Cocoa Powder Effects on Cats

Cocoa powder is a concentrated form of chocolate, thus making the effects stronger and more dangerous for animals, including cats. In some instances ingestion of cocoa powder can be fatal to pets. Chocolate contains theobromine, a strong stimulant. Cats can't metabolize theobromine fast enough, thus making it toxic even in small doses. You shouldn't give your pet any form of chocolate, especially cocoa powder. If you suspect your cat has ingested cocoa powder or chocolate, seek veterinary help immediately.

  1. Heart Changes

    • Chocolate is a cardiac stimulant. It speeds up the heart and makes the heartbeat irregular. Since cocoa powder is concentrated, the effects on your cat's heart will be even more severe. There is a possibility that if a cat ingests chocolate that it can lead to a heart attack within 24 hours, even if initially there are no immediate signs of distress.

    Diuretic

    • Chocolate is also a diuretic. This can make your cat urinate a lot, sometimes unexpectedly and can also lead to extreme thirst. This can be hazardous because it can also cause dehydration and loss of valuable vitamins and nutrients from the body.

    Vomiting

    • Ingestion of chocolate can cause your cat to vomit. This is a natural reaction to rid toxins from the body. This usually shows up within a few hours from ingestion. Excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration and weakness.

    Diarrhea

    • Chocolate can also cause diarrhea. This can be a secondary reaction to the diuretic flushing that also happens with chocolate. Diarrhea will usually be evident within a few hours of ingestion, as it makes its way through the digestive tract.

    Neurological Changes

    • Chocolate directly affects serotonin levels, as many humans can attest to. Unfortunately, this is not a good scenario for felines as it can be hazardous and may cause disorientation or even uncharacteristic behavior.