Chocolate is not something that cats are particularly fond of. While chocolate is safe to eat by itself, eating a large amount of it can have negative effects on your pet. Fortunately, there are many safe treats for cats.
Caffeine is one of the main ingredients in chocolate. It is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the cacao plant. When ingested by your cat, the caffeine may cause abnormal behavior. In severe cases, your pet may have seizures and heart arrhythmia. If you suspect that your cat has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will treat the symptoms and may give you medications to control the symptoms.
If your cat has eaten chocolate, it is important to keep it indoors. It is also important to monitor the cat for 24 hours. Signs of chocolate toxicity in cats include hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased blood pressure. The severity of your pet’s condition will depend on the amount of chocolate that was ingested and the age of your cat.
Because of its ability to affect the nervous system, theobromine is an important toxin to watch out for. Theobromine metabolizes slowly in the body, and it can be lethal to your cat. Theobromine can also cause a diuretic effect, which is dangerous.
If your cat has ingested a large amount of chocolate, your vet may induce vomiting to rid your cat of the toxic element. However, this is a risky way to get your cat out of the toxic situation.
In order to help your cat recover from the toxic effects of chocolate, you may need to use intravenous fluids. This can help your cat to hydrate faster and to avoid further damage to his cardiovascular system. Depending on the severity of your cat’s toxicity, your veterinarian may also administer medications to control the symptoms.
The ASPCA’s animal poison control hotline is available to take your call any time of the day or night. They can also let you know if your pet requires emergency treatment. For more information about preventing your cat from becoming a victim of chocolate poisoning, call the ASPCA at 1-888-ASPCA.
You can also prevent your pet from ingesting chocolate by making sure that you are always on the lookout for it. Keep a close eye on your cat when you leave the house. Make sure that the doors are closed. Avoid letting your cat snoop around the kitchen. Also, make sure that you remove any tin foil or plastic wrap that is covering food. Alternatively, you can give your cat steamed carrots or avocados.
Although the chances of your pet ingesting chocolate are very small, it is still possible to have an accident. If you believe that your cat has ingested chocolate, you should call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center right away.
The severity of your cat’s condition will depend on the type of chocolate that your pet has eaten. Typically, the more dark the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Darker chocolate has higher levels of theobromine.
