Is it Dangerous for Cats to Eat Chocolate?

Everybody has a sweet tooth, including your cat. However, what we like isn't necessarily always good for us. This is especially true about cats and chocolate. Some cats can tolerate a bit of it now and again, but the risk of toxicity is too high to take such a risk. Your best bet is to keep the chocolate just for yourself.

  1. Methylxanthine

    • Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. These are forms of methylxanthine, a molecular compound that acts as a stimulant, diuretic and relaxant. It raises a cat's heart rate, stimulates its nervous system and causes it to lose body fluids. The body of a 100- or 150-pound human can handle such physiological alterations, but the tiny body of a cat cannot.

    Symptoms

    • Cats that consume chocolate may display symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors and frequent urination. Continued consumption of chocolate can lead to depression, seizures, heart attacks and even death. In addition, chocolate can make a fat obese, and it can cause an eating disorder. Cats that eat chocolate sometimes lose their appetite for regular food.

    Treatment

    • If your cat ever consumes chocolate, immediately contact a veterinarian. The vet may induce vomiting so that the chocolate is expelled from your cat's body. Other possible treatments, according to Cat World, are intubation and artificial ventilation, cardiac monitoring and medications to control tremors and seizures.

    Alternatives

    • Some pet stores sell fake chocolate for cats. It is produced by pet food manufacturers and contains a vegetable substitute that looks and tastes like chocolate but is completely safe for cats. However, before you purchase such a product, review the ingredients list and make certain it contains no methylxanthine.