Why?
White chocolate is made of cocoa butter, sugar and milk, without the cocoa solids. It only contains traces of theobromine, far less than milk or dark chocolate. But it's a concentrate of fat and sugar, plus lactose that most adult cats digest poorly. That can mean vomiting, diarrhea and, in some cats, a risk of pancreatitis.
How much?
No amount is recommended. Store it like other chocolate, especially since it's often mixed with dark or milk chocolate in candies, cookies and cakes.
The risks
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Stomach pain from the fat and lactose
- Risk of pancreatitis with such a fatty food
- Poisoning if it's mixed with dark or milk chocolate
Your cat ate some: what now?
Call your vet or an animal poison control center to find out whether anything needs to be done, especially if your cat ate a fair amount or if it was mixed with dark or milk chocolate. Keep the packaging and don't try to make your cat vomit. For a single lick, watch for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Better options
If your cat loves creamy things, offer a little lactose-free cat milk or a lickable cat treat.
Common questions
Is white chocolate toxic to cats?
It contains so little theobromine that it's much less dangerous than dark chocolate. But its fat, sugar and milk can still make a cat sick, so it's not a safe alternative.
My cat licked white chocolate, is it serious?
A small lick usually causes, at worst, an upset stomach. Keep an eye on your cat and call your vet if it vomits, has diarrhea, seems lethargic or ate a lot.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.