Everyone knows that dogs cannot eat chocolate, and many are aware of what happens when dogs consume chocolate. But can cats eat chocolate? What reactions do cats have after eating chocolate? The Pets Zone editor will explain in detail.

First, like dogs, cats also cannot eat chocolate. The reason is similar to why dogs cannot eat chocolate. The main component of chocolate is cocoa beans, and the theobromine inside cocoa cannot be digested or absorbed by cats, nor can it be metabolized. If a cat eats chocolate, the theobromine will remain in its body. A large amount or prolonged exposure will cause poisoning, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. The harm chocolate causes to cats is roughly the same as that to dogs, and severe cases may lead to death. Now you understand, cats cannot eat chocolate.

Reactions after a cat eats chocolate:

If the cat consumes only a small amount of chocolate, the most direct reaction is extreme excitement, similar to how humans get excited after eating chocolate, but the cat's excitement is even more apparent. Then the cat may also experience rapid heartbeat and irregular heart rhythm. After eating chocolate, cats also often urinate frequently. Moreover, cats may vomit because the theobromine irritates the stomach lining, causing excessive gastric acid secretion. If the cat eats a large amount of chocolate, it will show convulsions, trembling, cardiac function will gradually fail, leading to coma. If not discovered and treated in time, the cat may not recover. If found promptly, you can give the cat water and administer some grass to induce vomiting, trying to make the cat vomit the chocolate. If part of the chocolate can be vomited, you should immediately take the cat to the hospital for professional treatment. Even if the cat shows no abnormality after vomiting a small amount of chocolate, it is still recommended to have the cat checked at a hospital.

For cats, chocolate is highly toxic and symptoms appear within one to two hours. Without timely treatment, death can occur within one or two days. Therefore, all pet owners must remember never to give cats chocolate. Additionally, tea leaves and similar items containing caffeine are also harmful to cats.