Why it is dangerous for cats
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. A cat's body breaks these substances down very slowly, so they act on the heart and nervous system for a long time: vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness can follow, the heart starts to race, and trembling and seizures can set in. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it holds, and cocoa powder and baking chocolate are especially dangerous.
Cats cannot taste sweetness, but a cat may still lick chocolate or eat a rich dessert. How much chocolate does harm depends on the kind of chocolate and on the cat, so it cannot be judged at home. Signs may only appear several hours later.
What to watch out for
- Theobromine and caffeine cause vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness.
- The heart can beat too fast or unevenly.
- Muscle trembling and seizures can set in.
- Dark chocolate, cocoa and baking chocolate are especially dangerous, but no chocolate is safe for a cat.
- Signs can appear later, so contact a vet straight away, say what kind of chocolate your cat ate and when, and take the packaging with you.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
What to give instead
Foods that are safer to give.
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe
- Eggs Yes, a well-cooked egg, boiled or cooked without fat, is fine for a cat, but it is better not to give a raw egg. Safe
- Beef Yes, well-cooked lean beef without seasoning is a good treat for a cat; just trim off the fat and take out any bones. Safe