What To Do If Your Cat Eats Chocolate

What Is The Treatment For Chocolate Poisoning

The treatment that the veterinarian deems appropriate will depend on the state in which your cat arrives at the veterinary center and the symptoms it has when it arrives at the veterinary clinic.

If it is absolutely certain that what you have eaten is chocolate, the first thing they will do at the veterinary center is to induce vomiting and perform a gastric lavage. And then you will be given activated charcoal mixed with water through a syringe.

In the case of not being sure, possibly, the first thing that is done is an x-ray and blood tests.

To avoid dehydration and stimulate urine production, you will be given fluid therapy. Finally, you will be given medication to reduce the and blood pressure. And sedatives to calm the kitten and anticonvulsants.

As an additional measure, your cat may have a catheter placed to prevent caffeine from being reabsorbed through the bladder.

Also, in the event that your cat needs to be hospitalized for more days and has pancreatititis, a jejunostomy tube can even be placed. With this probe it is achieved that the pancreas does not work during the recovery period. However, it is a laborious procedure that is put through surgery and under anesthesia.

In conclusion, keep the candies and chocolates in tightly closed cans and away from your cat, since a little mischief of his can end up going to the vet and in tragedy.

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Training Tips For Pet Owners

How can pet owners prevent this from happening? According to trainer Karen Reese, dogs like to counter surf. Pet owners must train their dogs to learn theres nothing good for them on counters or in the kitchen.

Make sure that you do not leave anything on the counter that your dog might want to grab. This includes food, crumbs, dishes, used paper towels, etc. Living with a dog that counter surfs will teach you to have a very clean kitchen!

Karen Reese, CPDT, KA, ACDBC Certified Fear Free Dog Trainer

Reese also suggests a few key tips:

Keep them away Teach them to stay out of the kitchen so they arent as tempted.

Teach them out When your dog enters the kitchen, coax them out of the kitchen and say out once they have left. It can also be helpful to reward your dog the first few times.

Practice the off command When the dog puts their feet on the counter, ask them to get down from the counter by gesturing to get down.

Dont forget to reward Treats need to be given after each step. Rinse and repeat!

What Do I Do If My Cat Has Eaten Chocolate

In very serious cases, that is, in those in which the intake has been very high, the animal could die in just 24 hours. So if your cat has eaten chocolate, It is very important that you take him to a veterinary center as soon as possible to avoid reaching that situation.

First of all,, it is important that you specify that he has ingested chocolate.

Do not try to make him vomit at home, since with cats it is quite complicated and we could cause more damage.

If we have activated carbon at home we can give our cat 5 pills. Active carbon is responsible for slowing down the reabsorption of theobromine and caffeine, preventing their absorption from being complete.

If you do not have activated charcoal at home, it may be good to give it water or food to reduce absorption in the stomach and thus reduce symptoms.

If you think that your cat has been able to eat chocolate but you are not sure, I recommend that you observe it in the next 24 hours to detect any symptoms as soon as possible.

What Are The Clinical Signs Of Chocolate Toxicity In Cats

Clinical signs usually occur within 6-12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to three days in severe cases.

Any of the following clinical signs would be concerning in a cat:

• Vomiting

• Seizures

• Coma

These symptoms can progress very quickly. Heart rate and rhythm changes can lead to low blood pressure, while muscle tremors and spasms can lead to dangerously high body temperatures.

If left untreated, these changes can be fatal.

What Other Foods Should Cats Avoid

A cat eating chocolate isnt the only dangerous food occasion you should keep away from your kitty at all costs. Just as you would prevent your child from accessing foods they might be allergic to or lock your alcohol cabinet around kids, take precautions to protect your cat.  A locked cabinet where you can keep chocolate and other dangerous products may reduce your chances of visiting the vet as often. 

Aside from chocolate and products which may contain chocolate, like hot chocolate powders or syrups, make sure your cat doesnt eat. There are a variety of surprisingly harmful foods for cats and we also go a lot deeper in to this topic in this article about protecting your cat against toxic food. But for now the following list below will give you a solid guide on what to look out for:

My Cat Ate Chocolate What Do I Do

What Makes Chocolate Toxic To Cats

The compounds that make chocolate such a satisfying treat for people are the same that make it so dangerous for dogs and cats.

Chocolate contains small amounts of  and larger amounts of a related compound, theobromine. These compounds are known as methylxanthines, and both of them contribute to clinical signs of toxicity.

In general, the concentration of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate is proportional to how much cocoa is present.

Darker chocolates and baking chocolates are the most dangerous, even in small amounts. That said, even white chocolate can potentially cause clinical signs in cats due to their small size, so ingestion of any type should be taken seriously.

Why Do Cats Like The Smell Of Chocolate

Next time you are faced with a chocolate-centric dessert or a candy bar, close your eyes and take a deep breath. The unmistakable scent of cacao will fill your nostrils, no doubt firing your pleasure receptors.

Now, imagine this experience through the nose of a cat. Your cats sense of smell is some 14 times better than that of a human. The cat will detect fat, dairy, and other ingredients in milk chocolate, which are more appealing than sugar.

Consider the novelty of chocolate, too. As per Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, feline food choices often revolve around the excitement of a unique sensation. Cats will never have eaten anything that smells like chocolate. As a result, the scent is irresistible.

Symptoms Of Possible Chocolate Poisoning In Cats

Sometimes our cats eat something when we dont see them. Often they can get curious about what you have on your table or in the kitchen and may steal away food that is not good for them. If you notice that your cat ate chocolate you should act immediately.

But, how to recognize if she has been poisoned by eating chocolate? Here are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats:

• Vomiting
• Hyperactivity
• Death

Since cats are much more sensitive to this type of food as opposed to humans, the symptoms will appear even when a small amount of chocolate has been consumed. The first symptoms will probably be vomiting and diarrhea, but if it is a larger amount in question then it can be much more severe. Therefore, its very important that you take your cat to the vet if your cat eats chocolate or shows any of these symptoms.

Is Chocolate Safe For Cats

Unfortunately, chocolate is just as toxic for cats as it is for dogs. When eaten in small doses, it will cause gastrointestinal distress and result in diarrhea and vomiting. If a large quantity of chocolate is consumed the symptoms can be much worse and may include seizures or a coma. The worst-case scenario for a cat that has eaten chocolate is death. Chocolate poisoning is less common in cats than it is in dogs. This is because dogs have a sweet tooth and are more likely to steal chocolate that they see lying around the house. In most cases, a cat will ignore chocolate. There are two components in chocolate that make it toxic to cats. These are the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. These are perfectly safe for humans to eat but are toxic to cats and dogs.

Can Cats Eat Small Amounts Of Chocolate

As discussed, no amount of chocolate is safe for cats. If youre lucky, your cat will not grow sick if it only eats a minimal amount. Many cats are not lucky enough to escape unscathed from eating chocolate.

There may be times that cats eat tiny traces of chocolate by accident. Maybe youve been baking, for example, and the cat licks cocoa powder from the floor. In such instances, youll need to make a judgment call about how to proceed.

If you want a chocolate-style treat thats safe for cats, get carob snacks from a pet store.

What To Do If A Dog Eats Chocolate

If you discover your dog ate chocolate try to work out what type it was, how much they ate and when they ate it. Our chocolate toxicity calculator can help with this. Dark chocolate, bakers chocolate and cocoa powder is typically the most toxic. If your dog has eaten a potentially toxic amount you should call your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now.

Chocolate And Caffeinated Drinks

Weve all heard that chocolate can be fatal to dogs, but its just as poisonous for cats as well. Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, high body temperature, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, abdominal discomfort, increased thirst, and seizures. Methylxanthines are also found in caffeinated beverages and should be avoided. See your vet if your cat experiences any of these symptoms. As a general rule of thumb, darker chocolates are more dangerous than milk and white chocolate.

Will A Cat Die If It Eats Chocolate

The risk of death to your cat from eating chocolate depends on the type of chocolate eaten, how much, and how quickly they receive treatment after eating it. Dark chocolate is more likely to cause death if eaten by your cat, but milk chocolate can be just as risky if consumed in large amounts. A cat with severe toxicity that develops seizures or heart problems may not survive. Swift veterinary treatment is critical to give the best prognosis. Although not common, a cat could die from eating chocolate.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Chocolate

If you spot your cat in the act of eating chocolate, take them to your local vet immediately. When caught early enough, the vet can induce vomiting to try and get rid of the toxic element from their system.

Also, it may be that your cat will naturally vomit after eating a piece of chocolate. Whatever the case may be, don’t try to induce vomiting at home using remedies such as hydrogen peroxide without a competent veterinarian’s advice, as this can cause severe stomach ulcers if used incorrectly

Attempt to find out precisely how much and what kind of chocolate your pet has ingested. When visiting your vet, bring any wrappers or packaging you can find with you, as it will help them identify the level of risk to your pet. Knowing your cat’s size and weight will also be helpful when speaking with a veterinarian over the phone, as this is another practical way of assessing your pet’s risk.

Try to remain as calm as possible because kittens are known for being very in-tune with their pet owners emotions. Keep them relaxed in a quiet place to help the symptoms of chocolate toxicity from escalating.

When visiting a veterinarian, they will likely conduct a couple of blood and urine tests, including a complete physical exam, They may also perform an ECG to determine if there are any abnormalities in your cat’s heart rate.

Different Levels Of Chocolate Toxicity

The darker the chocolate the more theobromine it has. A tiny lick of white chocolate might not hurt your cat, but baking chocolate is the absolute worst thing a cat can eat.

Bigger cats might metabolize chocolate better than small cats. However, regard chocolate for cats like alcohol for pregnant women. It’s hard to say just how much would be too much, so it’s best to go with none at all.

Recovery Of Chocolate Poisoning In Cats

Follow-up appointments are necessary for making sure your cat is recovering from chocolate poisoning. You may have to take your cat to the litter box frequently to ensure they are emptying their bladder. It is important to keep all types of chocolate away from your cat. You should also make sure your cat cannot access empty plates, trays, and wrappers from chocolate.

It may take your cat several days to recover from the effects of chocolate poisoning. Unfortunately, not all pets survive chocolate poisoning. This is why it is important to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as symptoms appear.

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Chocolate Poisoning Average Cost

Chocolate Toxicity In Pets

Chocolate Toxicity in the Real WorldThe easiest way to understand chocolate toxicosis in pets is to see how it operates in the real world. The three cases below illustrate three concepts owners need to understand to protect their pets.

Why Chocolate is Toxic: The Dachshund and the Baking Squares

The CaseGeorgia, a healthy 18-pound dachshund, found an open box of unsweetened baking chocolate on the counter. She ate the three squares remaining in the box.

What Caused Georgia’s Symptoms?

this postthis Merck Veterinary Manual entry

What Happens If A Cat Eats Chocolate What Will The Vet Do

The treatment your cat receives will depend on when they ate chocolate, the type of chocolate, how much, and whether they have symptoms of chocolate toxicity. Your veterinarian will need some of this information from you. A veterinary examination will help determine what needs to happen next.

Your cat may not have signs of chocolate toxicity. In this case, your veterinarian may give them an injection to make them vomit. If they bring the chocolate up, you may be able to take your cat home again. Your cat may also receive activated charcoal, which is given by mouth. This reduces the absorption of toxins into your cats body.

If your cat has chocolate poisoning, their symptoms need treating. Unfortunately, there is no antidote, so the treatment depends on the symptoms your cat is displaying. This may include intravenous fluids, anti-seizure medication, anti-sickness medication, or medication to control heart problems. Your cat may need to stay in a veterinary clinic for treatment if they are unwell.

How To Tell If A Cat Ate Chocolate

Based on what we have discussed, you will not choose to feed your cat chocolate. Alas, this does not mean that your cat has not consumed the product. The scent of unguarded chocolate could have inspired dangerous curiosity.

Your cat did not even need to eat chocolate to grow unwell, either. Maybe your cat licked cat chocolate, found the taste indifferent, but still experienced the negative impact of theobromine. Equally, a cat that cat licked cocoa powder from the floor could be in trouble. Warning signs of chocolate poisoning in cats include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Rapid, dangerously slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures

Will A Cat Die If It Eats A Poisoned Mouse

Rat baits are dangerous and potentially deadly to animals and people that consume them. The baits used are normally flavoured to make them attractive to rodents and these can also entice other animals to eat them. Dogs and cats who ingest rat baits may die. Even children have sometimes been poisoned by rat bait.

Where It Can Be Found

Not only can chocolate be found in candy and baked goods, but also in our gardens. Households with pets should avoid gardening with cocoa bean mulch which also contains toxic amounts of theobromine. 

We know that accidents can and will happen, whether your cat gets a taste of your holiday chocolate or your dog is digging through your garden and ingests some cocoa mulch. This is why pet insurance just makes sense. Here are some chocolate-related claim examples from a few dogs insured by Trupanion who were able to get the veterinary care they needed without the worry of cost.

Why Is Chocolate So Bad For Your Pet

According to Kristen Levine, pet parenting expert and creator of Pet Living, while chocolate tastes delicious for humans, it can actually be toxic for pets like cats and dogs. “Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, which we can naturally digest, but dogs and cats cannot,” Levine explained. “This can lead to some serious symptoms, and even liver failure.”

Experts from PetMD added that traces of caffeine can also contribute to chocolate’s harmful effects, and both caffeine and theobromine are present in all kinds of chocolate, just at different levels. As explained by Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinary consultant for , this is what makes some types of chocolate more dangerous than others. For instance, “Milk chocolate does not contain as much cocoa powder and is not as dangerous as bakers or dark chocolate,” Dr. Ochoa said. The strength of the toxins in the chocolate is ultimately dependent on the amount of cocoa used, which means dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but even white chocolate can be fatal in some cases.

Method 1 Of 2:seeking Veterinary Attention

Diagnosis Of Chocolate Poisoning In Cats

The first way to figure out if your cat has ingested chocolate is to check for chocolate breath, chocolate on their fur, empty trays and candy wrappers. You may even catch your cat consuming the chocolate. It is important to contact your veterinarian immediately with the cat’s weight and the amount of chocolate consumed. You should also figure out if the chocolate contained other ingredients that are toxic to cats, such as raisins and macadamia nuts. Let your veterinarian know if your cat has consumed chocolate with these ingredients.

The appointment may start with a complete physical exam of your cat. You can help your veterinarian diagnose your cat by bringing a sample of their vomit to the appointment. Your veterinarian will also diagnose your cat by checking for alkaloids in the blood serum, stomach contents and urine. Caffeine and theobromine are usually found in the blood and stomach contents of your cat, and your veterinarian can detect these chemicals by giving your cat a blood test. Your veterinarian may perform an ECG to check for an elevated heart rate and abnormal heart rhythm.

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Milk And Dairy Products

Even though your cat may enjoy drinking milk, it isnt necessarily good for her. Cats have trouble digesting the lactose in milk, which can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Most cats are only exposed to lactose from their mothers milk when they are kittens. Because kittens only drink from their mothers milk for a few weeks, their digestive systems are often not equipped to handle a reintroduction to lactose. So, while some cats have no trouble tolerating milk, they are not recommended to drink anything but their mothers milk while kittens, due to the possibility of digestive issues.

A Note On Xylitol And Cats

Xylitol isnt in chocolate, but it is in things like sugar-free gum and candy. Cats arent likely to eat sweets, but if they do, the good news is that xylitol is not toxic to cats. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs though, so if you have a dog who ingests a product containing xylitol, seek immediate veterinary treatment.

Although chocolate isnt good for cats, check out these reasons why its good for you:

First Off Can Cats Eat Chocolate

If ingested, chocolate can cause gastrointestinal , such as vomiting and diarrhea, and increased heart rates, says Stephanie Demarco, DVM, of VCA Kirkwood Animal Hospital in Newark, Delaware. However, if enough chocolate is ingested, it can lead to much more serious problems, such as seizures, coma and death. So, yes, chocolate is toxic to cats.

Chocolate Is A Common Poisoning In Dogs

Many human foods are poisonous to dogs, including onions, grapes, raisins, garlic, and xylitol. Some of the symptoms from eating these items are similar to the symptoms of chocolate poisoning. Continuously monitor your dogs behavior to determine if anything seems off. In some cases, even a small amount of chocolate can cause your dog to become extremely sick.

Do Cats Like Chocolate

Chocolate is often regarded as the enemy of domestic pets. Dog owners, in particular, are immediately warned about the dangers of chocolate. Cat owners need to be equally cautious.

Unlike other animals, cats are largely indifferent to the idea of eating chocolate. As per , this is because felines lack the taste buds to enjoy sweet sensations. A cat will enjoy none of the endorphins or pleasure rush associated with chocolate.

Unfortunately, this does not mean that you cannot leave chocolate lying around the house. Cats may not be interested in a candy bar, but plenty of chocolate-based products will still appeal. Examples of dangerous snacks to keep away from cats include:

• Chocolate cake
• Chocolate milk
• Chocolate ice cream

Why would your cat care about these foods? Cats are born imitators. If your cat observes you eating chocolate, sharing the sensation with your human friends or family, it will likely grow curious.

In addition, as is so often the case when discussing feline food preferences, the scent also plays a significant role. While cats cannot taste chocolate, they can certainly smell it. This aroma may lead to a cat investigating a forbidden snack.