Can Cats Eat Chocolate Chip Cookies? The answer might surprise you.
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What is Chocolate?
Chocolate is a food made from the beans of the cacao tree. It is used in many foods, including candy, pudding, cakes, and ice cream. It can also be used as a flavoring in some alcoholic beverages, such as Bailey’s Irish Cream. Chocolate chip cookies are a type of cookie that typically contains chocolate chips or chocolate chunks.
Theobromine
Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant, with the chemical formula C7H8N4O2. It is found in chocolate, as well as in a number of other foods, and has pharmacological effects in humans similar to caffeine. Despite its name, the compound contains no bromine. Theobromine is white or colourless, but commercial samples can be yellowish. It has a similar, but lesser toxicity to that of caffeine in humans and other animals.
Caffeine
Chocolate is made from the bean of the cacao tree. The beans are roasted, shelled and ground, then mixed with sugar and other ingredients to form a paste that is used to make chocolate liquor, chocolate syrup, chocolate chips and cocoa powder. Chocolate liquor is the basis for all types of chocolate. It is a mixture of cacao butter and cocoa solids ground into a liquid state.
What are the Effects of Chocolate on Cats?
While most people know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, many are unaware that chocolate can also be harmful to cats. Chocolate chip cookies usually contain a small amount of chocolate, which can be enough to make your cat sick. Theobromine, the chocolate alkaloid that is toxic to animals, can cause an increase in heart rate, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats.
Theobromine
The primary concern with chocolate and cats is theobromine. Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant. It’s also found in other plants such as tea leaves and the kola nut. Theobromine is a mild stimulant and it’s used as a heart medication for humans and animals. It dilates blood vessels, increases urination, and acts as a diuretic. In small amounts, theobromine isn’t harmful to cats. But, large amounts can be toxic.
Caffeine
Chocolate contains caffeine, theobromine, and other methylxanthines. Methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and death. Theobromine is the most harmful of the methylxanthines to dogs and cats.
What are Some Safe Alternatives for Cats?
While chocolate chip cookies may be a delicious treat for humans, they can be dangerous for cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats. Cats can also be allergic to wheat, so it’s best to avoid giving them anything with wheat flour. However, there are some safe alternatives that you can give your cat.
Catnip
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that catnip is safe for cats. There is no danger of overdosing, and it is not known to interact with any other food or plants. Catnip also doesn’t seem to have any negative side effects, even when consumed in large quantities.
That said, some cats may experience gastrointestinal upset after eating catnip. If your cat vomits or has diarrhea after eating catnip, it’s best to discontinue use and consult with your veterinarian.
In addition to being safe, catnip is also a healthy treat for cats. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, as well as essential minerals like iron and potassium. Catnip also contains antioxidants, which can help protect your cat from harmful free radicals.
Salmon
Salmon is a common seafood that is safe for cats to eat. It is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for your cat’s skin and coat. You can feed salmon to your cat as part of a balanced diet or as a treat.
