Can Cats Drink Chocolate Milk? | Waldo's Friends

Home / Blog / Can Cats Drink Chocolate Milk?

Blog

Blog Hero

Cat Food

Can Cats Drink Chocolate Milk?

Can Cats Drink Chocolate Milk?

The short answer: No.

The long answer: There are two main reasons why cats should not drink chocolate milk. The first reason is because cats cannot have chocolate. Chocolate is a treat prepared using roasted and ground cacao seeds. Served in liquid, paste, or block form, chocolates contain the compound theobromine, the stimulant caffeine, and sugar that can all cause life-threatening complications to your cat. As little as 0.2 ounces of baking chocolate, 0.5 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate, and 1.14 ounces of milk chocolate can poison an 8-pound cat.

Secondly, chocolate milk generally uses cow milk. Most adult cats cannot drink cow milk because they do not have the digestive enzyme necessary to break down the lactose found in cow milk. As such, letting your cat drink chocolate-flavoured milk is a no-no. 

What to do if your cat accidentally drinks chocolate milk: Observe your cat for diarrhea, bloating, intestinal cramps, upset stomach, and vomiting in the next 24 hours. Depending on how much chocolate is in the milk drink, she may also exhibit hyperactivity, restlessness, increased thirst, tremors, increased reflex responses, muscle rigidity, rapid breathing, and seizures. A trip to the veterinarian or animal emergency clinic is needed. 

In summary: Chocolate milk should not be given to your cat, even as an occasional treat. The ingredients found in both cow’s milk and chocolate can cause digestive upset and toxic poisoning. If you are interested in giving milk to your cat, do your research to discover which kinds of milk are safe for her. Make sure they do not contain chocolate or other lethal flavourings. More importantly, get your veterinarian’s approval before making her try it. 

References:

Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat

Cats and Dairy: Get the Facts

Can Kittens Drink Milk?

Can Cats Drink Chocolate Milk? What You Need to Know!



Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.

Check out related posts

Can Cats Eat Zucchini?

Yes, cats can eat zucchini as a treat. Treated as a vegetable in the culinary world, zucchini is actually an edible fruit from the Cucurbita genus. Also called courgette or baby marrow, it is typically harvested when the immature seeds and rind are still soft.  Cats are obligate carnivores that need a regular supply of… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Zucchini?

Can Cats Eat Jam?

It is not recommended for cats to eat jam due to the fruit and sugar content. Jam is a jarred jelly product made with crushed fruits, sugar, and water. Almost any fruit can be turned into jam, but it is recommended to use fruits high in pectin, which is a key component in achieving the… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Jam?

Can Cats Eat Mussels?

Yes, cats can eat mussels once in a while. Mussels are bivalve mollusks commonly found in saltwater and freshwater habitats. They are a seafood delicacy contained within elongated and asymmetrical shells. There are about 17 species of mussel that are consumable. These are prepared through boiling, steaming, roasting, or frying in butter or oil. Just… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Mussels?