Can cats eat chocolate?
Also called: cocoa, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, baking chocolate, brownies
Toxic
Contains caffeine and theobromine, which overstimulate the heart and nervous system.
No. Chocolate is toxic to cats. It contains caffeine and theobromine, which can cause vomiting, a racing heart, tremors and seizures. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, extra thirst and peeing, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
- Stomach upset and overstimulation of the heart and nervous system.
Why it's dangerous
- Dark and baking chocolate and cocoa powder carry the highest risk; white chocolate the lowest.
Where this comes from
Pet Poison Helpline
Chocolate contains the Methylxanthine derivatives caffeine and theobromine. These substances act as stimulants on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
Symptoms of poisoning can include stomach upset, as well as cardiovascular and neurologic stimulation.
Read "Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Pet Poison Helpline
Chocolate contains the Methylxanthine derivatives caffeine and theobromine. These substances act as stimulants on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Checked 9 October 2026
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.
The darker (higher cacao percentage) the chocolate, or the higher the caffeine content, the greater the risk for toxicity.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Symptoms of poisoning can include stomach upset, as well as cardiovascular and neurologic stimulation.
Read "Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
The darker (higher cacao percentage) the chocolate, or the higher the caffeine content, the greater the risk for toxicity.
White chocolate has the lowest methylxanthine content while baking chocolate and cocoa powder have the highest concentrations.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026