Can Cats Drink Chocolate Milk – Is It Toxic Or Safe?

We already know that chocolate is not suitable for pets, like a dog, who won’t avoid and eat a bunch of chocolate right away; as for cats, milk is the most common thing we relate to them. For years and years, we have seen cartoon cats delight over milk and even chocolate milk, but the real question is: Can cats drink chocolate milk? 

Cats cannot drink chocolate milk. Chocolate is toxic to cats and can lead to severe reactions such as stiffness, breathing problems, and seizures. Sugar and lactose in chocolate milk can affect a cat’s enzyme production as well as initiate vomiting and diarrhea.

Cats who drink milk regularly might suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, restlessness, and so on. After a while, the calorie levels of chocolate milk can lead your cat into obesity, which can cause a long-term illness that can be fatal. 

Today, we will explain and get deeper into why chocolate milk is not a good option for cats, what that can bring, and what to do if your cat ends up drinking it. We will be answering some questions regarding this subject that might be troubling you. Let’s get into it. 

Is Chocolate Milk Bad For Cats

Chocolate milk is bad for cats. Chocolate holds ingredients that can be toxic for cats, called Theobromine and caffeine. If consumed often and in large amounts, they can be detrimental to your cat’s overall health.

The effect of these ingredients is much more damaging in cats than humans; that’s why they are that sensitive to chocolate. 

Chocolate milk is softer than direct chocolate; after the first months of their life, milk is no longer necessary, and it’s not good in general to give to your cat. Chocolate milk adds two bad things in one; plus the amount of sugar is bad and toxic. 

Is Chocolate Milk Safe For Cats

Chocolate milk is not safe for cats. The toxicity chocolate has can lead to many health troubles.

Cats are usually lactose intolerant; after being fed by their mothers, they start to become intolerant to milk in general. Adding chocolate to that combination is not only dangerous, but it’s unnecessary with so many other food and drink options available for cats.

One of the main problems is that if you usually give milk to your cat, even though it is not good for them, they will get used to it and like and demand more. 

It’s not 100% sure that it will lead to more significant issues. Still, if you let your cat have chocolate milk, you can expect at least the common symptoms, like diarrhea and vomiting, which are still bad for you and your furry friend, so avoiding chocolate milk, or milk in general is for the best. 

Reasons Cats Can’t Drink Chocolate Milk

By this time, we already know that chocolate milk is not good for cats; many people don’t know how bad it can be for cats, or at least, why they shouldn’t be giving chocolate milk to cats. 

However, there are a few reasons why it’s essential to avoid doing these, so here are five reasons why cats can’t drink chocolate milk and what might cause it. 

Lactose Intolerance 

Once again, as mentioned before, after their mothers feed kittens, milk is no longer critical to their system. As they grow older, their digestive system becomes less tolerant to lactose. 

Their bodies stop producing an enzyme that digests milk and all the sugar it contains, which means that chocolate milk can affect their systems even more. 

Bad Symptoms 

Due to being lactose intolerant will lead to some bad symptoms. Either the mildest ones, like increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, restlessness and hyperactivity. Or some more extreme like tremors, muscle rigidity, seizures, increased heart rate, and even death. 

This might not sound like a big deal, but something as simple as chocolate milk can lead to something fatal.  

Obesity 

Milk has a lot of sugar and calories by itself. Chocolate milk even sweeter and contains additional calories. If owners give chocolate milk regularly to their cats, this can easily cause obesity. It’s not the chocolate flavor that makes them addicted to it, but the fat in the milk. 

Cream, ice cream, and other cream-based food are something they like a lot, and since they are lactose intolerant, they shouldn’t eat any of these. Obesity can cause diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and even cancer. 

Safety 

We love our pets more than anything, they are our companions, friends, and we must take care of them. 

We should never get them addicted to milk, they will ask for it, and we won’t be able to resist it, even though it’s bad for them. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if your cat is addicted to chocolate milk, there’s a solution for it.

The best way to change that is by giving the cat lactose-free milk; there are many types and flavors; go for the one that suits your pet the best. 

Chocolate Toxicity 

Chocolate toxicity can be a real concern in cats that have or consume chocolate. While a lick of chocolate won’t hurt your cat, taking in too much can cause them to get sick.

Milk chocolate is the worst of them and can lead to the issues mentioned before; if they consume large amounts, it can lead to severe complications. 

What Happens If My Cat Drinks Chocolate Milk

What happens when cats drink chocolate milk is that it upsets their stomach since they are lactose intolerant. They end up vomiting, having bad diarrhea, physical pain, and many other upsetting symptoms. 

As we mentioned before, cats like cream-based products, which are filled with fat content, being the thing that most attracts them to milk, not the flavor. Chocolate milk has fat and a good amount of sugar and calories, which can get them addicted to it. 

When you see this happening to your cat, the best way is to stop; professionals often recommend not giving chocolate milk to cats, but in case you did, don’t let those cute eyes soften you. 

How Much Chocolate Milk Is Toxic To Cats

There’s no certain quantity that can be harmful because all cats are different; some can suffer and not have symptoms. Not only are cats lactose intolerant, but chocolate has some toxic traits to it and can be bad for them.

Anything they consume with chocolate can lead to poisoning. Chocolate milk, depending on which one you buy, has cocoa and syrup, which makes the sugar rate higher. 

Chocolate milk contains a toxic substance called Theobromine which can be a milk alternative bad for pets. The amount consumed can depend on the cat, but when the lightest symptoms start to appear, rush to the vet because it can lead to the worst symptoms. 

Even if your cat hasn’t experienced any of the symptoms and reacts well to chocolate milk, don’t risk it. 

What Kind Of Milk Can Cats Drink

After the first months, milk stops making any effect on cats; they don’t need it anymore; all they need is hydration. 

However, milk is a way to keep them hydrated with something they enjoy. 

Since they are lactose intolerant, there are a few options to replace milk that can be given and some to be avoided. 

Rice Milk 

Something that humans who are lactose intolerant also consume, it can be given to cats too. Many owners give them milk because they beg for it, and it’s impossible to say no to that furry face. 

It comes from brown rice. However, it has a lot of sugar, which cats don’t deal very well with. So, this should only be given from time to time. Otherwise, it can be bad for your cat. 

Almond Milk 

Another alternative to regular cow’s milk, almond milk, is also suitable for cats. Since it comes from a nut, this type of milk doesn’t contain lactose, and the sweetness is mild, being just right for cats. It also contains a high level of protein, but with the proper diet, it can be a good option for cats. 

However, it’s important to remember that almonds have high quantities of oils and fats, and these can cause bad reactions to cats, in some cases, might not be the best, depending on your cat’s health. 

Soy Milk

Made from soybeans, soy milk is just another common option as a replacement for someone who’s lactose intolerant; many people choose to give up cow’s milk to start drinking soy milk. 

However, soy milk for cats must be well researched before given since it contains many plant-based proteins, some cats are allergic to these, and their system does not react well. It can also lead to hyperthyroidism, so it should mostly be avoided. 

Goat’s Milk

Even though goat’s milk also comes from animals and contains lactose, it has less than 30% lactose than common cow’s milk. Goat’s milk is high in minerals and vitamin A; it can be easier for cats to digest; however, it should be given carefully and mainly as a treat. 

Coconut Milk 

This is mentioned as an alternative like mentioned before; they can be sensitive to some nuts; even though coconut is not a nut, those allergic to nuts can also be allergic to coconut. 

Like almond milk, it contains high levels of oils and fats, which can be harmful to our furry friends. Just like almond milk, it doesn’t have lactose and should only be given in small portions. It’s normal for us but can be harmful to cats. 

Kitten Milk Replacer 

Milk is essential for kittens who are still too small and haven’t started eating any solid foods.

Many kittens don’t receive the milk directly from their mothers, and they need special formulas to help them grow healthy. KMR is the best type of milk to give cats who are still in the nursing stage. 

What To Do If Your Cat Drinks Chocolate Milk

Chocolate milk is by far the least harmful of chocolates. However, it’s essential to stay alert and follow some tips. 

First thing first, if you notice that your cat drank chocolate milk, keep an attentive eye on the cat to see if any symptoms appear. Keep the cat inside, and don’t let it walk outdoors. 

If you feel worried, immediately contact your vet; if you reach right after they drank it, they can induce vomiting and remove all the toxicity of chocolate from their system.

It’s also crucial that you know all about your cat, like weight and size; this can help the vet better determine what to do. 

Suppose the vet says that your cat is suffering from chocolate poisoning. In that case, once you get your cat home, it’s essential to keep them hydrated and on a restricted diet after being administered to the treatment and always follow the vet’s instructions. 

What Can You Give Cats Instead Of Milk

There are plenty of milk alternatives; since it doesn’t add any good to the cat’s life, it’s better to give them things that are indeed good for their system. 

Wet Food

These are great milk alternatives; wet food is easier to consume and not dry; it keeps the cats hydrated and filled with nutrients. 

Bone Broth 

Bone broth contains a lot of benefits to cats, like liver health and digestion. It can also be really good for their outside, like healthier fur. Cats love bone broth because, since cats are carnivores, the flavors are just what they love and want. 

Water 

Milk is usually used only for them to keep hydrated, it might sound like a good option, but in this case, water is much better for them. It’s something completely safe, good for them, and there’s no way it will harm them.