Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Is chocolate toxic for cats like it is for dogs?

We know chocolate is toxic to dogs, but is it safe for your cat?

Paige Cerulli
By

If you’ve ever searched for a list of foods toxic to dogs, then you already know allowing your furry best friend to ingest a chocolate bar can have tragic consequences. But is chocolate bad for cats? Although your feline fur baby is much less likely to scarf down a slab of chocolate cake while you have your back turned, chocolate poisoning does occur in cats, too, and it can have equally life-threatening consequences.

Keeping your cat safe is your top priority, which makes knowing the symptoms of chocolate ingestion vitally important. Knowing the proper steps to take in case your cat eats foods she shouldn’t might just save her life. Here’s what you should know.

Cat sitting and eating a treat

Is chocolate bad for cats?

According to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine. Both of these ingredients are toxic to cats, and if a cat ingests large amounts of these substances, they can die.

Recommended Videos

Certain types of chocolate are more harmful than others. While milk chocolate is still toxic, dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate both contain higher amounts of cocoa. Cocoa contains both caffeine and theobromine, making these types of chocolate more toxic than other varieties.

In short, it’s important to never let your cat eat chocolate.

Scared cat hides behind table

What to do if your cat eats chocolate

If your cat accidentally eats chocolate, it’s important to act quickly because your cat’s condition can rapidly worsen. According to Dr. Evan Ware at Wedgewood Pharmacy, a cat who is experiencing chocolate poisoning might exhibit signs like vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and rapid breathing. His temperature may become elevated, and he might display rigid muscles. If the condition progresses, then your cat could experience seizures, a heart attack, a coma, and ultimately, death.

If you think your cat is experiencing chocolate poisoning, then you need to take him to your vet or the nearest emergency clinic right away. Try to provide the vet with as much information as possible, including the type of chocolate your cat ate, how much he consumed, and when he ate it.

Your vet will examine your cat and may conduct laboratory tests, including a chemical blood profile and an ECG to examine your cat’s heart function. In some cases, your vet might induce vomiting to help remove any remaining chocolate from your cat’s stomach. Your cat may also be given intravenous fluids to keep him hydrated and help his body cleanse out the toxins.

Other foods that are toxic to cats

Chocolate isn’t the only food that’s toxic to cats. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services notes that many common foods like grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, raw dough, alcohol, uncooked eggs, and raw meat are toxic (or at least unhealthy) for cats.

To be safe, only feed your cat human foods that you know are safe and healthy for him. Carrots, green beans, bananas, and cooked chicken or turkey without the skin or bones are all good options. Also, be sure to consider whether your cat has any health issues that might affect which foods he can safely consume. It’s always best to discuss dietary changes with your vet.

A cat eating out of a white food dish

Keeping your cat safe around toxic foods

Many cats don’t find chocolate to be a highly appealing flavor, so it’s somewhat rare for cats to experience chocolate poisoning. However, it’s still important to take steps to keep your cat safe when you have toxic foods around. If you’re hosting a party, ask your guests to avoid feeding your pets any human foods. Keep pets out of the kitchen and any rooms where food is being consumed. When you’re unable to supervise food directly, make sure that it’s secured and covered, so your pets can’t access it.

Closing thoughts

It can be tempting to give your cat bits of food off of your plate, but this can lead to accidental poisoning, especially if you’re feeding him from a dish that’s been cooked with spices or onions. If you do give your cat treats, prepare those foods separately and only give your cat these treats in moderation. Sudden dietary changes can upset your cat’s digestive system and lead to problems like vomiting and diarrhea.

Feeding lots of human foods can also prompt your cat to eat less of his regular cat food, which is nutritionally balanced specifically for cats. This can result in your cat not getting enough nutrition. Additionally, feeding your cat high-calorie human foods can lead to weight gain and obesity. To be safe, it’s best to stick to cat food and cat treats, as well as the occasional bit of human food that your vet has approved.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Do’s and don’ts: How to trim cat nails safely and successfully
Not sure how to trim cat nails properly? We've got everything you need to know
Person holding a black and white cat for a nail trim

It's not always a pleasant experience, but trimming your cat's nails is an essential element of caring for your furry friend. There are a ton of benefits to trimming down those claws -- both for you and for your kitty. For example, trims help prevent nails from curling inward and digging into your cat's sensitive paw pads and prevent them from getting snagged on items.

A good trim can also, admittedly, help protect your furniture, rugs, and clothes, too. We're going to walk through how to trim cat nails in a safe and effective way, and we'll offer you some quick do's and don'ts while we're at it. With our tips, you can make the process easier, safer, and less stressful for both you and your cat. Soon, you'll be able to trim your cat's nails like a pro.
Let's start with the basics of how to trim cat nails

Read more
Can cats eat blueberries? What you need to know
Are blueberries safe for cats? Find out here
Cat with blueberries

As a cat parent, you may be interested in incorporating fruit into your fur baby's diet. Many fruits can provide nutritional benefits for your feline companion, but can cats eat blueberries? We have some good news. One of your favorite superfoods is perfectly safe for your cat to eat in moderation, but before you share blueberries with your kitty, you should be aware of the potential side effects. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about giving your cat blueberries.
Benefits of giving blueberries to cats
Blueberries are a low-calorie fruit packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy treat for your kitty. An excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, blueberries can help boost your cat's immune system and prevent infections. Additionally, blueberries are high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and help even regulate your kitty's bowel movements.

In terms of minerals, blueberries contain essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Potassium is essential for healthy muscle function, as it can help regulate blood pressure, while magnesium is necessary for bone and muscle health. Lastly, manganese helps support your cat's metabolism.
Potential risks
While blueberries can provide some nutritional benefits for cats, it's also important to keep in mind that they should only be given in moderation. Too many blueberries can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting in some cats. Also, the seeds and skin of blueberries can be potentially harmful to cats if ingested in large quantities. The seeds can cause digestive problems, and the skin can be difficult to digest for some cats, leading to digestive discomfort.

Read more
Watch this clever cat try to teach their pet parent how cat toys work
She wants to teach her human how to play with the dangly toy
Kitten plays with a yarn ball on a string

We love playing with our pets, and they seem to love it back. While dogs might enjoy endlessly chasing a ball or tugging at a rope, cats typically gravitate toward more obvious hunting games. That's why plenty of cat toys involve a small mouse, sometimes stuffed with catnip or another intriguing smell. You can also find cat toys that dangle on a string, something like a fishing pole, for the feline to bat and bite. Well, this particularly clever cat has decided it's her human who needs to practice and is determined to play a little game with him.

We can't exactly tell if this kitty was absentmindedly playing with her toy or if she's a diabolical genius who has set out to teach human owners a lesson; commenters seemed to lean toward the first (and we do too). In the video, the little mouser sits atop a sofa and playfully waves her toy in front of her owner, clearly trying to get him to swing at it. This clip is entitled "Derp has turned the tables playing with derp daddy" and was posted to the Animals Being Derps subreddit, a place for some particularly funny pics and videos of pets.

Read more