Can cats eat chocolate?

Even though they’re less likely to try and steal it away from under your nose, chocolate is still bad for cats, just as it is for dogs. While a chocolate bar may not appeal to them, any kind of milk-based chocolate drink can certainly be a risk around any feline!

Chocolate and cocoa contain an ingredient called theobromine, which is naturally metabolised in the human body, but not in cats or dogs. This leads to a toxic build-up of the substance, which can lead to some very serious symptoms, particularly liver failure.

Your cat doesn’t have to eat a great deal of chocolate to suffer problems as a result, so try to keep it out of reach, and out of sight, of all your pets. It’s impossible to calculate exactly how much chocolate it takes to make a cat ill, as every animal’s metabolism is different, but there are some factors that you can take into account. This includes your pet’s size and weight, and the kind of chocolate they have eaten. Dark, bitter, chocolate has a far higher theobromine content than milk or white chocolate.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats

If you suspect your cat has eaten chocolate, watch out for the any of the following symptoms:

Restlessness

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Increased rate of breathing

Increased heart rate

Heightened temperature

Seizures

Muscle rigidity

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, contact a vet as soon as possible.