Can I Give My
Cat Chocolate?
 The short
answer is no. Chocolate contains naturally occurring
methylxanthines caffeine & theobromine. The concentration of
theobromine is much higher than that of caffeine, but both cause
toxicity in cats (and dogs).
Dogs are
generally more susceptible than cats, no doubt because they are
more likely to consume large quantities of chocolate, whereas
cats are generally more finicky eaters & therefore less
likely to voluntarily consume chocolate, especially in large
quantities.
Different kinds
of chocolate contain different levels. Cooking chocolate
contains the highest levels of methylxanthines, followed by dark
chocolate, milk chocolate & white chocolate.
If you suspect
or know your cat (or dog) has ingested chocolate seek veterinary
advice immediately.
What does methylxanthines
do?
-
It acts as a
diuretic, causing the body to lose fluids.
-
Cardiac
stimulant; causing the heart to race.
-
Central
nervous system stimulant;
Methylxanthines
cause central nervous system stimulation, diureses, cardiac
muscle stimulation & smooth muscle relaxation.
What are the
symptoms?
Symptoms vary
on the age of the cat (kittens are more susceptible than
adults), and the quantity ingested. If enough is ingested, death
can occur. The
first signs of methylxanthine poisoning can include:
These can
progress to more severe symptoms including:
-
Cardiac
dysfunction.
-
Muscle
tremors.
-
Seizures.
-
Coma.
-
Death.
How is
methylxanthine poisoning diagnosed?
Diagnosis is
based on history of exposure, physical symptoms, chemical
detection of alkaloids in the stomach contents, serum or
urine.
How is it
treated?
Depending on
the severity of the poisoning, your veterinarian will control
clinical signs. There
is no antidote for methylxanthine poisoning. These may
include:
-
If ingestion
of chocolate has been within 2 hours, your veterinarian may
induce vomiting in the cat, including administering
activated charcoal to prevent any further amounts of methylxanthine
being absorbed.
-
Intubation
& artificial ventilation.
-
Medications
to control tremors & seizures.
-
Cardiac
monitoring (ECG)
References:
Feline
Husbandry: Diseases and Management in the Multiple Cat
Environment - Niels C. Pedersen.
The
Merck Veterinary Manual
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great care has been made
in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the
accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt
whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.
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