Content
- chocolate for cats
- Why can't you give chocolate to cats
- Chocolate Intoxicated Cat Symptoms
- My cat ate chocolate: what to do
- My cat ate chocolate: should he vomit?
O chocolate it is one of the most consumed and appreciated sweets in the world, having even those who declare themselves addicted to it. Because it's so delicious, it's possible that some pet owners will want to share this delicacy with their feline companions and wonder if cats can eat chocolate.
While there are some human foods that cats can consume, chocolate is one of the toxic cat food, which can seriously harm their health and well-being. Therefore, you should never offer or leave food or beverages that contain chocolate and/or its derivatives within reach of felines.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will explain if cat can eat chocolate and in this way you can get to know your feline companion better and provide them with optimal nutrition. Keep reading!
chocolate for cats
The main reason why cats cannot eat chocolate is because this food contains two substances that the body cannot digest: caffeine and theobromine.
The first substance, the caffeine, is well known for being present in several foods and beverages that we consume daily, especially coffee and its derivatives. THE theobromine, in turn, is a less popular compound, naturally present in cocoa beans and which can also be artificially added to chocolate during its manufacture in the industry.
Why is theobromine added to chocolate? Basically because, together with caffeine, this substance is responsible for inducing the sensation of happiness, pleasure, relaxation or stimulation that we feel when consuming this food. Although less potent than caffeine, theobromine has a prolonged effect and acts directly on the nervous system, also impacting cardiac, respiratory and muscle functions.
In people, moderate consumption of chocolate can even offer a stimulating, antidepressant or energizing action. But cats and dogs do not have enzymes to digest chocolate or metabolize these two substances already mentioned. For this reason, beverages and foods containing chocolate or cocoa are prohibited foods for cats.
It is important to remember that chocolate contains sugars and fats in its elaboration, which results in a high energy value. Therefore, its consumption can also lead to rapid weight gain, as well as possible elevations in blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
In addition, commercial chocolates often include milk in their nutritional formula, which can also cause allergies in cats. Remember that, contrary to what legends claim, milk is not a suitable food for cats, as the vast majority of adult cats are lactose intolerant. We can then conclude that chocolate is bad for cats.
Why can't you give chocolate to cats
If a cat eats chocolate, it will result in difficulty metabolizing caffeine and theobromine. Cats usually have digestive problems after ingesting chocolate, such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is also possible to observe changes in habitual behavior and symptoms of hyperactivity, anxiety or nervousness, thanks to the stimulating effect of the two substances.
Chocolate Intoxicated Cat Symptoms
In general, these symptoms appear during the 24 or 48 hours later consumption, which is the average time it takes your body to eliminate caffeine and theobromine from your body. If the feline has ingested larger amounts of chocolate, other more serious consequences may appear, such as convulsions, tremors, lethargy, difficulty breathing and moving and even respiratory failure. When you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to go to the veterinary clinic immediately.
My cat ate chocolate: what to do
Like the cats don't taste candy and have developed a natural rejection of this type of food, it is very likely that your cat will not consume this food in your absence, even if you leave it within reach. However, cats are especially curious, so we advise you avoid leaving chocolate within reach, as well as any type of product, food, drink or potentially toxic or allergic substance.
However, if for some reason you suspect that your cat has been eating foods or drinks that contain chocolate, the best thing to do is to take your cat immediately to the vet. In the veterinary clinic, the professional will be able to examine the health status of your cat, detect possible symptoms related to this ingestion and establish an appropriate treatment.
Treatment will depend on the health status of each cat and also on the amount of chocolate consumed. If it is a small and harmless dose, only clinical observation may be necessary to verify that the kitten does not show more severe symptoms and maintains good health.
However, if your cat has ingested higher doses, the veterinarian will look into the feasibility of taking one. gastric lavage, as well as the possibility of administering drugs to control symptoms that may present, such as seizures and cardiorespiratory arrhythmias.
My cat ate chocolate: should he vomit?
When you realize that your cats have consumed toxic cat food, like chocolate, many tutors immediately think of making them vomit. However, inducing vomiting is only a recommended measure when only 1 or 2 hours of ingestion, besides needing to take into account which substances or foods the cat consumed. After this time, inducing vomiting in cats is not effective in eliminating toxic substances, and can even damage the digestive tract.
Of course, it is essential to know first aid in case of poisoning, to act safely and efficiently if the kitten consumes food or toxic substances. However, as you are unlikely to be sure how much time has passed since ingesting the substance, the best you can do is take the feline immediately to the Veterinary clinic.
In the case of a kitten, veterinary attention will be essential, regardless of the time that has passed since consumption or the amount ingested.
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