Easter is around the corner and you know what that means! Chocolate! It’s been a long, hard day at work, and after dinner you slump into that comfortable sofa with your easter egg in your hand, while your cat jumps up onto your lap with that oh so adorable purring and kneading. You can’t seem to help but offer kitty a piece of chocolate. But you shouldn’t! Even though some cats find chocolate to be as irresistible to them as it is to humans. One should always make a concerted effort to not give their any human food…especially chocolate!

Why chocolate is toxic to cats
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine. It seldom causes problems for humans; however, as cats cannot process theobromine as quickly as humans can, it stays in their bodies for much longer. A drug that increases the level of urination, as well as being a cardiac stimulant, theobromine can cause your pet’s heart rate to increase or it may cause the heart to beat irregularly, both of which have been proven to be deadly.
The level of theobromine in chocolate varies depending on the type of chocolate. Cooking chocolate contains the highest amount, while dark chocolate contains higher levels than milk chocolate. The higher the level of concentration of theobromine, the greater the risk it is to your pet’s health. Approximately 50 grams of chocolate for every 400g of body weight could be deadly for your cats and other pets.

There are many other problems that can result from feeding a cat chocolate. Addiction to chocolate is common in pets, and loss of appetite for its normal food can occur. As it is high in calories, it can therefore contribute to extra unnecessary weight gain and eventually obesity, as well as an increase in urine production, diabetes, and tooth decay.

Treatment for poisoning
Treatment for chocolate poisoning in its advanced stage can be very traumatic for both you and your cat, so it is much wiser to prevent your cat from consuming foods that contain chocolate. Should you notice symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or an increase in urination, you should take your pet to your local vet for treatment without delay. If these symptoms are left untreated, they can eventually lead to epilepsy, internal bleeding, heart attacks and eventually, death.

Other harmful foods
Apart from chocolate, other harmful foods to cats are onions and garlic – they contain ingredients that destroy red blood cells and result in anemia. Raisins and grapes cause kidney failure; and tomatoes, potatoes and milk can cause severe stomach problems.

If you do have a strong desire to feed your cat human treats, take a drive to your local vet or pet store where alternative treats have been formulated specifically for their digestive systems. These treats include chocolate look-a-likes, in which vegetable oils have been added and the theobromine has been removed; cat-friendly milk, as well as many other delicious treats. While it is cute to see your cat enjoy the same foods as you do, the long-term side effects are more harmful than you realize. Before you give your cat that chocolate, just stop to think how much you really love them!

By Christie-Anne Baker