You might like baking up a big batch of hot, gooey brownies for a treat, but that doesn’t mean that everything that you eat is safe for your cat to consume as well. It is crucial to understand that brownies are not a safe or healthy treat to give to cats for numerous reasons.
Even if your cat seems interested, there is no real reason for them to eat brownies—cats lack the taste receptors to enjoy sweet foods. They are unlikely to show any interest to begin with unless you have got an extra curious kitty on your hands. After reading this article, you’ll learn why cats should never eat brownies and what to do if they eat some without your knowledge.
Are Brownies Safe for Cats to Eat?
Brownies are not safe for cats to eat. The most dangerous ingredient found in almost all brownie recipes is chocolate. Chocolate is toxic to cats. Aside from that, brownies are loaded with all sorts of other unhealthy ingredients that offer no nutritional value to felines. Cats are naturally curious animals, though, and there are plenty of people who have walked in on their cat eating a brownie right out of the pan.
Even small amounts of chocolate are dangerous for cats, so you have to be extra careful when making brownies or other chocolatey desserts.
Other Dangerous Ingredients in Brownies
Brownies are made from flour, eggs, butter, chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar. None of these ingredients offer anything beneficial to your pet’s diet. Flour and butter are safe but give cats no nutritional benefits. Eggs are also safe for cats, but you’d be better off feeding them a small amount of cooked egg on top of their kibble instead. You already know the dangers of chocolate. That leaves sugar. Sugar is unhealthy for cats and should be extremely limited in their diet. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and a ton of other medical problems.
Do Cats Like Brownies?
Cats do not have the same taste buds as humans, so cats that do eat brownies aren’t even tasting the sweetness. Brownies don’t usually have the same appeal to cats as they do for us or dogs, but the smell or texture still might lure some mischievous cats in for a closer look.
Cats are obligate carnivores and they do not need anything other than meat-based proteins to live a healthy life. Carbohydrates and large amounts of sugar are not necessary for their survival. Most cats won’t eat them, but some still might.
Why Is Chocolate Dangerous for Cats?
Chocolate is toxic to cats regardless of what form it comes in. Chocolate contains high levels of caffeine and theobromine that make it dangerous for felines even in small amounts.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Too Much Chocolate?
Cats have small bodies that are unable to absorb and process the toxins found in chocolate. Signs that your cat has eaten a dangerous amount of chocolate include:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Abnormal heart rhythm
If you suspect your cat has eaten any chocolate, take them to the vet or emergency veterinary hospital right away. The veterinarian might conduct a variety of tests to verify that they ate chocolate. If you can confirm that they did, they may induce vomiting and administer lots of fluids to help flush their system. Your vet will discuss the best treatment plan for your cat. Once you bring them home, follow all instructions your vet has provided for you to help get them feeling better again.
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Conclusion
Brownies are unhealthy and potentially toxic for cats. They do not make a good treat, even if given rarely and in small amounts. You should never feed your cat brownies or any other foods that contain chocolate of any kind. The best way to keep your cat healthy is to give them a variety of animal proteins daily. You can find healthy treats for sale that are meat-based instead of giving them human foods that were never meant for cats to begin with. This doesn’t mean you can never bake yourself a batch of fresh brownies, though. Instead, stay in the kitchen and keep your cat away from the mess until you can get everything cleaned up and put away.
Are Brownies Safe for Cats to Eat?
