Can the cat eat chocolate?
Or it is one of the most consumed and appreciated sweets in the world, even among those who declare themselves addicted. Because it’s so delicious, some caregivers may want to share this treat with their feline companions and wonder if cats can eat chocolate.
- Although cats can eat certain foods for humans.
- Chocolate is one of the foods that is toxic to cats and can seriously harm their health and well-being.
- Therefore.
- You should never offer or leave foods or beverages containing chocolate and/or its derivatives available to felines.
In this peritoAnimal article we will explain if a cat can eat chocolate and thus get to know your feline companion better and give him the ideal nutrition. Read!
The main reason cats can’t eat chocolate is that this food contains two substances that the body can’t digest: caffeine and theobromine.
The first substance, caffeine, is well known for being present in various foods and beverages that we consume daily, especially coffee and its derivatives. Theobromine, in turn, is a less popular compound, naturally present in cocoa beans and can also be artificially added to chocolate when manufactured in the industry.
Why is theobromine added to chocolate? Basically, because, along with caffeine, this substance is responsible for inducing the feeling of happiness, pleasure, relaxation or stimulation that we feel when consuming this food. Although less potent than caffeine, theobromine has a prolonged effect and acts directly on the nervous system, also affecting heart, respiratory and muscle functions.
In humans, moderate consumption of chocolate may offer a stimulating, antidepressant or energizing action. But cats and dogs lack enzymes to digest chocolate or metabolize these two substances already mentioned. For this reason, beverages and foods containing chocolate or cocoa are non-cat foods.
It is important to remember that chocolate contains sugars and fats in its preparation, which results in a high energy value. As a result, consumption can also lead to rapid weight gain, as well as possible increases in blood sugar and cholesterol.
In addition, commercial chocolates often include milk in their nutritional formula, which can also cause allergies in cats. Note that, contrary to legends, milk is not a cat-friendly food, as the vast majority of adult cats are lactose intolerant. Then we can conclude that chocolate is bad for cats.
If a cat eats chocolate, you will find it difficult to metabolize caffeine and theobromine. Cats often have digestive problems after eating chocolate, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is also possible to observe changes in the usual behavior and symptoms of hyperactivity, anxiety or nervousness, thanks to the stimulating effect of both substances.
These symptoms usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of consumption, which is the average time it takes the body to eliminate caffeine and theobromine from the body. If the feline has ingested larger amounts of chocolate, other, more serious consequences may occur, such as seizures, tremors, lethargy, shortness of breath and movement, or even respiratory failure. When you see any of these symptoms, feel free to go to the veterinary clinic immediately.
Since cats don’t taste sweets and have developed a natural rejection of sweets, it’s very likely that your cat won’t eat this food in your absence, even if you leave it at your fingertips. However, cats are particularly curious, so we advise you to avoid leaving chocolate at your fingertips, as well as any type of product, food, drink or potentially toxic or allergic substance.
However, if for any reason you suspect that your cat has eaten foods or beverages containing chocolate, it is best to take it immediately to the veterinarian. At the veterinary clinic, the professional will be able to examine the health of your cat, detect any symptoms associated with this intake and establish appropriate treatment.
Treatment will depend on the health of each cat and also on the amount of chocolate consumed. If it is a low, harmless dose, clinical observation may only be necessary to verify that the kitten has no more severe symptoms and remains healthy.
However, if your cat has ingested higher doses, the veterinarian will discuss the feasibility of having a gastric lavage, as well as the possibility of administering medications to control symptoms that may occur, such as seizures and cardiorespiratory arrhythmias.
Realizing that their cats have consumed toxic cat foods, such as chocolate, many caregivers immediately think about making them vomit. However, it is only recommended to vomit after 1 or 2 hours of ingestion, in addition to taking into account the substances or foods consumed by the cat. After this time, vomiting the cat is not effective at removing toxic substances and can even damage the digestive tract.
Of course, it is essential to know first aid in case of poisoning, to act safely and effectively if the kitten consumes food or toxic substances. However, since you won’t be sure of the time since ingesting the substance, the best thing you can do is to immediately take the feline to the veterinary clinic.
In the case of a kitten, veterinary care will be essential, regardless of the time elapsed since its consumption or the amount ingested.
If you want to read articles similar to Can the cat eat chocolate ?, we recommend that you visit our Food Problems section.