Can Cats Eat Chocolate in Any Form?

Chocolate toxicity in cats comes from two compounds: theobromine and caffeine. These stimulate the nervous system and can cause serious symptoms — or worse — in cats.

The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Baker’s chocolate, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate are the most dangerous, and even milk chocolate can cause poisoning.

White chocolate contains minimal theobromine, but its high sugar and fat content may still upset a cat’s stomach.

If your cat eats chocolate, you might notice symptoms within a few hours. These include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and even seizures.

In severe cases, chocolate poisoning in cats can lead to muscle tremors, coma, or death. The signs of chocolate toxicity vary depending on how much chocolate was consumed and the type.

There’s no amount of chocolate that’s considered safe for cats.

Even a tiny bit of chocolate bar or chocolate-flavored foods can cause problems. Ice cream and desserts made with chocolate may also contain sugar, dairy, or other ingredients that upset your cat’s stomach.

As a general rule, keep all chocolate — including cookies — out of reach of your pet.

If you suspect your cat has consumed chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Time matters. In some cases, your vet may induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to limit absorption.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call an emergency vet if your regular clinic is closed.

Cats are less likely than dogs to seek out chocolate, but accidents happen. Store chocolate and cocoa products in sealed containers, and avoid feeding your cat human food — especially desserts.

Keep an eye on your kitty during holidays like Halloween or Valentine’s Day, when chocolate is everywhere.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.