When your cat seems to be displaying a strong craving for chocolate, you should immediately bring her to the veterinarian. Your vet can run a thorough health exam, including diagnostic tests. Senior cats should undergo diagnostic tests more frequently. This will help you rule out more serious health conditions and keep your feline companion safe. But how do you know if your cat is eating chocolate? Here are some steps to take:
Caffeine
Chocolate is a source of theobromine, a stimulant found in cacao plants. Chocolates may also contain caffeine, but small amounts of these ingredients are toxic to cats. Cats metabolize theobromine much slower than humans, and even small amounts of theobromine may cause a toxicity. Caffeine has similar effects on cats, but they are much more sensitive to it. Caffeine can also cause hyperactivity, agitation, and panting.
Theobromine
Despite its delicious taste, chocolate is toxic to cats. It contains caffeine and theobromine, two chemicals found in human chocolate. While chocolate is not toxic to dogs, some cats may ingest enough to be toxic, most often a curious kitten. Cats can suffer from seizures, abnormal heart rhythm, or even death when they eat too much chocolate. For cats, the safe intake of chocolate is between 100 and 200 milligrams per kilogram, while the daily limit for caffeine is 90 to 180 mg. A ten-pound cat can be toxic to four hundred and fifty milligrams of caffeine and theobromine.
Milk chocolate
If you find your cat eating milk chocolate, the first thing to do is to get your pet to the veterinarian. Chocolate is toxic for cats and can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, increased urination, muscle tremors, or excitability. In severe cases, your cat may even suffer seizures or cardiac abnormalities. The more severe the symptoms are, the more difficult it will be to treat. In addition, your cat may experience dehydration or vomiting.
White chocolate
If you’re thinking about giving your cat a sweet treat, you might be wondering: Can cats eat white chocolate? It might sound like an odd question, but chocolate is actually toxic to cats. The compounds in chocolate are called methylxanthines, and are found in cacao plants. Although humans can digest these substances easily, cats’ digestive systems are not as refined. If you’re a dog owner, chocolate might be even more tempting to your feline.
Cocoa powder
Chocolate is not recommended for cats, and it is especially dangerous if it is dry. Chocolate is made up of theobromine and caffeine, two of the most powerful stimulants. Theobromine remains in the body for about 24 hours after ingesting it. Because cats cannot digest theobromine, it accumulates in their bodies and can cause severe illness or even death. Cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and white chocolate are all toxic to cats.
Baking chocolate
Whether or not cats can eat baking chocolate is debatable, although the content of various kinds is highly toxic to them. Cocoa and theobromine in baking chocolate, as well as milk chocolate, is highly toxic to cats. Dark chocolate is the most toxic type of chocolate, while baking chocolate is slightly less toxic than milk or white chocolate. White chocolate is not nearly as harmful as dark chocolate, but still has some other ingredients that can upset your cat’s stomach.
