Chocolate ingestion seems less common in cats (perhaps because they can't taste sweet things), but when it does happen, the toxicity is just as severe. Every cats metabolism is different (just like every humans is), but all cats are typically sensitive to even small amounts. These compounds are known as methylxanthines, and both of them contribute to clinical signs of toxicity. Cat eating chocolate? Chocolate derives from the roasted beans of the cacao plant, which contains naturally occurring methylxanthines, a group of alkaloids (a plant compound that has a central nervous system effect on animals and humans). Though a vet visit will likely be recommended, having this information will help the veterinary team assess your cat's risk and develop a plan while youre on your way. When a cat eats chocolate, it feels the taste of vegetable fats, milk, nuts, but not sugar. Chocolate is very toxic to cats. The darker the chocolate the more theobromine it has. Products are on the market that mimic sweet treats or chocolate tastes if you truly want to provide a treat or believe your cat likes chocolate. This stimulant affects the central nervous and cardiac systems. Stick with regular cat treats. Although most cats won't eat it on their own, they can be coaxed to eat it by owners and others who think they are giving the cat a treat. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity can include: With this daunting list of symptoms, the best amount of chocolate for cats should be none. Even though white chocolate is less toxic than other types of chocolates, you should keep it away from your furry friend. The less toxin absorbed, the less likely it is that there will be severe side effects. It is a known fact that you should not feed chocolates to dogs, but in case of cats the same rule applies due to various other reasons. Symptoms of theobromine poisoning may include heart palpitations, seizures, tremors, and even sudden death. Cats are notoriously difficult to make vomit, even with the medications available at your vet's office. Clinical signs usually occur within 6-12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to three days in severe cases. Chocolates come under the group of foods that should not be fed to cats. The severity of the symptoms that a cat may experience after eating chocolate will often depend on how much chocolate was ingested, and which type of chocolate was eaten. Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often. Clinical signs of chocolate toxicity usually develop within 6 to 12 hours. Unfortunately, chocolate should never be fed to cats. Any of the following clinical signs would be concerning in a cat: These symptoms can progress very quickly. For cats showing clinical signs of toxicity, hospitalization is likely. The compounds that make chocolate such a satisfying treat for people are the same that make it so dangerous for dogs and cats. Perfectly safe for cats to consume Chocolate in big quantities, however, is not really very good for us at all. Although theyre not normally as curious about people foods as dogs are, Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it is good for your cat. However, the problem of a cat eating chocolate is not due to feline allergy. If it doesnt last long since the eating, the vet usually induces the cat to vomit. Baking chocolate is considered the worst and has the highest level of theobromine. Photos: SuziJane (top), alexgoodey/Flickr, One square of unsweetened baking chocolate, A thin slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, 23 Hersheys Kisses(about a third of an 11-ounce bag), Reeses Pieces contain only trace amounts of theobromine. Never had a cat get sick from chocolate (my trash eating cat from the wrappers, but thats another story.) They will also use fluid therapy to support the heart and blood pressure, as well as help your cat's body excrete the toxin faster. The darker the chocolate, the more cacao it contains. Cats are known to be picky eaters, so even if they do go for the chocolate, its uncommon and usually a small portion. If you catch your cat in the act of eating chocolate, and you notice any of the symptoms mentioned before in your cat, you have to contact your vet immediately and make appropriate arrangements to take your cat to your vet. However, I would still recommend just giving your vet a quick call to. Every member of your household needs to be informed and understand the risks of chocolate when it comes to pets. Theobromine is toxic, and potentially lethal, to cats. However,I really hope pet owners would consider any amount over zero to be too much. Your vet will choose a combination of medications targeting the specific symptoms (anti-seizure medications for tremors and/or heart medications for arrhythmias). Consequently, cats can indeed have an allergic reaction to chocolate, but this is not the exact reason why cats eating chocolate Most of us also love chocolate. While one taste of melted chocolate may not do any visible harm to your feline friend, any chocolate is too much for cats. Its helpful to have the following information ready, if possible: The name of the specific product that was ingested (wrappers are ALWAYS helpful if you can bring them), The amount of chocolate you think your cat ate. NOTE: IF your cat may have eaten chocolate, contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at855-764-7661. Darker chocolates and baking chocolates are the most dangerous, even in small amounts. We all know (or at least I hope you do) that chocolate is a big no-no for dogs. When you find out that your cat eating chocolate, bring them to the vet as soon as possible. A tiny lick of white chocolate might not hurt your cat, but baking chocolate is the absolute worst thing a cat can eat.
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