Cats are naturally curious creatures, always eager to explore their surroundings, especially the food we eat. If you’ve ever caught your cat sniffing around kitchens, countertops, and tables, then you know they’re craving for some unique food and treats.
But sometimes, some of the food we give can be dangerous for them, even when they aren’t harmful to us. One of those is chocolate.
In short, cats cannot eat chocolate, and they shouldn’t even if it’s just a small piece. Chocolate has components in it that are dangerous for cats, notably theobromine and caffeine. Both these can cause cardiovascular and neurological symptoms.
Unlike humans, cats cannot metabolize theobromine efficiently, making them more vulnerable to its toxicity.
What Types of Chocolate Are Unsafe for Cats?
Not all chocolates have the same level of toxicity. The different types of chocolates contain different amounts of these harmful chemicals, along with some other additions that could still be dangerous for your cat.
Baking Chocolate
Baker’s or baking chocolate contains the most caffeine and theobromine in all the types of chocolate available. This makes it the most dangerous type of chocolate for your cat. Even a tiny amount of this chocolate can be super lethal and detrimental to your cat’s health.
Baking chocolate contains about 364 mg of theobromine in just one ounce.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains the second-highest concentration of theobromine, making it a very dangerous runner-up to baking chocolate. Even a small amount can be lethal for cats. One ounce of dark chocolate for dogs can contain around 200 to 250 mg of theobromine.
Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate is a lighter version of chocolate, but it is still dangerous to cats. It contains 57 mg of theobromine per ounce and can still poison cats if ingested in larger quantities. We advise you to avoid giving milk chocolate to your cats.
Along with its theobromine content, its high sugar content can cause additional problems.
White Chocolate
Due to its unique ingredients relative to the other types of chocolate, white chocolate has zero caffeine and close to zero theobromine. However, even if it contains the least amount of theobromine, it's still dangerous. Plus, the high amounts of sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes.
Is Chocolate Bad for Cats?
Yes, chocolate is bad for cats. When they consume chocolate, theobromine and caffeine start to affect them almost immediately. This can result in instant effects that can be seen throughout the body.
The intensity of these symptoms ultimately depends on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. In many cases, it’s considered a medical emergency when cats eat chocolate.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are often the first signs of chocolate poisoning in cats. These symptoms are their bodies’ reactions to the harmful effects of chocolate. When chocolate enters their systems, they experience nausea, and their bodies immediately force out the harmful substance.
Persistent vomiting is a concerning sign. This poses another problem. As the water in the body is expelled, your cat will experience dehydration. All in all, this can all result in abdominal and gastrointestinal discomfort for your cats.
Increase in Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Caffeine and theobromine both cause negative effects on your cat’s heart, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. This can be dangerous when cats eat chocolate, especially for those of a smaller size and with chronic conditions.
One possible complication is arrhythmias. These are irregular heartbeats that can cause serious issues. Because the heartbeats are irregular and out of sync, blood flow to other vital organs will be impaired.
Restlessness and Hyperactivity
Chocolate contains caffeine, a compound that makes cats active and restless. This is bad for cats as it can disrupt their normal routines and prevent them from sleeping. The added energy will also make them want to go outside or display destructive behaviors.
Excessive meowing, pacing, and moving can be signs of restlessness in cats after eating chocolate.
Tremors and Seizures
In severe cases of chocolate poisoning, a cat may experience muscle tremors or seizures. These symptoms indicate a high level of toxicity, signaling neurological damage.
Seizures usually present themselves as muscle tremors, shaking, and muscle spasms. These can occur at irregular intervals or at a continuous pace. If this goes on for long, your cat’s brain can be permanently damaged, leading to death.
Increased Thirst and Urination
Because of dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the buildup of toxins, cats that have eaten chocolate will experience excessive thirst and urination. However, even too much water can be a problem, as this can strain the kidneys and other essential organs.
Respiratory Issues
Along with increasing a cat’s blood pressure and heart rate, chocolate can also cause respiratory issues. The components of chocolate increase a cat’s breathing rate, which can be in the form of labored or rapid breathing.
Can Cats Eat Chocolate Ice Cream?
No, cats cannot eat chocolate ice cream for three main reasons: chocolate, dairy, and sugar. Chocolate is highly toxic for cats, and dairy has lactose, which is something cats cannot process effectively. Plus, the high amounts of sugar can be bad for them.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats Chocolate?
If your cat has eaten chocolate, it’s crucial to take action quickly. Follow these simple steps:
Remove the Chocolate
When you notice that your cat has eaten chocolate, immediately remove the remaining pieces and keep them away from your cat. Place your cat in a different location so they don’t finish off the rest of the chocolate.
Identify the Chocolate
While you’re doing the first step, try to identify the chocolate your cat has eaten and how much they have consumed. This will be useful when you’re talking to our emergency vets. If possible, save the wrapper of the chocolate.
Call the Vets
Contact us immediately and bring your cat to the clinic right away. We will focus on expelling the chocolate and using activated charcoal to bind any remaining toxins. Next, we’ll focus on rehydrating your cat and offering supportive medications.
Monitor Symptoms
The last step is to monitor the symptoms at home. After we have treated your cat at the clinic, there is still a chance for issues to arise. This is where you come in. Keep a close eye and follow our advice on what to do at home.
“Making sure what your cat eats is safe is one way to protect them and their happiness.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts
Cats should not eat chocolate, no matter the situation. Chocolate is highly toxic for cats, and they can be dangerous even in small amounts. It’s best to focus on the treats and snacks that can benefit your cat without the unnecessary health risks.
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