My cat licked hot cocoa. Is theobromine toxic? Should I worry?

Question

I did some research on google for 'Cat licking Hot Chocolate' Since I asked a question earlier here if I need to Rush her to the vet for licking the rim of my cup that sat in the sink all night after I had a 28.3 G pack of hot coco mix with 4-5 tbsp of Cappucino and it said The chemical in cocoa that is toxic to cats and dogs is called 'theo bromine'. The amount of this is low in hot cocoa mix, also after 20 hours that the toxics out of their system is that true? Or do I still need to worry? x.x

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Yes, you are correct that the substance in cocoa that is toxic to dogs and cats is called theobromine. The half-life of theobromine is 7.5 hours. That means half of it will be gone from her system in 7.5 hours, then half of the remaining theobromine in 7.5 hours, and so on. Given that the amount was low in the hot cocoa, and the fact that she only ingested a little bit that had been diluted by water from sitting in the sink, you do not need to worry, she should be fine :-)

My cat licked hot cocoa. Is theobromine toxic? Should I worry?

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