While they're less likely than dogs to raid the Easter egg cache and devour everything, cats can occasionally develop a need for the sweet stuff. Do you have any idea if chocolate is safe for cats to eat? Most owners are aware that it is not good for dogs, but what about cats? Let’s find out why chocolate is bad for cats.
Do cats have a sweet tooth?
Do cats have a sweet tooth?
Cats shouldn't eat chocolate, of course. Chocolate is still hazardous for felines, just as it is for dogs, even though they are less likely to attempt to grab it from under your nose. A chocolate bar might not be their thing, but any milk-based chocolate beverage can be dangerous for all cats!
Can cats eat chocolate?
Cats cannot eat chocolate since it is poisonous to them. It hurts cats just as much as it does dogs. How is it so hazardous, then? Caffeine is present in chocolate in modest amounts, although theobromine, a similar substance, is more prevalent. While these methylxanthines make chocolate a delightful pleasure for humans, they are harmful to dogs and cats.
Both of these substances can make cats poisonous to chocolate. In chocolate with more cocoa than other types, caffeine and theobromine are often present in larger amounts. Even in tiny quantities, darker chocolates or baking chocolate are the most hazardous. However, because cats are so small, even white chocolate has the potential to be problematic for them.
Xylitol, a type of sugar that might also be detrimental to cats, can be found in chocolate sweets and treats. Chocolate contains fat and sugar, which are obviously bad for cats but are not toxic. You ought to take it seriously if your cat consumes any form of chocolate.
Cats symptoms of chocolate poisoning
The signs of chocolate poisoning in cats often appear six to twelve hours after consumption and, in extreme cases, can continue up to a maximum of four days. If you believe your cat consumed chocolate, look out for these clinical symptoms of hazardous exposure:
1: Diarrhea
2: Vomiting
3: Increased urination and thirst
4: Increasing heart rate
5: Increased rate of breathing
6: A diminished appetite
7: An increase in temperature
8: Restlessness
9: Seizures
10: Movement tremors
11: Coma
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats can get much worse very rapidly. Low blood pressure might result from rapid heartbeat shifts and an elevated heart rate. Additionally, high body temperatures might result from muscle tremors and spasms. These changes can be catastrophic for your cat if they are not treated.
Pro Tip: If the cat is seen within an hour of consuming chocolate or the level of contact is deemed modest, the vet bills for toxic chocolate exposure are typically not too high. The costs of getting a cat through a crisis, however, could mount if extensive care is needed. Because of this, we advise getting your feline buddy a pet insurance policy to give you the maximum protection in the event of an accident.
Taking action if your cat consumed chocolate
1 - Watch out for your cat.
If you find that the cat has consumed chocolate, the best thing you can do is keep a tight eye on them. If your cat regularly spends time outside, keep them indoors for a minimum of 24 hours to make sure they don't exhibit any symptoms. Keep windows and doors closed, and keep an eye out for your cats as you enter and exit the house.
2 - Ask your veterinarian for assistance.
Take your cat to the clinic as soon as you can if you discover them eating chocolate. In order to attempt to remove the dangerous substance from your pet's system while it builds up, a veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting if it is discovered in time. It's possible that a cat naturally throws up after consuming chocolate, but you shouldn't try to cause vomiting at home without the full consent of a licenced veterinarian.
When you take your pet to the veterinarian, they'll usually run a variety of tests, such as a thorough physical examination and perhaps a urine sample. To check for any irregularities in your pet's heart rate, they might also perform an ECG (heart test). There is no 'cure' once symptoms start to appear; only symptom management. IV fluids will probably be given, and if your cat's liver has been impacted, your cat will likely receive liver disease treatment.
3 - Find out how much and what kind of chocolate the cat ate.
Collecting the wrappers or packages can help you figure out exactly how much and what kind of chocolate your cat ate. Bring whatever packaging you can locate with you when you visit the doctor so they can assess the risk to your cat.
4 - Know the weight of your pets.
When chatting with a vet on the phone, it will also be good to know your cat's size and weight because this is an additional useful method of determining the risk to the cat.
5 - Cats substitutes for chocolate
On the odd occasion that a cat acquires a taste like chocolate, one ought not to give in to the temptation to indulge them in their human food since the answer to the query "can cats eat chocolate?" is No. Chocolate is rarely a good choice for cats; select snacks that are carefully made and safe for them instead.
There are several cat treats on the market that offer a variety of health advantages in addition to satisfying your pet's taste and scent buds. To complement your cat's nutrition and aid in dental care, look for cat treats that are not only tasty but also contain extra nutrients. And keep in mind that treating your cat involves more than just giving them food. In their view, your love, care, and time may be just as satisfying as a chocolate treat!
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