Cat Chocolate Toxicity Calculator
Emergency assessment tool for chocolate poisoning in cats - calculate theobromine and caffeine toxicity levels
Calculate Chocolate Toxicity
🚨 Emergency Information
If your cat is showing symptoms: Contact emergency veterinary clinic immediately
Symptoms include: Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, tremors
Time is critical: Symptoms typically appear within 4 hours
Enter your cat's current body weight
Select the type of chocolate consumed
Estimate as accurately as possible - one chocolate piece ≈ 6g
Toxicity Assessment Results
Enter cat weight, chocolate type, and amount consumed to assess toxicity
📐 Toxicity Level Ranges
< 15.01 mg/kg: Safe - No significant toxicity expected
15.01 - 34.02 mg/kg: Mild - Gastrointestinal symptoms possible
34.02 - 45 mg/kg: Moderate - Cardiovascular symptoms likely
45 - 55.01 mg/kg: Severe - Neurological symptoms expected
> 55.01 mg/kg: Potentially lethal - Life-threatening
Chocolate Toxicity Reference
| Chocolate Type | Theobromine (mg/g) | Caffeine (mg/g) |
|---|---|---|
| White Chocolate | 0.25 | 0.85 |
| Milk Chocolate | 2.4 | 0.85 |
| Dark Sweet Chocolate | 5.5 | 1 |
| 60% Cocoa Dark Chocolate | 8.5 | 1.5 |
| 72% Cocoa Dark Chocolate | 10.2 | 1.8 |
| 86% Cocoa Dark Chocolate | 12.2 | 2.2 |
| Baking Chocolate (Unsweetened) | 16 | 4.2 |
| Cocoa Powder | 26 | 2.3 |
Lethal Doses for 4kg (8.8lb) Cat
| Chocolate Type | Lethal Amount (g) | Lethal Amount (oz) |
|---|---|---|
| White Chocolate | 5668 | 199.9 |
| Milk Chocolate | 97.4 | 3.4 |
| Dark Sweet Chocolate | 41.6 | 1.5 |
| 60% Cocoa | 26.0 | 0.92 |
| 72% Cocoa | 21.7 | 0.76 |
| 86% Cocoa | 18.1 | 0.6 |
| Baking Chocolate | 14.0 | 0.5 |
| Cocoa Powder | 8.6 | 0.3 |
💡 One piece of chocolate typically weighs 6 grams (0.21 oz)
Example Calculation
4kg Cat ate 20g Dark Chocolate (60% Cocoa)
Cat Weight: 4 kg
Chocolate Type: 60% Cocoa (8.5 mg/g theobromine, 1.5 mg/g caffeine)
Amount Eaten: 20 grams
Theobromine Dose: (8.5 × 20) ÷ 4 = 42.5 mg/kg
Caffeine Dose: (1.5 × 20) ÷ 4 = 7.5 mg/kg
Final Assessment
Total Dose: 42.5 + 7.5 = 50.0 mg/kg
Toxicity Level: Severe (45-55.01 mg/kg range)
Expected Symptoms: Seizures, tremors, abnormal heart rhythm
Action Required: EMERGENCY - Immediate veterinary treatment
Emergency Information
If Symptoms Present
Call emergency vet immediately
Do not wait for symptoms to worsen
Poison Control
ASPCA: (888) 426-4435
24/7 emergency hotline
Time Sensitive
Symptoms appear in 4 hours
Early treatment is crucial
Symptoms Timeline
0-4 hours: Symptoms typically begin
4-12 hours: Peak symptom severity
12-72 hours: Symptoms may persist
24+ hours: Continue monitoring
Recovery: With proper treatment
Understanding Chocolate Toxicity in Cats
Why is Chocolate Toxic to Cats?
Chocolate contains methylxanthines - specifically theobromine and caffeine - which are toxic to cats. Cats metabolize these compounds much more slowly than humans, leading to dangerous accumulation in their bloodstream. The darker the chocolate, the higher the concentration of these toxic compounds.
Toxic Mechanisms
- •Theobromine: Primary toxic compound, affects heart and nervous system
- •Caffeine: Enhances theobromine toxicity, stimulates central nervous system
- •Slow Metabolism: Cats eliminate these compounds very slowly
- •Accumulation: Toxins build up to dangerous levels
Clinical Signs by Severity
Mild (15-34 mg/kg)
Vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, restlessness
Moderate (34-45 mg/kg)
Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm
Severe (45+ mg/kg)
Seizures, tremors, hyperthermia, cardiac arrest, coma
Important: This calculator provides estimates. Actual toxicity can vary based on individual sensitivity, health status, and other factors. Always consult a veterinarian immediately if chocolate ingestion is suspected.