can a cat die from eating chocolate ice cream?

Question

My old Latvian Aunt was freaked for days after her old cat ate some chocolate ice cream out of her bowl. What can I tell her about this, coz it doesn't sound true to me. Thanks

Answer 1

I certainly hope not as I give my cat chocolate ice cream regularly!
I know there's a rumor that dogs will die if they eat chocolate, and I think the truth of that is that dogs have a tendency to be allergic to chocolate, and so some may get sick and die if they have any large quantity of it. However, it's not true that all dogs will die! My dog-loving friend explained this to me after I gasped when she fed her dog some chocolate.
Anyway, I wonder if your old Aunt is confusing cats with dogs, or if there was a similar rumor about cats in her day?
For the record, my cat (who I think may actually be human) really loves to eat: milk, cheese, yogurt (all fruit flavours - not too keen on coffee flavour), bread (the yeastier the better), eggs, mushroom-based meat substitute ("Quorn"), and pretty much anything else we might be eating. She actually broke a mug the other day when she hit it as she darted off the table after being caught nibbling at my egg & cheese sandwich! She's very healthy, and I am sure your aunt's cat will be, too!

Answer 2

it is a myth that a cat or dog can die from eating chocolate. chocolate in small quantitys does not harm them at all. well maybe touch of the runs, but thats it. also i would like to point out that your cat may have ate chocolate ie cream. they dont put real chocolate into the ice cream, your cat may or may not get a touch of the run's, and if she does keep an eye on her, make sure she drinks plenty of water.

Answer 3

When chocolate (especially dark chocolate) is eaten "straight" like pieces of baking chocolate it can be toxic to cats and dogs. Cats usually will not eat enough of it to do great harm, dogs however will eat it in great quantities and it can cause death for them by overstimulating the heart into fatal fibrillation.

So a few licks from the bottom of the bowl of choclate ice cream won't affect the cat much at all. Better if it is vanilla, peach and not chocolate chip.

Answer 4

No one can say yes or no. In most cases no, it does take a good amount or chocolate to kill dogs and cats depending on size. But if the cat is allergic or has eaten enough it might get diarrhea which leads to dehydration which can lead to death.If she is worried have it checked by a vet or at least give the vet a call.It sounds like it happened a couple days ago so if there are no signs of sickness she is probably fine.

Answer 5

It is *VERY* bad for a feline (or canine) to consume chocolate ice cream. Not only is the sugar highly poisonous to cats and dogs, but chocolate in itself (even without the sugar) is too. Just make sure the cat doesn't do it again.

Answer 6

The cat might die if you only feed it chocolate ice cream. Dogs die if they eat to much chocolate, especially the baking type. That is what my pets vet told me.

Answer 7

I say no that they wont die but they might get sick. By that most of the doctors say not to give milk to cats. And as you know the icecream is made out of milk. So I think that maybe you should take the cat to the vet just to make sure.

Answer 8

Chocolate can kill a cat or dog but usually in larger quantities. if the cat licked the bowl it should be just fine there usually isn't much chocolate in icecream. My cat has done this lots and she's just fine.

Answer 9

Dont' worry. Unless the cat ate TON of ice cream, then it's fine. My cats have always licked our ice cream bowls when they can get ahold of them, and they are fine.

Answer 10

I don't see that it would kill a cat. Might make them a little sick and make a stinky mess if you know what I mean but it shouldn't seriously hurt them. I used to have a cat that loved vanilla ice-cream with strawberries. It is dairy and cats love dairy even if it does not love them so much.