Chocolate is a toxic substance to dogs, that much is a known fact. However, it is actually as toxic, perhaps even worse, for cats.
Ingesting chocolate appears to be less common with cats probably because they are not able to taste “sweet” substances. However, if it does occur, the effects are just as toxic as with dogs. There are compounds in chocolate that make it a delightful treat for humans, but these same substances are the ones that make it hazardous for cats and dogs.
Chocolate has caffeine in small amounts and a related substance, theobromine, in larger amounts. Compounds such as these, known as methylxanthines, both contribute to the clinical toxicity signs.
Generally, concentrations of theobromine and caffeine in chocolate are in proportion to the amount of cocoa present.
Baking chocolates and darker chocolate qualify as the most toxic, even in little amounts. White chocolate could also possibly cause clinical toxicity signs in pet cats because of how small they are, therefore ingestion of chocolate, whatever the type, has to be handled seriously.
A sudden change in your pet's diet and/or eating habits should prompt a visit to your animal hospital Raleigh, NC.
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