Chocolate poisoning in cats involves theobromine toxicity, similar to dogs. Cats are relatively less likely to eat large amounts due to lacking sweet taste receptors, but when they do, the methylxanthines cause cardiac and neurological effects.
🚨 What To Do Right Now
Don't wait to see if symptoms worsen — act at the first sign of exposure.
Symptom Timeline
Knowing what symptoms to expect and when helps you understand the urgency:
GI Signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness.
Cardiac Effects
Rapid heart rate, excessive urination.
Severe Cases
Tremors, seizures in high-dose exposure.
Recovery
With treatment, most cats recover fully.
Why This Is Dangerous
Theobromine inhibits adenosine receptors and phosphodiesterases, causing cardiac stimulation, CNS excitation, and diuresis. Cats process theobromine slowly, allowing toxic accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The toxic dose is ~200mg theobromine per kg. For a 10 lb (4.5 kg) cat, that's ~1oz of dark chocolate.
Likely a small risk for a typical-sized cat, but call Poison Control to confirm based on the exact amount and type.
Cats lack sweet taste receptors (TAS1R2 gene is non-functional) and don't seek sweet foods. But curious cats may nibble chocolate left out.
White chocolate has very low theobromine (<1mg/oz) but high fat content, which can cause GI upset and pancreatitis in some cats.
Induced vomiting if recent, activated charcoal, IV fluids, and cardiac monitoring. Most cases resolve well with prompt care.