Is Chocolate Bad for Cats?

For many, it is common knowledge that chocolate is toxic to dogs. However, did you know that chocolate is also toxic to cats? It's true. Chocolate can be just as deadly to a feline companion as it is to a canine companion. Understanding why chocolate is toxic can help encourage pet owners to avoid giving it to their furry feline.

What Makes Chocolate Deadly to Felines?

There are actually several reasons why chocolate is deadly to felines. First, chocolate contains caffeine, which is poisonous to pets and can result in serious health problems, including death.

Secondly, a compound in chocolate known as theobromine is also dangerous to cats. Theobromine is a drug from the Methylxanines class of drugs (which also includes caffeine.) It is known to stimulate the nervous system and the cardiovascular system, which increases blood pressure. This can result in serious health problems, including death.

Theobromine can also act as a diuretic in felines, causing the cat to become dehydrated. Dehydration can also lead to serious side effects.

How Much Chocolate is Deadly to a Cat?

In all reality, the dosage amount may vary from cat to cat. Some cats may be more sensitive to the effects of chocolate, while others may be more tolerant of chocolate.

However, it should be noted that baking chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate. So, dosage amounts could vary based on the type of chocolate that the cat had ingested.

For example, it can take anywhere from 50 to 100 milligrams of theobromine (per pound of feline weight,) to cause a fatality. Milk chocolate contains about 40 to 65 milligrams of theobromine in a single ounce. (Note: baking chocolate contains up to 10 times more of theobromine per ounce than regular milk chocolate.) So, some chocolate crumbs from a milk chocolate candy bar may not do any damage, but if your cat steals your chocolate bar, there may be a problem.

What Are The Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Cats?

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity may vary from cat to cat and will generally occur within 12 hours of consuming the chocolate. . These symptoms may depend on the size/weight, age and breed of the cat.

Some cats may experience vomiting or diarrhea.

Since the theobromine affects the nervous system and the cardiovascular system, many of the symptoms may be related to that. The affected cat may display many different emotions, including nervousness, irritability or excitement. In some cats, you may even be able to feel their heart beating wildly in their chest. (Should this occur, take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.)

How to Treat Chocolate Toxicity in Cats

Treatment will depend on the cat's size/weight as well as age. If you ever see or suspect that your cat may have eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian immediately. With smaller amounts, they may recommend inducing vomiting either at home or at the veterinarian's office. This is often done within 4 hours of ingesting the chocolate.

Though there is no cure for chocolate toxicity in felines, there are some things that the vet can do to help make your cat more comfortable. This includes administering IV fluids to the cat to aid in preventing or relieving dehydration, anti-seizure medications for cats who are suffering from muscle spasms or seizures and cardiac medication if the cat is suffering from an irregular pulse.

If the ingestion occurred within 2-4 hours, the vet may also administer activated charcoal. Activated charcoal absorbs toxic substances that cats (or dogs) may have consumed. Always check with your veterinarian regarding how much activated charcoal to administer and whether or not it is safe to give to your pet.

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Pet Education: Chocolate Toxicity in Cats and Dogs

Vet Info: Why Chocolate Is Toxic for Your Cat