Can cats eat chocolate?
No.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which cats process even more slowly than people, making them sensitive to it. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. Cats eat chocolate far less often than dogs, but it's just as harmful.
Did your cat just eat chocolate?
Call your vet or a pet poison line now. Tell them the type of chocolate, roughly how much, and your cat's weight. Signs can take several hours to appear.
Call your vet, an emergency vet, or a 24/7 pet poison line:
US numbers. A consultation fee may apply. Don't try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Why is chocolate bad for cats?
Theobromine and caffeine overstimulate the heart and nervous system. Cats are small, so even a little dark chocolate or cocoa can be a big dose for their size.
Milk and white chocolate contain less of these stimulants, but the fat and sugar can still cause vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis.
Signs of chocolate poisoning in cats
Signs can take several hours to start and can last for days. Watch for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drinking and peeing more than usual
- Restlessness, panting, or agitation
- A racing heart
- Tremors, wobbliness, or seizures (an emergency)
What the vet will do
Treatment may include making your cat vomit (only a vet should do this in cats), activated charcoal, fluids, and monitoring of the heart rate and blood pressure. Chocolate poisoning is rarely fatal in cats, and the sooner treatment starts, the better.
Watch out for these too
- Brownies, cakes, cookies, and hot chocolate mix
- Cocoa powder left on counters
- Coffee, tea, and energy drinks (the same stimulants)
- Chocolate-flavored protein powders and supplements
Helpful tools and guides
- What can cats eat?
Our list of safe and dangerous foods for cats.
- Can cats eat cheese?
A common treat with a catch.
- Cat calorie calculator
How much to feed your cat each day.
Frequently asked questions
Do cats like chocolate?
Most cats show little interest, because cats can't taste sweetness. That's one reason chocolate poisoning is much less common in cats than in dogs. Cats may still lick chocolate frosting, ice cream, or hot chocolate.
My cat licked a little milk chocolate. Is that dangerous?
A lick of milk chocolate is unlikely to cause serious harm, but cats are small, so call your vet or a poison line for advice, especially for dark chocolate, cocoa, or any amount you're unsure about.
How long after eating chocolate will a cat get sick?
Signs usually take several hours to appear and can last for several days. Get advice straight away rather than waiting for signs.
Sources
- Schmid R, DVM, DABT, DABVT (Pet Poison Helpline). Chocolate Poisoning in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sources last checked: . How we calculate
Tools for your cat
Cat Age Calculator
Convert cat years to human years and see your cat's life stage.
Cat Calorie Calculator
Daily calories for your cat, and how much dry or wet food that is.
Cat Temperature Checker
Check whether your cat's temperature is normal, a fever, or an emergency.
Cat Pregnancy Calculator
Find your cat's due date and what to expect each week of pregnancy.