Why chocolate is dangerous for cats
Sugar and fat aren’t great for cats, but chocolate is a whole other level of danger. It contains caffeine and theobromine (a natural compound found in cacao), both of which are toxic to cats.
No amount of chocolate is safe for cats, whether it’s baking chocolate (the worst offender), dark, milk, or even white chocolate (which still contains some cocoa).
If your cat gets into your chocolate stash, you might notice symptoms like:
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Vomiting & diarrhoea
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Nausea
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Fast heart rate
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Extreme thirst & frequent urination
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Restlessness & hyperactivity
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Rapid breathing or panting
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Muscle tremors or twitching
What to do
First, don’t panic! Cats pick up on our emotions, so staying calm can help keep them as comfortable as possible. Move them to a quiet, cool spot and call your vet immediately. They’ll guide you on the next steps.
As always, prevention is best.
The best way to protect your kitty is to keep all chocolate far out of reach. Cats are curious little creatures, so store chocolate treats in sealed containers and keep an eye on anything else that might contain chocolate - think brownies, donuts, cookies, hot cross buns and lollies.
With Easter bringing extra temptation, make sure your cat sticks to safe treats that are made just for them, and keep the chocolate for the humans!
