What's more, is the effect with chocolate is cumulative over an animals
life, it collects in the liver and slowly poisons the liver so a dose
now, even in dogs may not be bad, but over time a dose here and a dose
there can add up to a bad amount.

Bridget

Gandalf wrote:
On 01 Dec 2006 22:42:50 GMT, wrote:

gracecat wrote:

Depends on the chocolate Dewi
White chocolate is perfectly fine, minus the sugar, milk solids and etc. But
the cacoa toxin isn't present.
That's because white chocolate isn't chocolate at all. I don't know what
it is, but I'm sure someone who does know will say what it is. All I
know is that it really has nothing to do with chocolate, so I'm not surprised
that it's safe(r) for pets.

Joyce

The substance in chocolate that's toxic to cats and dogs (and likely
other critters I'm not aware of) is theobromine, or by it's IUPAC name:
3,7-dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione. (There will be a quiz
later...).

It's what makes chocolate addictive to humans. It tends to be a 'mood
elevator', but very mild compared to controlled substances.

Because cats are so small, relatively small amounts of chocolate,
especially dark chocolate, can cause seizures and death.

Since some cats and dogs will try just about any 'human food', even if
it's smell doesn't necessarily appeal to them, chocolate should always
be kept away from cats and dogs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Life without cats would be only marginally worth living."
-TC, and the unmercifully, relentlessly, sweet calico kitty, Kenzie.

How you behave towards cats here below determines your status in Heaven.
- Robert Heinlein

Life is very difficult. Once you understand that, life becomes easier.
-Buddha