Written By Sam Henselijn
Truthfully, chocolate may very well be one of the most insanely delicious foods known to humans. So we understand the impulse to share that deliciousness with the ones you love. Pets included. Learn the answer to Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
Wondering if your cat can eat chocolate? In short, the answer is no. Keep reading to learn why chocolate is so dangerous and what to do if your cat ingests some.
Why is chocolate so bad for cats?
Chocolate contains a chemical compound called theobromine which is highly toxic for cats. It acts as a diuretic to increase the loss of their bodily fluids. It also increases their heart rate, both of which can prove fatal.
In fact, theobromine is toxic for humans too, but our bodies are
theobromine. Like, at all. It stays in their bloodstream for much longer and can accumulate to dangerous levels. Meaning, even just a couple of grams of chocolate can be fatal for a cat.
And if you’re in doubt whether the type of chocolate makes a difference – a little, but not really. Dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa content contains a little more theobromine than milk or white chocolate. But in the grand scheme of things, all are quite dangerous.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats
The severity of the symptoms that a cat may suffer after eating chocolate may depend on how much chocolate was eaten. And also which type of chocolate was ingested.
Perhaps the most common type of chocolate found at home, milk chocolate has the lowest potential for toxicity. Dark chocolate, however, carries the highest risk of toxicity because of its high concentration of caffeine and theobromine.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
* Increased heart rate
* Weakness
* Panting or rapid breathing
* Elevated temperature
* Muscle rigidity
* Restlessness
* Increased reflex response
* Seizures
* Decreased appetite
There are even more symptoms that the cat’s owner may not be able to identify: blood pressure, for example. These “hidden” symptoms may only be detected by a veterinarian.
What to do if your cat ingests chocolate
- If you catch your cat in the act of eating chocolate, move it away from them so they do not eat anymore.
- Check if you can see chocolate in your cat’s mouth. If safe to do so, try to retrieve it. Be careful not to get bitten or scratched!
- Take them to a vet as soon as possible! When caught early enough, your vet may be able to induce vomiting. That takes care of the toxic element from your pet’s system before it builds up.
Verdict Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
We often hear horror stories of dogs getting sick from chocolate ingestion… But chocolate can also pose a serious health risk to cats, even becoming fatal if too much is eaten.
The funny thing is, cats can’t taste sweet foods. They simply don’t have the right taste receptors on their tongue. So if you catch your furry friend trying to sneak some chocolate treats, it’s probably the milk content that they find irresistible. Some cats are just nosey, so it’s always best to keep your sweet stash hidden somewhere they can’t access.
Irresistible chocolate treats
Thankfully chocolate is safe to eat for us, humans. So if all this talking about the dark delicacy has you dreaming of a chocolate fountain, we’ve got some sweet treats for you. Chocolate and nuts are an irresistible combination. If that’s your thing, make sure to try our white chocolate coconut almonds, milk chocolate almonds and milk chocolate cashews. They’re simply heavenly. Looking for something a bit different? Maybe to impress your friends on your next get together? How about some dark chocolate sparkling prosecco cordials? Classy and utterly indulgent.
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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