A common question about cats is whether they are allergic to chocolate. The SlideShare presentation explains the reasons why chocolate cannot be given to cats. What are the chemicals in chocolate that are bad for cats? What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in cats? By Eric Troy at CatCurious. Image credits: Slide 4 Dark chocolate and milk chocolate © Birgit Brandlhuber Slide 5 cartoon cat holding dynamite © maxiharmony All others public domain.

1. Are Cats Allergic To
Chocolate?
Let's find out more about
why cats can't have

2. Cats are allergic...

3. to other cats.

4. But, cats are not
allergic to chocolate.

5. No,
Really!

6. You should never give
chocolate to cats.
Most of them won't go for
it anyway...

7. Chocolate is
toxic to cats.
A toxin is different
than an allergen.

8. Allergic reactions are over-reactions to
harmless substances.

9. Chocolate is harmful
to cats!

10. Chocolate contains methylxanthine
alkaloids, similar to caffeine:
* theobromine
* theophylline
and caffeine too!

11. It's cute you think we're friends.
These stimulants are dangerous
for your furry feline friend.

12. Symptoms of chocolate
poisoning include:
* ataxia (loss of control of body movements)
* muscle tremors
* abdominal pain
* hematuria (blood in urine)
* seizures
* cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin [gums, inner lips])
* coma

13. Different types of chocolate have different
amounts of theombromine, etc...
but consider all chocolate unsafe!

14. Need more details?
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