Consuming chocolate can be especially hazardous for cats, as it contains two primary ingredients that are toxic to them.
These chemicals, theobromine and caffeine, form methylxanthines – stimulants which may lead to heart issues or central nervous system dysfunction in cats.
Theobromine
Chocolate contains two stimulants, theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to cats. These ingredients affect cats’ central nervous and cardiovascular systems, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and elevated heart rates.
Due to pets’ inability to break down and eliminate theobromine like humans do, ingesting large amounts can be very harmful for them. Banfield Pet Hospital estimates that 200 milligrams of theobromine per pound of cat weight is required to cause toxic levels in cats.
Darker chocolates, baking chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder contain the highest concentrations of theobromine. If your cat consumes too much chocolate they could become very ill and even succumb to their condition.
Caffeine
Caffeine is an addictive stimulant and can have toxic effects on dogs and cats when consumed in large amounts. It’s found in coffee, tea, chocolate and other alcoholic beverages; additionally it’s used in cold medicines and painkillers for its stimulant effects.
Caffeine should never be given to pets; when inhaled it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate and breathing patterns, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, muscle tremors and low blood pressure – usually within hours of ingestion.
It’s essential to treat a cat who eats chocolate promptly after ingestion and seek emergency veterinary care. Recovery can be an extended process, and the animal may need hospitalization for support. Treatment typically includes activated charcoal, sedatives and other medication to control muscle tremors and seizures; monitoring for signs of heart or respiratory distress as well as intravenous fluids and body temperature control to guarantee a secure outcome.
Fats
Chocolate contains a high concentration of fats that cats cannot easily metabolize. As such, they are more prone to developing digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea or pancreatitis – an acute illness with potentially lethal consequences.
Cats tend to gravitate towards foods with more protein, as this is believed to be necessary for muscle growth and repair. Furthermore, cats possess the capacity to self-regulate their eating behavior; making sure they get enough calories and nutrients from different food sources in order to maintain an ideal body weight.
Cats’ preferences for certain foods can differ based on their origin, experience and nutritional status. In the wild they have been reported to respond differently to new ingredients ranging from caution and neophobia (an avoidance instinct) in order to avoid possible intoxication or harm; conversely neophilia encourages them to try different diets in order to expand their food variety.
Other Ingredients
Chocolate, a beloved treat for humans, can be toxic to cats – even just a nibble. This is due to ingredients like theobromine and caffeine which act as stimulants in cats when consumed.
Theobromine, which naturally occurs in cocoa beans, is a plant alkaloid that cannot be broken down by cats and causes vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate and liver failure when absorbed. The darker and more concentrated the chocolate bar is, the greater its concentration of this alkaloid.
Caffeine, another ingredient found in chocolate, can also be toxic to cats and cause the same range of symptoms as chocolate. As Banfield Pet Hospital explains, caffeine “leads to vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and restlessness.”
If you suspect your cat has consumed chocolate, immediately take them to a veterinarian for evaluation. They will perform a physical exam and test their blood to identify whether or not an overdose of caffeine or theobromine has occurred. They may also induce vomiting to rid the cat of this toxic substance before any harm could come from it.
