The Truth about Chocolate and Cats: Is it Dangerous for Them to Eat?
Even though cats are natural hunters, they don’t tend to like the taste of most insects. In fact, some cats won’t even try eating them unless they are really hungry. You may think that this is because they know instinctively that insects are bad for their health and can make them unwell.
That is not the case though, as harmless amounts of insects won’t harm a cat in any way. Unfortunately, chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which is toxic to cats.
A single ounce of chocolate could be enough to kill a cat, so it’s important to keep your feline friend away from your stash! Read on for more information…
Why Chocolate Can Be Harmful To Cats
Chocolate is a food made from the roasted seeds of cacao trees. It’s one of the most popular snacks in the world and is also used to flavor other food and drinks.
There are many different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, and white, so it’s important to understand the health effects of each one. Cacao seeds are rich in compounds called methylxanthines, which are known to be toxic to both humans and cats.
The main methylxanthine present in chocolate is theobromine, which is harmful to cats and dogs because they metabolize it much more slowly than humans do.
Theobromine is toxic to both cats and dogs, but it’s also harmful to children! Adults can metabolize it easily because their bodies are more developed, but kids are more susceptible to its effects.
Types Of Chocolate Dangerous For Cats
All types of chocolate are potentially toxic to your cat, but certain types are more dangerous than others. The darker the chocolate, the higher the level of theobromine, which makes it more dangerous than milk or white chocolate. Chocolate with a high cocoa content is the most dangerous, and baking chocolate contains the highest level of all. Be careful if you’re baking with chocolate as even a small amount can be toxic.
How Much Chocolate Will Kill A Cat
We’ve established that all types of chocolate are potentially toxic to cats, but how much do they need to eat for it to be fatal?
Most cases of cats dying from eating chocolate are reported, so it’s clear that it’s a dangerous substance. Unfortunately, the amount of chocolate that would be fatal to a particular cat will vary depending on their size and metabolism.
As a general rule, it’s best to keep your cat away from all types of chocolate, just to be safe.
Effects Of Chocolate On A Cat
It’s not just theobromine that your cat needs to be careful of. Cocoa also contains caffeine, which is toxic to all animals, humans included! Cacao also contains a significant amount of fat, which can lead to obesity in cats if they regularly eat high-fat foods.
This can put them at risk of a number of health issues, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Cats are also sensitive to the amount of sugar found in chocolate, which can lead to tooth decay and diabetes. Additionally, chocolate contains more than just methylxanthines and caffeine. Cacao also has a high level of oxalic acid, which can cause kidney problems in cats.
Plus, it also contains a fair amount of fats and oils, which can cause digestive issues.
Conclusion
Chocolate is a very popular treat for people, but it can be very dangerous for cats and dogs. This is because cacao seeds contain a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to all animals.
Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of theobromine, so it’s important to keep them away from all types of chocolate. If your cat ever gets into your stash, make sure to get them to the vet right away. They will be able to give your kitty a treatment that will help them get better.
If you ever have to give your cat medicine, you can mix it with a small amount of chocolate to help them swallow it more easily. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions printed on the packaging, and don’t give them chocolate for too long.
