Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
Has your cat ever seemed interested in your chocolate? Have you ever wondered if they can eat it or if it will make them sick?
If you have, you probably know that it is important to make sure something is safe before feeding it to your cat. Find out the dangers of chocolate to cats by reading our Milwaukee, WI, urgent care veterinarians‘ article below.
Is Chocolate Bad for Cats?
The short answer is yes. Chocolate is toxic to cats. Even small amounts can make them sick. However, different amounts and different types of chocolate can have a variety of effects on your cat. One square of baking chocolate (1 ounce of pure chocolate) is more toxic than one ounce of semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate.
The amount of cocoa determines the amount of methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are the toxic components of chocolate. Baking chocolate has the purest cocoa; therefore, it has the most theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthines). Dark chocolate comes next, then semisweet, milk chocolate, and lastly white chocolate.
Despite the different amounts of methylxanthines, they are all toxic. However, it takes less baking chocolate or dark chocolate than it does milk or white chocolate.
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats includes:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Hyperactivity
- Restlessness
- Increased body temperature
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Muscle tremors or twitching
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
What Do I Do If My Cat Eats Chocolate?
The first step if your cat eats chocolate is to contact your vet or the closest urgent care vet. You can call them as you pack up your cat to drive to them. If the amount eaten is small, they will likely attempt to induce vomiting.
It is best if you know how much your cat has eaten. However, if you don’t know for sure, it is better to err on the side of caution.
How Do I Protect My Cat from Eating Chocolate?
Keep chocolate out of reach of your cat. Since most cats can get into high places, it is best to keep it in a cabinet, drawer, or box that your cat cannot open.
What Other Foods Are Bad for My Cat?
There are other foods that are toxic to your cat and should be kept away from them. These foods should be stored somewhere your cat cannot get to them.
- Onions, garlic, shallots, and scallions
- Caffeinated foods and beverages
- Alcohol
- Mediations
- Grapes and Raisins
- Raw Dough
Raw foods are also dangerous to cats. While their wild ancestors ate wild game, house cats should not be fed raw food. The main reason is that they can get sick from Salmonella and E. Coli.
While kittens drink their mother’s milk, it is best to stop giving them milk or any other dairy products once they are weaned. This is because as they age, many cats become lactose intolerant.
If Your Cat Eats Chocolate, Reach Out to Our Milwaukee, WI, Urgent Care Vets
In conclusion, do not feed chocolate to your cat. It is severely toxic and can lead to death.
If your cat gets ahold of chocolate contact our urgent care animal hospital immediately at (262) 226-2055.