Can cats eat chocolate?

Updated 12/05/2023

Cats should never eat chocolate, period. Even the tiniest piece of chocolate is enough to make your kitty very poorly, so it’s best to keep all chocolate-related goodies out of reach of wandering paws.

Is chocolate poisonous to cats?

Yes, chocolate contains naturally occurring ingredients which are poisonous to cats. Answering the question “can cats eat white chocolate?” is just as simple. Your furry feline should never be given chocolate of any kind - that includes cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and even white chocolate. According to the ASPCA, our feline friends are less likely to gobble up a whole chocolate bar than our canine companions, but they might try their chances with a glass of chocolate milk or some chocolate ice cream.

Why is chocolate bad for cats?

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are toxic stimulants for most animals. Cats are no exception - their little bodies have a hard time processing these toxins which can lead to some life-threatening symptoms. While toxicity levels vary depending on the type of chocolate and the size of your kitty, it is best to keep all chocolate products under lock and key.  

What to do if your cat eats chocolate

If your cat gets its paws on some chocolate, take them to the vet immediately. Even if you’re not 100% sure they ate any, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be ready to tell the vet as much as you can, including the type of chocolate your cat ate, and when and how much they ate. The vet may induce vomiting to try to get the chocolate out of your furry friend’s system, but don’t try this at home.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity

If your cat has eaten chocolate, symptoms of poisoning may occur between 6-12 hours later. The following symptoms may last up to three days, but they can even result in death.  

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased heart rate
• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Rapid breathing or panting
• Twitching/ muscles tremours 
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle rigidity
• Seizures
• Coma

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are not safe for cats

It turns out that what cats can and can’t eat is very different to us humans. While researching the question “can cats eat chocolate?”, we came across some other foods that we eat on a regular basis, but cannot share with our furry felines:

• Onion, garlic and leek
• Grapes and raisins
• Avocados
• Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits 
• Raw meat, fish and eggs
• Milk and dairy products