Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
No. Chocolate is toxic to cats, and dark and baking chocolate are the worst. See the signs of poisoning, which types are riskiest, and what to do.
No, cats should not eat chocolate. It contains theobromine and caffeine, stimulants that can affect a pet’s heart and nervous system. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder are the most dangerous, and because cats are small, it may not take much to cause trouble.
Why chocolate is bad for cats
Chocolate comes from cacao beans, which contain compounds called methylxanthines. The two that cause poisoning are theobromine and caffeine. Both stimulate the nervous system and the heart. Too much can cause a racing heart, high blood pressure, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures, and severe poisoning can be fatal.
Most of what vets know about chocolate poisoning comes from dogs, because dogs eat chocolate far more often. Research specific to cats is limited. But the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that many species are susceptible, and its treatment guidance includes a medication specifically for making cats vomit after eating chocolate. ASPCA Animal Poison Control and Pet Poison Helpline both describe chocolate as dangerous to pets in general, not just dogs.
Chocolate is also high in fat. According to Merck, that fat can trigger pancreatitis (a painful inflammation of the pancreas) in susceptible animals.
Which chocolate is most dangerous
The darker the chocolate (the higher its cacao percentage), the more theobromine and caffeine it contains, and the greater the risk. Based on the ASPCA and Merck:
- Highest risk: cocoa powder and unsweetened baking chocolate
- In between: dark and semisweet chocolate, then milk chocolate
- Lowest: white chocolate, which has very little
Chocolate also shows up in places you might not think about: brownies, cake, hot cocoa mix, chocolate milk, and chocolate syrup. Pet Poison Helpline warns that chocolate candy and baked goods can contain other toxic ingredients too, like raisins, macadamia nuts, or xylitol (a sugar substitute).
Signs to watch for
The ASPCA lists these signs of methylxanthine poisoning in pets:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Panting
- Drinking and peeing more than usual
- Hyperactivity
- An abnormal heart rhythm
- Tremors or seizures
The Merck Veterinary Manual says signs usually start within 6 to 12 hours of eating chocolate and can last up to about 72 hours in severe cases. Those timelines come from animals in general, not cats specifically, so don’t wait for symptoms before calling.
How much is too much?
Pet Poison Helpline says the severity depends on the type and amount of chocolate eaten and on the size and health of the animal. The published dose thresholds are for dogs, and we couldn’t find reliable cat-specific numbers, so we won’t guess at one here. If your cat ate any chocolate, call your vet or a poison hotline and let them work out the risk.
What to do if your cat ate chocolate
- Take away any leftover chocolate and keep the packaging.
- Note the details: the type of chocolate, about how much is gone, when it happened, and your cat’s weight.
- Call your vet or a poison hotline right away, even if your cat is acting normal.
- Follow their advice. If the amount was risky, they’ll likely want to see your cat.
If your cat ate chocolate recently and has no symptoms yet, a vet may give medication to make your cat vomit. Cats that are already showing signs get supportive care, which can include IV fluids, medication for vomiting, tremors, or heart rhythm problems, and heart monitoring. Merck notes that getting the chocolate out of the stomach early can make the poisoning less severe.
Keeping chocolate out of reach
Keep chocolate, cocoa mix, and baked goods in closed cabinets, and don’t leave them on counters or tables your cat can jump onto.
Treats of any kind should be no more than about 10% of your cat’s daily calories. For a full list of foods and household items to keep away from your cat, see our guide to foods that are toxic to cats.