Potential Symptoms & Clinical Signs
| Toxicity Level | Dose Range (mg/kg) | Expected Symptoms |
|---|
Toxicity Breakdown
Cat Chocolate Safety Calculator
Understanding Cat Chocolate Toxicity
Chocolate contains substances known as methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine, which cats cannot metabolize effectively. While humans can process these compounds easily, in cats, they can build up to toxic levels, leading to serious health complications.
How Is Toxicity Calculated?
The severity of chocolate poisoning depends on the cat's weight, the amount of chocolate ingested, and the type of chocolate. Darker, more bitter chocolates contain higher concentrations of theobromine.
The basic formula for estimating the dose of theobromine ingested is:
\(Dose = \frac{Weight_{chocolate} \times Concentration_{theobromine}}{Weight_{cat}}\)
Where:
- Weightchocolate is the amount of chocolate eaten in grams.
- Concentrationtheobromine is the mg of theobromine per gram of chocolate.
- Weightcat is the body weight of the cat in kilograms.
Clinical Signs by Dosage
Clinical signs typically appear within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion. The progression of toxicity is generally categorized by the dosage of methylxanthines ingested:
- Mild (20 mg/kg): Signs may include restlessness, hyperactivity, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Moderate (40-50 mg/kg): Signs may progress to cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and muscle tremors.
- Severe (60+ mg/kg): At this level, there is a risk of seizures, rigidity, and it can be fatal without immediate veterinary intervention.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats Chocolate
If you suspect your cat has ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional, as this can sometimes cause aspiration pneumonia or other complications depending on the cat's condition.