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I love indulging in chocolate almost as much as I love giving my cat delicious treats. But I’ve always wondered if it’s safe to feed chocolate to a cat. So recently, I did a ton of research to find out if it’s okay, and I was shocked by what I found.
If you like sharing food with your cats, there’s a good chance you’ve also been wondering, can my cat eat chocolate? Chocolate is extremely dangerous for cats, and it can cause very serious health complications, including diarrhea, seizures, cardiac failure, and even death. While eating a tiny bit of chocolate isn’t likely to kill a cat, it is highly recommended to keep chocolate away from cats.
Now that I know what can happen, there’s no way I’ll be sharing any of my chocolate treats with my cat.
There are a few ingredients in chocolate that make it a harmful food for cats.
This means that the type of chocolate (milk chocolate or dark chocolate) can also be a determining factor in how dangerous the chocolate is.
The common side effects can be pretty severe, and they aren’t pretty at all.
This is definitely on my list of dangerous foods for cats.
What Happens If A Cat Eats Chocolate?
Because chocolate is harmful to cats, the side effects can be pretty gruesome.
Key ingredients in chocolate, including:
This can affect cats in a very different way than they affect people.
While it’s a common mistake, it’s extremely dangerous to assume that what’s edible for humans is also edible for cats.
The average person would have to eat tons and tons of chocolate before seeing the dangerous effects of theobromine and caffeine on the body.
Cats, however, are much smaller and have key physiological differences that put them at risk.
In other words, cats are just built differently.
This means that it only takes a small amount of chocolate to have devastating effects on a cat’s system.
Even a little bit of chocolate can induce the side effects triggered when there is too much theobromine or caffeine in the system.
And the side effects of eating chocolate can be pretty horrible for cats…
Not to mention, frightening.
Side Effects Of A Cat Eating Chocolate:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Increased heart rate and more…
Chocolate can cause extreme diarrhea in cats.
While obviously unpleasant, this is also dangerous for the little feline.
Diarrhea gets rid of liquids inside the body really fast.
Water is essential to a cat’s system, so expelling fluids at such an increased rate puts extra stress on the body.
A cat with excessive diarrhea is at a real risk of dehydration.
Another side effect of chocolate is an increased, abnormal heart rate.
Because caffeine is a common component of chocolate, it is likely to affect the cat’s cardiovascular system.
Caffeine can cause an elevated heart rate, meaning the cat’s heart will beat much faster than is healthy.
Also, the caffeine in chocolate can also result in an abnormal heart rhythm.
Often, these sudden changes in heartbeat are too much for a cat’s body to handle.
When a cat eats chocolate, it’s also at risk of additional effects on the body that is even more serious, including:
- Tremors
- Seizures
Because the body simply isn’t built to handle the theobromine and caffeine found within chocolate, the response is swift.
Tremors and seizures are a common reaction that cats experience after ingesting food with chocolate in it.
But it gets even worse…
Chocolate is much more than just poisonous for cats.
It’s lethal, too.
This means that cats can die from eating chocolate.
When the side effects:
- diarrhea
- increased heart rate
- abnormal heart rhythm
- seizures
Start to kick in, it’s only a matter of time for the cat’s internal system to shut down and result in death.
When I found this out, I felt horrible about even considering sharing a bite of chocolate cake with my cat.
But now that I know what can happen when a cat eats chocolate, there’s absolutely no way I’ll be tempted to share my chocolate cookies, chocolate milk, Hershey’s kisses… or anything at all with chocolate in it with my cats.
It’s just not worth the risk!
What Makes Chocolate Bad For Cats?
There are some components found in chocolate that are just plain dangerous for cats to ingest.
Chocolate is commonly made out of cocoa solids combined with other ingredients.
Cocoa solids contain:
- Theobromine
- Caffeine
Both of these can be bad for cats!
First of all, theobromine is a bitter alkaloid found in the plant that chocolate comes from cacao.
Also known as xantheose, this chemical compound is a diuretic with two main effects:
- First, it is a muscle relaxant that affects smooth muscle tissue.
- Secondly, it is a cardiac stimulant, which means that it stimulates the heart to beat faster.
While humans can roll with the punches of theobromine quite easily, cats cannot.
It only takes a small amount of theobromine for a cat’s digestive system to become completely overwhelmed.
The results, as mentioned before, can be severe, leading to seizures and even death.
That’s why theobromine is generally considered toxic to cats.
Like theobromine, caffeine is also a natural component of cocoa, and thus chocolate.
Caffeine is a kind of substance classified as a methylxanthine.
The effects of caffeine are similar to that of theobromine because it is also a stimulant.
However, caffeine targets the central nervous system.
I drink caffeine all the time!
Coffee, soda, tea… the list goes on.
But I guess I never considered how a little bit of caffeine can trigger such a scary sequence of events for an animal as small as my cat.
It turns out that this stimulant contributes to the risk of a dangerous cardiac event for felines, including an abnormal heartbeat that can propel to dangerous speeds.
Since chocolate has both of these ingredients, it’s definitely not a good idea to share any amount of chocolate with your cat.
Is A Little Bit of Chocolate Okay?
It is not recommended to give any amount of chocolate to your cat.
In fact, cats don’t typically gravitate towards this food the way us humans do.
I have to confess, I have a weak spot for anything chocolate:
- cookies
- cake
- candy bars
- ice cream
I could go on!
Yet cats are different.
They aren’t naturally drawn towards chocolate, because the sweetness isn’t a big attraction for them like it is for us.
But even though cats aren’t likely to take a bite of chocolate on their own, there are some occasions when it might happen.
For example, baked goods that have bits of chocolate in them, like chocolate chip cookies, pose a threat because the cat may be interested in the bread portion of the treat and take a bite.
Likewise, ice cream and chocolate milk are likely to tempt cats to take a lick.
So while it isn’t likely that your cat is going to take a big bite of chocolate cake, it may ingest chocolate as part of other tasty treats sitting around.
If your cat has ingested a tiny bit of chocolate, don’t freak out just yet.
There’s a good chance it will be okay, as long as it only swallowed a small portion of chocolate.
A couple of licks of chocolate ice cream or a small bite of a chocolate chip cookie is not likely to result in a lethal amount of chocolate.
However, the side effects of chocolate are no laughing matter.
Don’t offer or coax your cat into eating anything with chocolate in it.
The risks definitely are not worth it!
Remember, no matter how much we enjoy eating chocolate, it’s not the same for cats.
Just don’t do it.
If you have a cat, you’re probably very familiar with one of the facts of life that all cat owners know:
- Cats have a mind of their own!
So in the event that your cat has snuck its way onto the kitchen counter to explore, it’s possible that it has taken a taste of the forbidden fruit… chocolate.
Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you think your cat has swallowed any food made up of a moderate amount of chocolate.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for the common side effects, as these can be indicators that the cat is being affected by the dangerous toxins found in chocolate.
Are Different Kinds of Chocolate More Dangerous?
This got me thinking about all the wonderful things I love that have a bit of chocolate in it.
- What about chocolate milk?
- And chocolate pudding?
- Does milk chocolate have the same risk of toxicity for cats as dark chocolate?
With my research, I learned that it’s never a good idea to give chocolate to a cat, even if different kinds of chocolate have different levels of toxicity.
Determining how dangerous this may depend on the cocoa included.
Because theobromine and caffeine are natural ingredients of the cacao plant, they will be more present when the chocolate is purer.
This means that milk chocolate, which is blended with milk during the production process, has a lower concentration of theobromine and caffeine than dark chocolate.
This makes dark chocolate a more dangerous substance for cats than milk chocolate.
However, even though a certain kind of chocolate is,technically “less dangerous”, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe!
So even though milk chocolate is, in a way, less dangerous than dark chocolate, it is still considered harmful.
Therefore, I won’t be tempting my cat with milk chocolate either!
Cats love milk.
So I wanted to know if chocolate milk was also a harmful food for cats.
I assumed there wouldn’t be as much chocolate present in chocolate milk since it’s mostly milk.
But as I discovered in my research, even though chocolate is included with less density, chocolate milk is not okay for cats, either.
Even the low levels of chocolate found in chocolate milk can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps for your little furry friend, if not worse.
Scratch chocolate pudding off the grocery list, too, because that’s a big no-no for cats.
Chocolate pudding, much like chocolate milk, still contains enough chocolate to cause dangerous side effects in felines.
Related Questions
Can cats taste chocolate? Cats have a different palette than humans, meaning they can taste some things that people can’t. Vice versa, while we typically enjoy sweet flavors, cats do not have the ability to taste sweetness. Therefore, they cannot ‘taste’ chocolate in the same way that we do.
Can cats eat chocolate ice cream? Cats should not eat any chocolate, including chocolate ice cream, as even a small amount can cause harmful side effects, such as diarrhea. Because chocolate ice cream has a smaller concentration of cocoa than pure chocolate, it is not likely to cause as severe of a reaction as pure chocolate.
However, even a moderate amount of chocolate ice cream can result in discomfort, stomach issues and the risk of seizures in cats.
My cat ate chocolate, what do I do? If possible, determine how much chocolate your cat has eaten, as 2-3 licks of chocolate is not likely to have lethal consequences. If the cat has eaten a moderate amount of chocolate or the amount of chocolate can’t be determined, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If only a tiny amount of chocolate has been ingested, pay close attention to your cat’s behavior over the next 24 hours. If any side effects (diarrhea, muscle weakness, tremors, etc.) appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How much chocolate can a cat eat?While a small amount of chocolate (a few licks or a small bite) is not likely to result in death, it is possible that the cat will have an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Larger amounts of chocolate can have more serious health effects. This is due to the harmful ingredient theobromine, which is much more difficult for cats to metabolize than it is for their people friends.
Because of this, it is not recommended for cats to ingest any chocolate at all.
FAQs
Is it OK if cats eat a little bit of chocolate? ›
Any amount of chocolate is too much for your cat. All forms of chocolate are hazardous to your furry friend, such as dry cocoa powder and baking chocolate (most toxic due to their high level of theobromine), dark, semi-sweet, and milk chocolate, and even white chocolate, with its low percentage of cocoa.
How quickly will chocolate affect a cat? ›Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 2-12 hours and can last for days. In severe cases toxicity can cause: Fast breathing or panting.
Why does my cat love chocolate? ›So, why would a cat eat chocolate? It is more likely the high fat or milk content of some chocolate that cats find irresistible. Your cat could also accidentally eat chocolate hidden in other food preparations, and some cats are just nosey and like to taste everything they come across.
Can cats have a piece of a donut? ›Giving your furry friend a tasty treat is a fun way to bond with them. Fortunately, you have options. Skip the chocolate cake, donuts, cotton candy, Reese's, and marshmallows, which are bad for cats.
Can cats lick chocolate ice cream? ›Can cats eat chocolate ice cream? Although chocolate ice cream is unlikely to kill your cat, it isn't good for them and may make them ill for a few hours. It contains not only the harmful ingredients in chocolate but sugar and lactose from the milk as well–neither of which are good for cats.
How much chocolate is too much for cats? ›A toxic dose of theobromine in cats is considered to be 200 mg/kg. So for an 8-pound cat, the minimum amount of chocolate that can be toxic is as follows: White Chocolate: Not typically a concern (whew!) Milk Chocolate: 1.14 oz.
How do I know if my cat ate chocolate? ›- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
- Rapid breathing.
- Elevated temperature.
- Muscle rigidity.
- Increased reflex response.
- Seizures.
If You Catch Your Cat Eating Chocolate:
Once your cat is at the vet's, they will give your kitty IV fluids to rehydrate them and perform tests such as a physical examination and an ECG to check their heart rate. They might take a urine sample too for further evaluation.
If you suspect that your cat has eaten anything containing chocolate, it is best to take them to a veterinarian quickly so that their symptoms can be monitored by a proffessional. Even the smallest amount of chocolate is present in brownies.
Is milk OK for cats? ›The truth is that most cats are lactose intolerant so giving them cow's milk can actually cause significant health issues. Milk doesn't part of necessary cat nutrition and many cats suffer stomach upsets or other related problems because their owner thought that they were giving them a treat.
Can cats have ice cream? ›
Most cats are lactose intolerant
This means that consuming lactose—which milk and most kinds of ice cream contain—can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting in cats. Furthermore, with its typical sugar, fat, and dairy content, ice cream can contribute to obesity in cats.
“However, if enough chocolate is ingested, it can lead to much more serious problems, such as seizures, coma and death. So, yes, chocolate is toxic to cats.
Can cats have peanut butter? ›Although many cats love the taste of this salty and sweet spread, cat parents should avoid giving their feline friends peanut butter. It provides no nutritional value and, more importantly, certain ingredients, like fat and added artificial sweeteners, can be harmful or even toxic to cats.
Can cats eat cheese? ›Cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they can only get necessary nutrients from meat. But even though cheese is also high in protein, it can upset a cat's delicate digestive system. The reason for this is that cats don't tolerate dairy very well.
Can cats have bread? ›Can Cats Eat Bread? As is the case with many human foods, small amounts of baked bread are generally OK for cats to eat in moderation. Cats shouldn't eat bread on a regular basis but, rather, reserve it for a once in a while treat.
What human food can cats eat? ›Cooked, lean meats such as beef, chicken, turkey, liver and lamb are all ok for you cat to eat. However, it's important that you take great care when serving to make sure the meat's cooked through – never give cats raw meat – and remove all skin and bones before feeding your cat.
What can't cats eat? ›Some of the most toxic food for cats include onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients.
Can cats have rice? ›It may be a staple in many human diets, but can cats eat rice? It's safe for cats to nibble on some cooked rice now and then, and your veterinarian may even recommend it as an aid for digestive issues. You may also see rice in a number of cat foods since it can contribute to a nutritionally balanced cat food.
Will 1 chocolate chip hurt a cat? ›Chocolate contains ingredients called theobromine and caffeine,2 which are toxic to cats if consumed in large enough quantities. Theobromine is absorbed much more slowly in cats than it is in humans, so even a small amount of chocolate can be toxic to a small cat.
Is chocolate worse for cats or dogs? ›Cats and dogs are both at risk of chocolate poisoning. However, there are more reported cases of dogs being affected since dogs typically eat just about anything. Smaller pets face much greater risk of chocolate toxicity than large breed dogs because it only takes a small amount of chocolate to negatively affect them.
What animals can eat chocolate? ›
In some ways, chocolate can even be beneficial to rats and mice. Some scientific research even states that rats and mice are able to metabolize theobromine almost as well as we do. However, the word 'almost' is key here. Theobromine can be harmful to a rat if they eat too much of it.
What if my cat drinks chocolate milk? ›Cats who consume milk on a regular basis may have diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, restlessness, and other symptoms. Chocolate milk's high-calorie content can contribute to obesity in your cat, which can lead to a long-term disease that can be deadly.
How does a cat act if poisoned? ›Signs & Symptoms of Cat Poisoning
Coughing. Diarrhea and Vomiting. Twitching or seizure. Breathing difficulties (rapid or labored)
Immediately call your veterinarian, an animal hospital, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680. Identify the poison. If possible, identify the substance that caused the poisoning and give that information to the veterinarian over the phone. Bring the poison to the veterinarian.
How many ounces of chocolate is in a chocolate chip? ›...
Lots of chocolate chips.
| Chocolate Chip Size | Number of Chocolate Chips in 1 Ounce |
|---|---|
| Jumbo chips | 31 jumbo chocolate chips |
| Chocolate chunks | 22 chocolate chunks |
They can see very well in low light, however — a skill that gave domestic cats' ancestors an advantage over their prey. As American Veterinarian explains, cats' large corneas and pupils, which are about 50% larger than humans', allow more light into their eyes. This extra light helps them to see in the dark.
Can cats have vanilla ice cream? ›Generally, vanilla ice cream isn't harmful to cats, however, lactic acid can cause stomach aches, gas, and diarrhea in cats if ingested in high amounts. Vanilla ice cream is also high in fat and carbohydrates. Most cats are lactose intolerant, and ice cream can cause several digestive issues to your cat.
Will a tiny bit of chocolate hurt my dog? ›Chocolate is poisonous to dogs mostly because of its theobromine content, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. If your dog eats chocolate, you should monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if they show any symptoms, or if they are very young, pregnant or have other health concerns.
Can cats eat cake? ›Cats can eat cake as long as it is not chocolate cake and in very small quantities. However, they don't necessarily need cake in their diet. Cakes are high in sugar, fats, and other undesirable ingredients that are not good for your cat. Instead, choose fruit or a cat-friendly cake option.
What happens if a cat eats dog food? ›If you've caught your cat sneaking snacks from the dog's bowl, there's probably no need to panic. A bite or two of canine cuisine won't harm your cat, but it certainly won't be fulfilling your cat's nutritional needs. A nibble here and there is ok, but dog food should never make up the main part of your cat's diet.
How do I know if my cat ate chocolate? ›
- Restlessness.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Increased rate of breathing.
- Increased heart rate.
- Heightened temperature.
- Seizures.
- Muscle rigidity.
If you suspect that your cat has eaten anything containing chocolate, it is best to take them to a veterinarian quickly so that their symptoms can be monitored by a proffessional. Even the smallest amount of chocolate is present in brownies.
Will a tiny bit of chocolate hurt my dog? ›Chocolate is poisonous to dogs mostly because of its theobromine content, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. If your dog eats chocolate, you should monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if they show any symptoms, or if they are very young, pregnant or have other health concerns.
What happens if cats eat chocolate ice cream? ›Chocolate ice cream is doubly harmful for cats. Like dogs, cats should not be allowed to consume chocolate. Chocolate contains the chemical compounds caffeine and theobromine, which if ingested by cats can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, seizures, and even cardiac failure or coma.
What do vets do when cats eat chocolate? ›If You Catch Your Cat Eating Chocolate:
Once your cat is at the vet's, they will give your kitty IV fluids to rehydrate them and perform tests such as a physical examination and an ECG to check their heart rate. They might take a urine sample too for further evaluation.
The truth is that most cats are lactose intolerant so giving them cow's milk can actually cause significant health issues. Milk doesn't part of necessary cat nutrition and many cats suffer stomach upsets or other related problems because their owner thought that they were giving them a treat.
What if my cat drinks chocolate milk? ›Cats who consume milk on a regular basis may have diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, restlessness, and other symptoms. Chocolate milk's high-calorie content can contribute to obesity in your cat, which can lead to a long-term disease that can be deadly.
Can cats have peanut butter? ›Although many cats love the taste of this salty and sweet spread, cat parents should avoid giving their feline friends peanut butter. It provides no nutritional value and, more importantly, certain ingredients, like fat and added artificial sweeteners, can be harmful or even toxic to cats.
Can cats eat cheese? ›Cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they can only get necessary nutrients from meat. But even though cheese is also high in protein, it can upset a cat's delicate digestive system. The reason for this is that cats don't tolerate dairy very well.
What can't cats eat? ›Some of the most toxic food for cats include onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients.
Will 1 chocolate chip hurt a dog? ›
Threat to pets
Pets that ingest a few M&Ms or 1-2 bites of a chocolate chip cookie are unlikely to develop chocolate poisoning. For milk chocolate, any ingestion of more than 0.5 ounces per pound of body weight may put dogs at risk for chocolate poisoning.
...
Lots of chocolate chips.
| Chocolate Chip Size | Number of Chocolate Chips in 1 Ounce |
|---|---|
| Jumbo chips | 31 jumbo chocolate chips |
| Chocolate chunks | 22 chocolate chunks |
HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Candy Bar, 1.55 oz.
Can cats eat popcorn? ›There's nothing in freshly popped popcorn that is toxic to cats, regardless of age or breed. However, that's only true for plain popcorn. Toppings like butter, salt, caramel, and a variety of spices and seasonings like garlic can cause health issues for your cat.
Can cats eat eggs? ›Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they're also highly digestible. Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to prepare them is fine.
Can cats eat yogurt? ›So remember, nonfat plain yogurt is usually safe and healthy for cats and dogs to eat as a fun snack — just check the nutrition label first to make sure it doesn't contain a dangerous ingredient, like xylitol. And for even more power-packed benefits, consider adding a daily probiotic to their regimen.