Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
Last reviewed October 2026 · Based on 2 published veterinary sources (listed below)
No — toxic
No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which cats can't break down well. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Cats can't taste sweetness, so poisoning is less common than in dogs, but it does happen.
Symptoms
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Restlessness, fast breathing
- Fast heart rate, tremors
- Seizures in severe cases
What to do if your cat ate it
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much and when.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a pet poison hotline before symptoms start.
- Never try to make a cat vomit at home. Home remedies such as salt or hydrogen peroxide can badly hurt cats.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're worried about your pet, call your vet or an emergency clinic.