Is Chocolate Bad For Cats? Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning in Cats
Cats are poisoned by chocolate. Chocolate is a serious health hazard for cats, even though tales about dogs becoming sick after eating sweets are more widespread. Cats that consume high amounts of chocolate may potentially die prematurely.
Theobromine and caffeine, in addition to sugar, fat, and xylitol, are included in this delicious chemical and are particularly harmful to cats. To prevent their pets from getting into their treats, pet owners must exercise extreme caution. Your loved one’s life may be saved if you know what to do and what not to do if a cat consumes chocolate.
Can cats eat chocolate?
The short answer is no; cats shouldn’t eat it. While it may be more difficult for your cat to snatch it from under your nose, chocolate is still dangerous for cats. A chocolate bar may not interest them, but a milk-based chocolate drink may danger any kitty.
Why is chocolate bad for cats?
There is a chemical in chocolate and cocoa called theobromine that is usually metabolized by humans but not by cats or dogs, which is why cats and chocolate don’t get along. Toxic buildup of the chemical may lead to significant symptoms, including liver failure, resulting from this toxic accumulation.
Cats have a unique metabolism, so estimating the precise amount of chocolate that would make them sick is hard, but there are specific considerations that you may make. Your pet’s height, weight, and the kind of chocolate they consume are all considered. There is more theobromine in dark, nutty chocolate than in milk or white chocolate. Your cat doesn’t need to consume a large amount of chocolate to have negative consequences, so keep it out of their reach and out of sight.
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning in Cats
How much chocolate is consumed and which kind is consumed might affect the severity of the cat’s symptoms following a chocolate binge. Milk chocolate is the least dangerous of the typical forms of chocolate available at home. Still, baker’s chocolate contains the largest concentration of active ingredients caffeine and theobromine, which puts it at greater risk of toxicity.
Chocolate poisoning may cause the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Breathing quickly
- Hotter than normal weather
- Stiffness of the muscles
- Enhanced reactivity to stimuli
- Seizures
- A heart attack
- Coma
- Some signs, such as low blood pressure and a fast pulse, may go unnoticed by the cat’s owner. Only a veterinarian is likely to be able to detect these signs.
Is chocolate milk bad for cats?
However, chocolate is still unhealthy for cats, even if they don’t grab it from under your nose as often as dogs do. A chocolate bar may not interest them, but a milk-based chocolate drink may danger any kitty.
What to do if your cat ate chocolate
Keep an eye on your cat.
If you find that your cat has eaten chocolate, the best thing you can do is to keep a tight check on them. Stay indoors for at least 24 hours if your cat is usually permitted outside; keep doors and windows shut and keep an eye out for your pet as you leave or enter your home.
Ask your veterinarian for assistance.
Take your cat to the vet right away if you find out they’ve been eating chocolate. If your veterinarian discovers the poisoning early enough, they may be able to induce vomiting to remove it from your pet’s system before it becomes too poisonous. Don’t attempt to force your cat to vomit at home unless you have the specific permission of a certified veterinarian to do so.
A comprehensive physical exam and maybe a urine sample will be performed when taking your pet to the doctor. Your veterinarian may also do an ECG (cardiac exam) to see whether your pet’s heart rate is irregular. There is no “cure” other than addressing the symptoms once they appear. Veterinarians may deliver IV fluids and treat your cat for liver illness if the liver has been damaged.
Alternatives to chocolate for cats
Even if a cat develops a love for chocolate, you should never give in to the temptation to reward them with this human delicacy since it is illegal for cats to consume it. Instead, look for snacks specifically made for cats and are safe for them to ingest.
You may get a wide variety of cat snacks that satisfy your pet’s taste and scent buds while also providing several health advantages. For the sake of your cat’s health and dental care, look for treats that are both tasty and nutritious. Cats need more than just food to be well cared for; remember that. In their perspective, it’s just as delicious as a chocolaty treat to spend time with them and show them how much you care!
