Is it OK for cats to eat chocolate?

Question

Is it OK for cats to eat chocolate?

Answer 1

NEVER!

Answer 2

It's not a very good idea, except in the tiniest amounts.  I used to let my cat l**k the dregs from the bowl when I had soy ice cream with chocolate syrup, and the vet didn't seem to be terribly concerned as long as it was just a few licks once in a while.  Funny thing is, she still stares at me as I eat the soy ice cream, but when I offer her a l**k, she's not at all interested anymore.

Answer 3

no chocolate is like poison 2 cats

Answer 4

NO, please do not give your cat chocolate. It is poison to animals.

Your cat should not eat human food.

Their digestive system is not structured to handle it.

Answer 5

No. It might make them have the runs, and maybe throw up!

Answer 6

No!

Just because certain foods, such as chocolate, are enjoyed by us humans and are perfectly safe for us, it does not mean they are suitable for cats. Chocolate contains chemicals which rarely cause problems for humans, but for cats and other domestic pets, these chemicals can, in rare cases, be deadly.

One problem is that cats in general find chocolate very tasty and so, it is important not to feed it to them, otherwise they will eat what you give them up to the point where it poisons them.

Chocolate contains the compound theobromine which is a diuretic as well as a cardiac stimulant. This can cause the pet's heart rate to increase or it may cause the heart to beat irregularly, both of which can be dangerous to the animal. The level of theobromine present in chocolate varies depending on the type of chocolate. For example, dark chocolate contains higher levels than milk chocolate and so could pose a greater risk to your pet.

There are many problems that can result from feeding a cat chocolate. Chocolate is relatively high in calories so it can contribute to the development of obesity in your cat. A cat can lose its appetite for its normal food if it eats chocolate. The largest problem is though the fact that chocolate contains the chemical theobromine as mentioned above. If this chemical builds up in the cats system, it can be potentially lethal, and one reason for this is that cats cannot clear theobromine from their bodies as quickly as people can. Many cat owners would simply expect their pet to develop an upset stomach after eating a large amount of chocolate but few realize its lethal potential.

Further problems which can arise from chocolate poisoning are Diuresis (increased urine production), diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, depression, and muscle tremors. These are signs which must be recognized by any cat owner so that the cat is not fed too much chocolate.

Treatment for chocolate poisoning in its advanced stage can be very unpleasant for both the cat and the owner of the cat, so it is much better to be safe and to cut down chocolate consumption of your cat to a minimum. If you do have worries that your cat has consumed large quantities of human chocolate it would be wise to consult your vet - pronto. Spotting the symptoms early on can be very beneficial and can give the cat a much better chance of surviving any poisoning which may have occurred.

If you wish to feed your cat chocolate, there are alternate "chocolate" treats for cats which are produced by some pet food manufacturers. They will either use a vegetable substitute made to taste and look like chocolate, or they will take out the theobromine, or use greatly reduced, safe levels in the chocolate treats they produce. While a very small amount of chocolate may not be harmful to some cats, it is always safest to avoid giving any to them at all.

Answer 7

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Answer 8

Cats should not eat human food. Think about it: they're carnivores, and what's in chocolate? Dairy, cocoa....this is not on their digestive list. Even foods like lunch meat or hotdogs are full of additives they just can't stomach. Even if the cat seems to love it, it's not healthy for her and could certainly cause a health problem.

Keep your kitty on a healthy, kitty-friendly diet, with food recommended by your pet store or vet.  

Answer 9

No please don't. It is toxic for both cats and dogs. Also they really dont need it.  Be safe and dont give your cat any.

Answer 10

Not really, dont give it anyting that u eat ( exept water) She can have chocolate flavoured cat food!!

Answer 11

as far as i nocats and dogs are quite alergic to chocolate but a tiny peice wouldnt hurt

Answer 12

No, it's not.  Just like dogs, cats can't have chocolate.

Answer 13

A small amount will probably do no harm.  But chocolate can be poisonous to cats.  If you think your cat has eaten more than just a bite or two, I would call my vet for advise.

Good Luck!

Answer 14

Chocolate contains the compound theobromine which is a diuretic

as well as a cardiac stimulant. This can cause the pet's heart rate

to increase or it may cause the heart to beat irregularly, both of

which can be dangerous to the animal. The level of theobromine present

in chocolate varies depending on the type of chocolate. For example,

dark chocolate contains higher levels than milk chocolate and so could

pose a greater risk to your pet.

There are many problems that can result from feeding a cat

chocolate. Chocolate is relatively high in calories so it can contribute to

the development of obesity in your cat. A cat can lose its

appetite for it's normal food if it eats chocolate. The largest problem is

though the fact that chocolate contains the chemical theobromine

as mentioned above. If this chemical builds up in the cats system,

it can be potentially lethal, and one reason for this is that cats

cannot clear theobromine from their bodies as quickly as people can.

Further problems which can arise from chocolate poisoning are

Diuresis (increased urine production), diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting,

depression, and muscle tremors. These are signs which must be

recognized by any cat owner so that the cat is not fed too much

chocolate.