Can cats eat chocolate? Chocolate is one of the most popular sweet treats for humans, but have you ever been enjoying a luxurious chocolate bar and wondered whether your cat would also like to get in on the snack session? Is it safe to share that dessert with your kitty?
The short answer is no, cats can’t eat chocolate. In fact, chocolate is deemed as very toxic to cats in most cases. It’s not safe for felines in any amount.
If your cat gets into some chocolate, it’s best to call your veterinarian right away for proper advice. Let’s look into why cats and chocolate are not a good or safe mix and what you should do if your cat manages to eat chocolate.
Why Is Chocolate Bad For Cats?
Chocolate is widely considered unsafe for cats due to the presence of caffeine and theobromine in it.
Theobromine is an alkaloid that’s found in the cacao plant, which is used to make chocolate.
In general, theobromine is is widely cited as being toxic for a range of animals, including felines and canines. So don’t share it with your doggy pals, either.
If a cat eats chocolate and ingests caffeine or theobromine, they can suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, and an increased heart rate. With caffeine being a stimulant, you might also notice restlessness or hyperactivity in your cat.
What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats Chocolate?
If your suspect your cat has somehow managed to eat some chocolate and is showing any of the symptoms above — or any non-typical behavior in general — call your emergency vet straight away.
In most cases, the vet will recommended you bring the cat in and induce vomiting. Medication may also be provided to help settle any spiking heart rates.
But it’s not all bad news. While chocolate can be very dangerous for cats to eat, in most cases your resident feline won’t really have much interest or appetite in sneaking in some chocolate, anyway. This is because it’s been proven that cats can’t taste sweet things.
In essence, your cat naturally does not have a sweet tooth.
Do you ever have to keep your kitty away from your chocolate? What do you feed your cat for a dessert treat, instead? Let us know in the comments below!
