| Can cats eat chocolate? When cats each chocolate | | | | With increased levels of theobromine the cat will be |
| the sweet treat is not the same as it is when we | | | | irritable, and his heart rate will be significantly |
| eat chocolate. It can be a toxic snack for your cat. | | | | increased, tremors and seizures will appear, however |
| Chocolate poisoning, must be treated immediately by | | | | you should not wait for these symptoms to develop. |
| calling emergency. Treatment includes inducing | | | | Your immediate action is essential to treat this |
| vomiting, using charcoal for toxin absorption and use | | | | problem. If the toxic levels get too high, your cat will |
| of anti-seizure medication. | | | | die. |
| Chocolate poisoning can be extremely serious for | | | | Swift action is a must to avoid your cats health |
| cats. In most cases the cat will become very ill and in | | | | threat. Inducing vomiting, must be done quickly, |
| some cases, the cat may die. Chocolate contains a | | | | preferably within the first two hours following |
| component called theobromine, which affects a cat's | | | | ingestion. Past that time, this simple treatments will |
| central nervous system. This component is similar to | | | | have no effect. |
| caffeine and although humans don't notice it, it can | | | | Once the toxicity becomes severe your cat will need |
| be fatal to your cat. | | | | to be hospitalized and observed by a qualified |
| Different types of chocolates contain different | | | | veterinarian. They will give your cat, supportive |
| amounts of theobromine. For example, milk chocolate | | | | treatments depending on the severity of intoxication |
| contains 45 mg of theobromine per ounce, semi | | | | and will have to wait until the theobromine has been |
| sweet chocolate contains 150 to 250 mg per ounce, | | | | eliminated from the cats system. |
| and cocoa beans contain 450 to 1000 mg per ounce. | | | | As a cat owner, you should take all steps to protect |
| Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in your cat can | | | | your cat from ingesting any chocolate. This includes |
| appear after a few moments or up to a full day later. | | | | storing your chocolate in an area not accessible to |
| They include diarrhea and vomiting, which are signals | | | | your cat. Also, be aware of what you cat eats, and |
| of a digestive issue. These symptoms may go away | | | | the symptoms of chocolate toxicity. |
| in a few hours if your cat has ingested a small | | | | Your cats health is important and needs to be |
| amount of chocolate, but when the amount is | | | | maintained in order to provide your cat with a long |
| elevated, severe and toxic symptoms will be evident. | | | | life. |