chocolate is one of the most consumed and appreciated sweets around the world, with some even declaring themselves addicted to it. Being so delicious, some guardians may want to share this delicacy with their feline companions and wonder if cats can eat chocolate.
Although there are some human foods that cats can consume, chocolate is one of the forbidden foods for them, and can seriously harm their he alth and well-being. For this reason, we must never offer or leave within reach of our felines food or drinks that contain chocolate and/or its derivatives.
In this article on our site, we'll explain why cats can't eat chocolate, so you can get to know your cat better. feline companion and provide optimum nutrition. Keep reading!p
Why is chocolate bad for cats?
The main reason why cats cannot eat chocolate is that this food contains two substances that their body is not ready to digest, which are caffeine and theobromine.
The first substance, caffeine, is well known for being present in numerous foods and beverages that we consume daily, especially in the coffee and its derivatives. theobromine, on the other hand, is a less popular compound that is naturally present in cocoa beans and can also be artificially added to chocolate and their by-products during industrial manufacturing.
Why is theobromine added to chocolate? Basically because, together with caffeine, this substance is responsible for producing this feeling of happiness, pleasure, relaxation or stimulation that we feel when consuming this food. Although less potent than caffeine, theobromine has a longer effect and acts directly on the nervous system, additionally impacting cardiac, respiratory and muscular functions.
In people, moderate consumption of chocolate can offer a stimulating, antidepressant or energizing action. But cats and dogs do not have enzymes to digest chocolate or metabolize these two substances already mentioned. For this reason, drinks and foods containing chocolate or cocoa can intoxicate the body of our feline companions.
We must also remember that chocolate contains sugars and fats in its preparation, resulting in a high energy value. Therefore, its consumption can also lead to rapid weight gain, as well as possible elevations in glucose and cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
In addition, commercial chocolates often include milk in their nutritional formula, which is why they can also cause allergies in cats. Remember that, contrary to what the legends say, milk is not an appropriate food for cats, since the vast majority of adult cats are lactose intolerant.
Effect of chocolate on cats
As a consequence of their difficulty metabolizing caffeine and theobromine, cats often show digestive problems after ingesting chocolate, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is also possible to observe alterations in their habitual behavior and symptoms of hyperactivity, anxiety or nervousness, thanks to the stimulating effect of the two substances.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats
These symptoms usually appear within 24 or 48 hours after use, which is the average time it takes for your body to in removing caffeine and theobromine from the body. In the event that the feline has ingested larger amounts of chocolate, other more serious consequences may appear, such as convulsions, tremors, lethargy , difficulty breathing or moving, and even a respiratory failure When you observe any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to go immediately to the veterinary clinic.
What to do if my cat has eaten chocolate?
Given that cats do not perceive the sweet taste and have developed a natural rejection towards this type of food, it is very likely that your feline will not consume this food in your absence, even if you leave it within reach. However, cats are especially curious, so we advise you to avoid leaving chocolate or any type of product, food, drink or substance that is potentially toxic or allergic.
But if for any reason you suspect that your cat has ingested food or drinks containing chocolate, the best thing you can do is take it immediately to the vetAt the veterinary clinic, the professional will be able to examine your cat's state of he alth, detect possible symptoms related to this ingestion and establish an appropriate treatment.
Logically, the treatment will depend on the state of he alth of each cat and the amount of chocolate consumed. If it is a small and harmless dose, only clinical observation may be necessary to verify that the kitten does not present more serious symptoms and remains in good he alth.
But your cat has ingested high doses, the veterinarian will analyze the feasibility of doing a gastric lavage, as well as the possibility of administering drugs to control the symptoms that may occur, such as seizures or cardiorespiratory arrhythmias.
My cat ate chocolate, should I make him vomit?
When realizing that their cats have consumed a potentially toxic substance, such as chocolate, many guardians immediately think of making them vomit. However, inducing vomiting is only a recommended measure when only 1 or 2 hours have passed since ingestion, likewise, we will also take into account which substance or food the cat has consumed. After this time, inducing vomiting in cats is not effective in removing toxic substances and can damage their digestive tract.
Logically, it is essential to know the first aid in case of poisoning to act safely and effectively in case our cats consume food or toxic substances. However, since we are hardly certain about how much time has passed since the ingestion of a substance, the best thing we can do is take our feline immediately to the veterinary clinic
In the case of a puppy cat, veterinary attention will be essential, regardless of the time that has passed since consumption and the amount of chocolate ingested.
