside the house - even as you go in and out - so that it does not get lost or have an accident outside.

When you visit a veterinarian, they will likely conduct blood and urine tests as well as perform an extensive physical exam. They may also perform an ECG on your cat to detect abnormalities in their heart rate.

The symptoms of liver disease are often difficult to detect until the condition has reached an advanced stage. Consequently, treatment must be aggressive and aimed at correcting existing damage as well as preventing further deterioration by addressing any underlying causes. If symptoms have worsened, your cat will most likely require hospitalization to eliminate all toxins.

How to prevent chocolate toxicity in cats?

As with any other toxic substance in pets, minimizing risk of consumption is always the best and safest practice. Make sure that you keep your chocolate in cat-proof containers or in cabinets that are out of their reach.

Cats are unpredictable, curious creatures who often love to snoop around the kitchen, so try not to leave any baked goods or baking supplies unattended on the counter. Think of all the foods that might contain cocoa: cookies, chocolate bars, brownies, donuts, candies, and store them in a place where your cat can't gain access.

Typically, cats aren’t interested in chocolate, but owners should never offer it willingly as a treat. Owners can safely reward their cat by sticking to safe cat treats that can keep your cat both happy and healthy. Remember, food that contains traces of cocoa can harm your cat, so keep anything with even the tiniest amount of chocolate far away from them.

Can cats eat white chocolate?

No, all types of chocolate are hazardous to cats, including white, dark, milk, semi-sweet, dry cocoa powder, and baking chocolate.

The concentration of theobromine and caffeine is generally proportional to how much cocoa is present. Darker and baking chocolates are especially dangerous to cats, even when consumed in small amounts—any amount can be very harmful.

Though white chocolate contains less cocoa than other types, the two harmful compounds (theobromine and caffeine) still affect cats—as they are smaller animals with an intolerance of those substances. For that reason, any form of chocolate should be taken seriously as it can cause poisoning in pets.

Healthier alternatives to chocolate for cats

Even in the unlikely event that your cat somehow develops a taste and tolerance for chocolate, you should never offer it as a treat to them. Instead, look for specially formulated treats that appeal to your feline’s senses and provide a broad range of health benefits.

Remember, treating your cat isn’t only about providing delicious food and treats. Praising your dog and giving him or her attention can be as rewarding for the animal as any treat you might offer.

Key Takeaways

• Cats can’t eat chocolate because cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine. Both ingredients can build up in the body and cause liver failure, which can lead to severe symptoms.
• Keep your chocolate and sugar-rich baking ingredients high up, away from the cat.
• If your cat eats chocolate, make sure to call your vet and make an urgent appointment. The vet will likely induce vomiting to rid the toxins from your pet’s system before it damages the liver. Cat pet insurance can help you pay the cost of unexpected illnesses or injuries your cat may experience.