Can Cats Eat Chocolate? No: Toxic Dose, Symptoms & What to Do

Toxic

No, chocolate is toxic to cats

Chocolate is toxic to cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which cats metabolize poorly. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. Call your vet if your cat ate any.

If your cat ate chocolate: call your vet or animal poison control now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Chocolate for cats at a glance

Can cats eat it?	Toxic
Calories	Not recommended as a treat
Main benefit	None for pets
Main risk	Methylxanthines can cause vomiting, a racing heart, tremors and seizures
Kittens?	No

How much chocolate causes symptoms?

Mild signs can start at about 20 mg/kg of methylxanthines, heart effects at 40-50 mg/kg and seizures at 60 mg/kg or more (Merck Veterinary Manual). The table shows how much of each chocolate reaches 20 mg/kg.

Cat weight	Milk chocolate	Dark / semisweet	Baker's
6 lb	0.9 oz	0.3 oz	0.1 oz
8 lb	1.1 oz	0.5 oz	0.2 oz
10 lb	1.4 oz	0.6 oz	0.2 oz
12 lb	1.7 oz	0.7 oz	0.2 oz
14 lb	2 oz	0.8 oz	0.3 oz

For a full breakdown, use the chocolate toxicity calculator.

Symptoms to watch for

Vomiting and diarrhea
Restlessness
Increased heart rate
Tremors and seizures

Why it is dangerous

Risks

Methylxanthines can cause vomiting, a racing heart, tremors and seizures
Cats are small, so even modest amounts can be a high dose per kg
Chocolate desserts are also high in fat

How to keep your cat safe

Never feed chocolate
Keep cocoa powder and baking chocolate sealed and out of reach
Call a vet or poison control after any ingestion

What to do if your cat ate chocolate

Work out how much was eaten, when, and your cat's weight. Keep any packaging.
Call your vet or animal poison control now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to (hydrogen peroxide is not safe for cats).
Follow your vet's advice even if your cat seems fine: treatment works best before signs start.

Safer treats to give instead

These are safe for cats in treat-size amounts:

Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.

Chocolate and cats: FAQ

Can cats have chocolate?

No. Chocolate is toxic to cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which cats metabolize poorly. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. Call your vet if your cat ate any.

How much chocolate is toxic to a cat?

Published dose thresholds come mainly from dogs (about 20 mg/kg for mild signs). Cats may be more sensitive, so treat any significant amount as an emergency.

Do cats like chocolate?

Cats cannot taste sweetness, so they rarely seek it out, but they may lick frosting or cocoa drinks.

Is white chocolate safe for cats?

It is low in theobromine but high in fat and sugar. Avoid it.

Can kittens eat chocolate?

No. Kittens are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so the risks are greater. Call your vet if your kitten ate any.

More "can cats eat" guides

Browse lists: human foods cats can eat · foods cats can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Cats Eat Chocolate?