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Brownies are not a good treat for cats, for a variety of reasons.
Interestingly, cats lack a taste receptor for sweet foods, which makes them unable to taste sweet substances. Although a brownie may be tasty for humans, it does not taste the same for cats. However, some cats may want to investigate these treats out of curiosity, or be attracted to their high fat content. Brownies aren’t exactly healthy for humans, but they can be toxic to cats, so it is important to keep them out of reach. Ingredients such as chocolate and the artificial sweetener xylitol are toxic to cats, while the butter, oil, and sugar put them at risk of gastrointestinal distress and weight problems.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about why brownies should not be shared with cats, from the mildly concerning to the deadly serious.
Why Are Brownies Not Safe for Cats To Eat?
In simple terms, brownies are not safe for cats to eat. This is because they contain chocolate which is toxic to cats along with other unhealthy ingredients. There is also no reason for cats to eat brownies because brownies have nothing to offer cats nutritionally.
Cats are naturally curious creatures, so if you have recently made a batch of brownies and your cat has been nibbling on them, you need to contact your vet and act according to their instructions. It may come down to watching them closely to ensure that they are not showing any abnormal signs, or, depending on the amount of chocolate they have ingested, they may need to receive treatment.
A small amount of chocolate can be extremely dangerous for cats, depending on their weight and the cacao content of the chocolate. Since chocolate is usually the key ingredient in brownies, it is clear to see why you should avoid feeding them to your cat.
- Flour
- Eggs
- Butter
- Chocolate
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Xylitol (sometimes present, toxic to cats)
Flour and butter are safe for cats to ingest in strict moderation but add no nutritional value to your cats’ diet and may predispose to a stomach upset or pancreatitis. Eggs are safe for cats to eat when prepared properly and cooked, and many cat owners may periodically offer their cats a little bit of thoroughly boiled egg. The main ingredients that give brownies their delicious taste are chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar, while some recipes use xylitol, an artificial sweetener potentially toxic to cats. Any amount of chocolate should be avoided in cats, even white chocolate which has a lower percentage of cocoa in it, but its effects depend on the ingested amount. Xylitol is also believed to be harmful to cats and should be avoided.
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Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Chocolate?
All forms of chocolate can be toxic to cats, from baking chocolate to milk or white chocolate. It is not cocoa powder itself that makes chocolate toxic to cats, but the high levels of theobromine and caffeine that chocolate contains. This makes chocolate toxic for cats, depending on the amount of theobromine per each type of chocolate and the amount of chocolate a cat eats.
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Refusing food
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Excitation
- Tremors
- Seizures
If you suspect that your cat has eaten anything containing chocolate, it is best to speak to a veterinarian quickly and decide on whether they need urgent treatment, depending on the type and amount of chocolate ingested. In some cases of a very small amount your vet may recommend for you to monitor their signs at home, while other cases need urgent treatment. Ensure that you take the proper measures to keep your cat safe by storing all chocolate items away in a secure location.
Some brownies may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs and although there is limited research on its effects on cats, it is a risk best not taken. This is why it’s important to be safe and avoid it altogether.
Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.
- NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
- WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
Final Thoughts
Aside from brownies being unhealthy and potentially toxic to cats, they do not make a good treat for cats. There are a variety of different safe and healthy treats that you can feed your cat instead. Your cat should be eating a diet rich in animal protein daily and have healthy treats with safe ingredients in moderation. So keep those brownies to yourself!
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Featured Image Credit: 791101, Pixabay
