Cat Chocolate Toxicity Calculator
Assess the risk level if your cat ate chocolate. Cats are even more sensitive to theobromine than dogs. Get immediate guidance.
Cats cannot taste sweetness, which makes them less likely to eat chocolate voluntarily. However, if your cat has consumed chocolate (perhaps from licking a wrapper or eating chocolate-containing products), use this calculator to assess the risk.
How This Calculator Works
Why Cats Are More Sensitive
Cats metabolize theobromine even more slowly than dogs, making them more susceptible to toxicity. Additionally, cats typically weigh less than dogs, so even small amounts of chocolate can be dangerous. Fortunately, cats cannot taste sweetness, so they rarely eat chocolate voluntarily.
Theobromine Content by Chocolate Type
- White Chocolate: 0.25 mg/oz - Very low risk
- Milk Chocolate: 58 mg/oz - Moderate risk in small amounts
- Dark Chocolate: 150 mg/oz - High risk
- Baking Chocolate: 390 mg/oz - Extremely dangerous
- Cocoa Powder: 400 mg/oz - Extremely dangerous
Toxicity Thresholds for Cats
- Mild symptoms: 20-40 mg/kg body weight
- Moderate symptoms: 40-60 mg/kg body weight
- Severe symptoms: 60-100 mg/kg body weight
- Life-threatening: >100 mg/kg body weight
Common Exposure Scenarios
Cats most commonly ingest chocolate by licking chocolate milk spills, eating chocolate ice cream, or consuming chocolate-containing baked goods. They may also lick chocolate wrappers or eat chocolate chips that fall on the floor.
Emergency Actions
If your cat has consumed chocolate within the last 2 hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to prevent absorption. Never attempt to induce vomiting at home without veterinary guidance, as cats are prone to aspiration. After 2 hours, treatment focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms.
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