Toxic or Tasty Treat: Is Chocolate Really Poisonous for Cats?

Most people know that chocolate is toxic for dogs, but it’s not often that we discuss chocolate’s effect on cats. Our furry friends can’t always eat the same foods we do (like a vegan diet), and it can sometimes be hard to know what’s off limits and which snacks are okay to share with your feline. You might enjoy the occasional bit of chocolate, but can it be a tasty treat for Mr Whiskers too? Or is it poisonous for cats? Cat in a Flat finds out!

Is chocolate bad for cats?

Is chocolate bad for cats? In short, yes chocolate is poisonous to cats. It can make Mr Whiskers very ill and, in some cases, may even prove deadly. This is because chocolate contains a compound called theobromine. This compound is similar to caffeine and will cause your kitty’s nervous system to go into overdrive—leading to an increased heart rate and overworked kidneys. Excessive urination leads to the loss of bodily fluids, dehydration, and other serious health issues. So, while perfectly safe for humans to consume, chocolate should be kept far away from dogs, cats, and any other small pet! 

How much chocolate is poisonous for cats?

How much chocolate is poisonous for cats? The size and weight of your feline will play a part in how much chocolate can be poisonous. The darker a chocolate, the more theobromine it has and the more dangerous it is too. A toxic dose is around 200 milligrams per kilo / .0032 per pound. So, an eight-pound cat can get sick from consuming just .2 ounces. As you can tell, even a small amount of chocolate can be poisonous for your kitty. 

How to know if your cat has chocolate poisoning

It’s unlikely that Mr Whiskers would be interested in your chocolate, but it’s still good to know the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats so you can be prepared. 

Symptoms to watch for:

• Vomiting: It’s normal for your kitty to throw up every now and then. Usually cats do this when they want to expel a hairball or if they’ve eaten too much too quickly. However, if Mr Whiskers is vomiting excessively or if their vomit looks different, it’s possible they ate something they shouldn’t have.
• Diarrhoea and excessive peeing: Keeping an eye on your cat’s toilet routine is essential for making sure they stay healthy. Overusing the litter box or sudden diarrhoea should be cause for concern. 
• Excessive thirst: It’s important for your cat to stay hydrated. However, drinking more than usual can point to a variety of health issues including feline diabetes. Excessive thirst coupled with these other symptoms may also mean Mr Whiskers has ingested something that’s not good for them.
• Irregular heartbeat: Because the caffeine in theobromine can send your fur friend’s nervous system into overdrive, an irregular heartbeat is a key symptom of chocolate poisoning. 
• Restlessness: If your cat is pacing more than usual, keeping you up at night, breathing quickly or panting, then something is most likely wrong. 
• Seizures: This is probably the most severe symptom and will require immediate emergency medical care. 

What to do if your cat eats chocolate

If you know your kitty has eaten chocolate, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking veterinary care. If you can, take note of the type of chocolate and how much your fur friend ate—this information will help the vet know the best way to treat them. The most important thing to do is to stay calm. Our felines are very sensitive to our moods, and scolding your cat or getting upset won’t help the situation. Do your best to calmly get your feline in their crate and talk to them in a soothing voice throughout the vet visit. This way, Mr Whisker will feel less anxious. 

The treatment your vet provides will depend on how much and what type of chocolate your kitty has eaten. Some of the common treatments include: 

• Activated charcoal: This will absorb toxins, and you may need to continue this treatment at home. 
• Induced vomiting: For this treatment, your vet will give Mr Whiskers an injection that makes them sick and induces vomiting. NEVER try to make your kitty sick at home, always seek the help of a professional. 
• Fluid drip: If your fur friend is dehydrated from the chocolate, they may need a fluid drip. This will flush out toxins and help their vital organs recover. 
• Sedation and hospitalisation: In more serious cases, such as with tremors or seizures, your cat may need to be sedated and kept in the hospital for extra monitoring.

Luckily, if you seek medical help, it’s rare for chocolate poisoning to cause long-term issues in cats. Most likely your fur friend will make a full recovery. 

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How to prevent my cat from eating chocolate

The best prevention is to keep any chocolate products far out of reach. Make sure they’re in sealed bags or containers and stored in high cupboards your kitty can’t get to. If you have children in the house, clearly explain to them that they should never feed chocolate to Mr Whiskers. It’s also important to be extra vigilant around holidays like Christmas, New Years, and Easter when sweet treats abound. Avoid chocolate decorations and gifts and stock up on some healthy, cat-safe treats for your feline instead! 

When booking a cat sitter, make sure they know not to bring any chocolate or toxic treats along during their visits with Mr Whiskers. And never leave home without providing emergency information to your sitter. While it’s unlikely anything will go wrong with one of our trustworthy cat sitters, it’s always better to be prepared. Include your vet’s info as well as the number for a local friend or family member who can step in in case of an emergency. 

What foods are okay to share with my cat?

What foods are okay to share with my cat? While chocolate may be poisonous, not everything you eat is toxic for your fur friend! There are actually a few tasty snacks that the two of you can enjoy together. Here are a some foods you can safely share with your feline: 

• Cooked, lean meats such as beef, chicken, and turkey are safe for your cat. However, NEVER give cats raw meat as this can be dangerous. 
• Whole grains like oats and brown rice are also okay for your kitty to eat. But check first which ingredients are in your fur friend’s dry cat food, as many already contain whole grains. 
• Some veggies such as carrots, broccoli, and corn are safe for your feline. Stay away from onions, avocados, and tomatoes—these are all toxic to cats. 
• Fruits like blueberries, cantaloupe, and strawberries can be a tasty feline treat! Avoid grapes or raisins, which are harmful for Mr Whiskers. 

Want to learn more about caring for your kitty? Check out our tips on the best way to protect your cat during fireworks and how to create a garden that’s safe and cat-friendly!