No one can resist the smooth, sweet, and silky feel that excites the taste buds when we take a bite of our favorite Chocolate. It just melts on the tongue like magic. Really, a few seconds to paradise.
No matter the age, from Children to adults, Chocolate is a beloved dessert for everyone. Some of you might know that the Latin name of the cocoa plant from which Chocolate is manufactured is Theobroma cacao. It means “food for the gods,” and indeed, it is.
However, Chocolate isn’t a suitable choice for cats.
Out of pale curiosity, if you get the urge to give Chocolate to a cat, we would call it a bad idea, and we have reasons for that.
Firstly a Quick Cat fact:
Cats cannot taste sweet!
So, giving your Cat the Chocolate as a sugary treat is no use.
Secondly, Chocolate is human food. As we all know, it is considered deadly for other animal species like dogs. Here, the villains are methylxanthines which give us a little boost after having a Chocolate, but they have the caliber even to kill the dogs.
So, Is Chocolate toxic to cats, too?
The answer is Yes!
To know more about this, read this blog till the end.
Can Cats Have Chocolate?
The answer is easy. No, cats cannot eat Chocolate. Even just a tiny bite or even a lick can harm your Cat. Not only cats, but dogs to have a problem with chocolate.
After having it, cats won’t only get restless or have an accelerated heart rate but can also experience seizures and even face death. So, never, in any case, feed Chocolate to your Cat, intentionally!
Why is Chocolate Bad For Cats?
Sugar, Fat, and Xylitol (if added) present in the chocolates are harmful to Cats. However, as mentioned earlier, the leading culprits are Methylxanthines.
Methylxanthines named Caffeine in trace amounts and Theobromine in large quantities are present in Chocolate. Basically, Coca plants contain Theobromine, the bitter alkaloid present in excessive amounts, which is the main reason behind chocolate toxicity for cats.
Humans can easily digest and metabolize Theobromine. However, cats and dogs cannot metabolize it as effortlessly as we do. Consequently, their body starts accumulating the byproduct waste, which is harmful to them.
Another Methylxanthine, Caffeine, as present in less quantity, doesn’t harm much. However, it can cause abnormal behavior like hyperactivity, uneasiness, etc., in cats.
What Happens if a Cat Eats Chocolate?
Here is the list of symptoms of Chocolate poisoning in cats:
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination
- Accelerated heart rate
- Heightened temperature
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Increased thirst
- Accelerated breath rate
- Decreased appetite
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Coma
If your Cat eats Chocolate, look out for these symptoms for the next few minutes. If any of the symptoms appear, take your Cat to the Vet.
Usually, after Chocolate intake, Cat’s heartbeat will increase, and soon blood pressure will fall. Along With this, the body temperature will rise due to muscle tremors and spasms. All this can also take the life of your innocent Cat.
How Long Before Symptoms Of Chocolate Poisoning in Cats?
If a Cat eats Chocolate, it can show Chocolate toxicity symptoms in less than six to twelve hours after eating it. These symptoms can last up to 3 to 4 days. If ignored, Cat can be in critical condition in no time.
How Much Chocolate is Toxic to Cats?
| Chocolate Type | Minimum Amount Toxic for an average 8 lb. Cat |
| Milk Chocolate | 1.14 oz (or 32.3 g) |
| Semisweet Chocolate | 0.5 oz (or 14.2 g) |
| Dark Chocolate | 0.5 oz (or 14.2 g) |
| Baking Chocolate | 0.2 oz (or 5.7 g) |
Honestly, Vets don’t suggest even one bite of Chocolate for a Cat. If a cat takes a bite of 0.2 oz of a bar of baking chocolate or a little above this of a Dark or Semi-sweet Chocolate, it can harm your Cat. Not to forget, White Chocolate, which has the least amount of Coca, is also not advised for Cats. So, no matter the type of Chocolate, all Chocolates are harmful to cats. It would be best if you didn’t give Chocolate to your Cat.
What To Do if Cat Eats Chocolate?
Do not wait even for a second and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Or, call your Cat’s Vet as early as possible. Here, a few seconds of delay can cost you your Cat’s life.
How is Chocolate Poisoning Treated?
Once you take your Cat to the Vet, they will follow a proper treatment to ensure that the Chocolate is out of the Cat’s body. There are chances the Vet may recommend you to induce vomiting before bringing it to the Clinic. They would ask you to give your Cat one or two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide mixture. Vomiting is helpful if the Cat has also ingested a Chocolate wrapper along with the Chocolate. But, this method can be a little risky to handle. Therefore, most vets themselves induce the Cat vomiting under their supervision.
The Vet will give fluid therapy to the Cat in order to keep the Cat hydrated and run some urine as well as blood tests. If the abnormal heartbeat continues, the Vet can also perform ECG. The Vet recommends keeping the Cat on a bland diet for the next few days. If the Cat receives timely treatment, it will be in good condition in no time.
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