Is chocolate toxic to cats as well as dogs?

The short answer

Yes, chocolate is toxic to cats - dark chocolate most of all! Cats are actually more sensitive to chocolate than dogs as it contains both theobromine and caffeine, which cats can't digest. If your cat eats chocolate, contact your vet immediately, even if they seem well. 

With Halloween coming up, there's likely to be more chocolate around your home than usual, like bowls of sweets by the door, trick-or-treat hauls and party leftovers - all within paw's reach. 

Read on to learn the signs of chocolate poisoning in cats, and what to do if your cat eats some.

Why is chocolate more dangerous for cats than dogs?

Pets eating things they shouldn't is a common cause of illness, and eating chocolate is one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets. While most of us know chocolate is toxic to dogs, it's arguably even more dangerous for cats, as even a small amount can make them seriously ill.

The good news is, chocolate poisoning in cats is quite rare, as cats are naturally selective eaters and their tastebuds can't detect sweetness. Chocolate rarely tempts them in the way it does dogs! 

That said, curious cats can still become ill after eating something harmful and may need urgent veterinary treatment, with costs depending on the care required. That’s why it’s worth being aware of the dangers of chocolate poisoning in cats, and doing what you can to prevent it ever being a problem. 

What makes chocolate poisonous to cats?

Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, two naturally occurring chemicals that are toxic to cats. In fact, most animals struggle to digest them. That means instead of being broken down by the body within a few hours to be used or excreted, the chemicals recirculate around the body, continuing to make them sick.

Not to mention, some chocolate contains additional ingredients that are toxic to cats, like alcohol and raisins. Chocolate also contains a lot of sugar. Cats are true carnivores, so their digestive system isn’t developed to efficiently digest carbohydrates like sugar. 

Too much sugar in your cat’s diet can also lead to health problems like tooth decay, diabetes, and weight gain - not too dissimilar to the problems humans have if they eat too much sugar! Not to mention, the high fat content in some types of chocolate can put your cat at risk of acute pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening.

How much chocolate is poisonous to cats?

The risk depends on the type and amount of chocolate eaten, your cat’s weight and their individual health. Don’t use a dose calculation to decide whether treatment is needed - just contact your vet for advice straight away. 

As for the amount of theobromine that’ll make your cat sick, it varies. Kittens and older cats are more vulnerable to toxins, as are cats with underlying health issues. Smaller cats with lower body weights can also become sick after eating smaller amounts of chocolate. 

That's why it's always safest to never feed chocolate products to your cat!

What type of chocolate is most dangerous to cats?

The amount of theobromine also depends on the type of chocolate, so some sweets are more dangerous to cats than others:

Dark chocolate products are the most dangerous kind as they contain a higher concentration of theobromine, meaning your cat only needs to eat a few grams of dark chocolate to become very sick.

That's why the safest thing to do is to avoid feeding your cat any chocolate and keep any treats out of their reach - especially around Halloween when sweets and chocolate are left out around the home.

Can chocolate kill a cat if they eat it?

Yes, severe chocolate poisoning can be fatal. The amount that causes serious illness varies, so contact your vet promptly if your cat eats some, rather than assuming a small piece is harmless. 

Signs of chocolate poisoning in cats

Your cat won't become sick straight after eating chocolate. It can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours before they show any signs of illness.

Common signs of chocolate poisoning in cats include:

• Restlessness

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Panting

• Increased thirst (polydipsia)

• Increased urination

• Rapid heart rate

• High blood pressure

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Coma

How long does chocolate poisoning last in cats?

As mentioned above, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours for your cat to become sick after eating chocolate. 

But because cats can't metabolise theobromine effectively, it can potentially stay in their system and make them sick for up to 72 hours.

Is chocolate worse for cats than dogs?

It’s arguably worse if your cat eats chocolate as they have a much lower tolerance to the toxins in it than dogs. Your cat can become seriously ill after ingesting a much smaller amount of chocolate.

However, cats are much less likely to ingest chocolate than dogs. This is largely due to the fact dogs are omnivores and "indiscriminate" eaters (basically, they’ll eat anything!), whereas cats don't have tastebuds that detect "sweet" things, so chocolate probably isn’t that appealing to them.

What should you do if your cat eats chocolate?

If you think your cat has eaten chocolate (or any product containing cocoa), call your vet immediately. They'll advise you on what to do to help your cat.

If possible, tell your vet what chocolate product your cat ate, how much of it, and when they ate it. Keep a note of any and all symptoms your cat shows.

Your vet might ask about your cat's weight and age, as these factors impact your cat's tolerance to toxins like chocolate.

Treatment for chocolate poisoning in cats

Although there’s no antidote for chocolate poisoning in cats, many make a full recovery as long as they receive prompt vet care to manage their symptoms and support their body in getting rid of the toxins.

If it has only been a few minutes or hours since your cat ate chocolate, your vet might try to induce vomiting, although this is very difficult to do with cats, so you should never attempt to do this at home yourself.

Alternatively, your vet may feed your cat activated charcoal. This will bind with the theobromine in their system and prevent it from being absorbed by the body. 

Never feed your cat DIY activated charcoal as this could do more harm than good. Activated charcoal is specially formulated and prescribed by vets. 

If some time has passed since your cat has eaten chocolate and the theobromine has already been absorbed, these treatments may be ineffective.

If your cat has suffered from seizures, they may be given anti-seizure medication (such as phenobarbital), or a sedative to reduce restlessness and distress.

Pet insurance can help with eligible unexpected vet bills. Napo offers lifetime cover for dogs and cats, provided you renew your policy each year without a break. Annual cover limits, an excess, any applicable co-payment, waiting periods and exclusions apply. See our policy wording for full details.

Taking out a new policy after your cat has eaten chocolate will not cover that incident. Contact your vet immediately rather than delaying treatment to arrange insurance.

How to prevent chocolate poisoning in cats

The best way you can prevent chocolate poisoning in cats is to simply keep all food and drink containing chocolate and cocoa well out of reach! If your cat’s a keen climber, take care to store any chocolate products in cupboards or sealed containers.

Make sure everyone in your home knows they shouldn't feed the cat any chocolate, especially if you have children. They should also make sure they don’t leave any chocolate out where your cat could eat it.

Finally, avoid using cocoa mulch in your garden. Cocoa mulch is a by-product of the chocolate industry used as a fertiliser, but it also contains theobromine. If your cat ingests any while digging in the mulch, or licking their paws after walking in it, they could potentially become sick.

If your cat ever does eat chocolate, call your vet right away for advice.