Everyone knows that dogs can’t eat chocolates. Sadly, only a few know that cats are also allergic to this dessert. The reason for this is that chocolate contains the ingredients caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic to cats.
The reason is that these chemicals act as both a stimulant and a diuretic. In simpler words, it increases their heart rate while also making their metabolism a tad too fast. Such a combination can prove fatal. In fact, theobromine is also toxic for us, too, but it would necessitate consuming around 35 kilograms of chocolate milk in one go, which isn’t an easy feat.
Interestingly enough, according to Cats Protection UK, cats lack the ability to taste sweetness, which means that it isn’t even likely for them to deliberately crave chocolate. But curiosity is part of their personality, so ensuring that they cannot reach where you store your chocolate is necessary.
According to Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, signs that your cat may have ingested chocolate include, but are not limited to:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Lack of appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Tremors
- Seizure
- Coma
And these are very serious signs that the cat should be taken to a vet as soon as possible.
Chocolate ice cream is unlikely to kill, but it can make them ill for a few hours, as not only does it contain chocolate, but it also contains sugar and lactose from the milk mixture, which is also harmful to the cat.
So while cats and chocolates are certainly part of the good reasons to live, they are not meant to be mixed together, in order to avoid serious consequences. Perhaps more natural sweet treats, like fruits, could work better for our feline friends.
References:
Staff, O. (2021, May 5). Can Cats Eat Chocolate? Oakland Veterinary Referral Services. https://www.ovrs.com/blog/can-cats-eat-chocolate/
Cats Protection UK. (n.d.). Why is chocolate poisonous for cats? Cats Protection. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-is-chocolate-poisonous-for-cats
