The charity, which has its National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate, prompted owners to be cautious and stated that even 2 grams of chocolate might be harmful to felines.
” Consuming even a percentage of chocolate might raise a cat’s heart rate and boost loss of physical fluids, both of which might be deadly,” stated Cats Defense’s main veterinary officer Sarah Elliott.
She stated that caffeine in chocolate can impact a cat’s main nerve system and trigger muscle twitching, however the primary threat is theobromine.
” Felines can’t metabolise the stimulant and diuretic in addition to people so it stays in their blood stream for longer and rapidly constructs to harmful levels,” stated Sarah.
Indications of poisoning can typically be seen within thirty minutes to 2 hours after a cat has actually consumed chocolate.
These can consist of throwing up, diarrhoea, extreme urination, irregular heart beat and seizures.
” The seriousness of these signs will depend upon your cat’s weight and just how much chocolate they have actually consumed,” stated Sarah.
She stated owners who believe their cat has actually consumed any chocolate ought to call a veterinarian immediately.
” Do not await the signs to appear prior to looking for help,” she stated.
Felines are naturally curious, stated Sarah, so chocolate, tin foil and product packaging need to be stayed out of their reach to stop them from smelling around it.
Felines’ tongues can not in fact discover sweet taste from sugar, she stated, and it is most likely the cat is drawn in to the fat material of human food.
Other foods that can position a danger to felines consist of coffee, nuts, grapes, garlic and coconut water, which can trigger serious throwing up, diarrhoea or dehydration.
Milk and cheese can likewise trigger illness and digestion issues due to the fact that lots of felines are lactose intolerant.
