Why are chocolates bad for cats? Cat Chocolate Treatments
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?
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. Read More…