Kamil Perry
Cats are generally not allergic to cheese, but they are often lactose intolerant and unable to digest dairy products. Blue cheese, in particular, contains a mould called Penicillium, which can be toxic to cats in large quantities. While a small amount of blue cheese may not be harmful to cats, it is still high in fat and should be avoided if your cat has a heart condition or needs to lower its salt intake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are cats allergic to blue cheese? | Yes, blue cheese contains the mold Penicillium, which can be toxic to cats. |
| Are there any other types of cheese that cats are allergic to? | Yes, soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are high in lactose and pose health risks for cats. |
| Are there any types of cheese that cats can eat? | Harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss cheese, and parmesan have lower lactose content and are generally safer for cats to consume in small amounts. |
| What are the signs of a dairy allergy in cats? | Itching, skin rashes, hair loss, bloating, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and red patches on the skin. |
| What should you do if your cat eats blue cheese? | Monitor your cat closely and contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of adverse reactions. |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese contains mould, which can be toxic to cats
- Cats are often lactose intolerant, which means they can't digest dairy
- Dairy allergies in cats can cause skin disorders and gut problems
- Harder, aged cheeses have less lactose and are easier for cats to digest
- Cats with a dairy allergy may react poorly even to a small bite of cheese
Blue cheese contains mould, which can be toxic to cats
It is true that blue cheese contains mould, which can be toxic to cats. The mould in blue cheese, including in varieties such as Stilton, is called Penicillium. This mould can upset a cat's digestion, especially in older cats. While blue cheese is low in lactose, it is high in fat.
Blue cheese can be highly toxic to cats, and deaths have occurred, but this is usually when cats have eaten large quantities of old, mouldy, and expensive blue cheese from the trash. Blue cheese meant for human consumption is unlikely to be dangerous to cats. However, it is still recommended to only feed cats small amounts of cheese occasionally, as they are often lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy.
Lactose intolerance in cats can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Allergic reactions can cause skin disorders, itching, rashes, and hair loss. In rare cases, anaphylactic reactions can occur, which can be life-threatening.
If your cat has consumed blue cheese, monitor them closely for any signs of adverse reactions. If your cat vomits or shows any unusual signs, contact their veterinarian as soon as possible.
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Cats are often lactose intolerant, which means they can't digest dairy
Cats are obligate carnivores and do not require dairy in their diet. In fact, most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy products. This is because, after they are weaned, cats stop producing lactase, an enzyme that is essential for breaking down the sugars that occur naturally in milk (lactose). As a result, consuming cheese can lead to digestive problems such as bloating, gas, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Some cats may also experience itchy skin, red patches, or rashes after consuming dairy. This could be a symptom of a dairy allergy, which impairs a cat's ability to digest the proteins found in cheese and other dairy products. While lactose intolerance is more common, dairy allergies can be more severe, affecting a cat's immune system and causing more serious gastrointestinal problems.
Blue cheese, in particular, can be dangerous for cats to consume due to the presence of mould. The mould in blue cheese, such as Penicillium, can be toxic to pets and may upset a cat's digestion. Overripe or festering blue cheese can produce a toxin called Roquefortine C, which cats are susceptible to. However, this is more likely to occur when cats eat large quantities of discarded, old, and mouldy cheese from the trash.
If you choose to feed your cat cheese, it is important to do so in moderation and to avoid blue cheese and other mouldy varieties. Harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan have lower lactose content and are generally easier for cats to digest. Even so, it is recommended to limit cheese to a small piece about the size of a dice and only on rare occasions.
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Dairy allergies in cats can cause skin disorders and gut problems
Dairy allergies in cats are a result of their immune system becoming very sensitive to the protein, casein, in milk products. This type of allergy is often confused with lactose intolerance, which is an intolerance to the lactose in milk. Lactose intolerance does not cause an allergic reaction. Dairy allergies in cats occur in more than 10% of the breed.
Cats with dairy allergies will exhibit symptoms similar to those of lactose intolerance. These symptoms include chronic itching, skin inflammation, and excessive grooming, which can lead to wounds, abrasions, and hair loss. In some cases, cats with dairy allergies develop gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. They may also experience itching around the rectum, frequent bowel movements, and strain when defecating.
If you suspect your cat has a dairy allergy, it is important to consult a veterinarian. They will conduct a complete physical examination, including bloodwork, urinalysis, and a biochemistry profile. The veterinarian may also recommend a food trial, during which your cat will be fed a prescription diet for 12 weeks, followed by a reintroduction of their previous diet to confirm the allergy.
Treatment for dairy allergies in cats involves avoiding dairy products and finding alternative treats that do not contain dairy ingredients. This may require a carefully controlled hypoallergenic diet or a specific novel protein diet. It is important to continue this diet long-term and avoid giving your cat any treats or foods that contain dairy.
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Harder, aged cheeses have less lactose and are easier for cats to digest
Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need dairy products in their diet. In fact, most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy products well. Lactose intolerance in cats can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. Harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan have lower lactose content and are therefore easier for cats to digest. However, even these cheeses should only be given to cats in small amounts and on rare occasions.
Blue cheese, a popular variety of cheese, is particularly harmful to cats. Blue cheese contains the mold Penicillium, which can be toxic to pets. Overripe or festering blue cheese can produce a toxin called Roquefortine C, which is dangerous to cats and dogs. Cats that ingest blue cheese may experience digestive issues and, in rare cases, an anaphylactic reaction that can be life-threatening.
If you choose to feed your cat cheese, it is important to do so in moderation. A small piece of cheese, about the size of a dice, given once or twice a week should be safe for your cat. Harder, aged cheeses with lower lactose content, such as cheddar, Swiss cheese, or Parmesan, are better options than soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or cream cheese. Goat cheese is generally considered the safest cheese for cats due to its low lactose and salt content.
It is important to monitor your cat closely after introducing any new food, including cheese, and watch for signs of adverse reactions. If your cat shows any unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Remember, while the occasional small piece of cheese may be safe for your cat, frequent consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues due to the high-fat content of cheese.
In summary, harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan have lower lactose content and are easier for cats to digest. However, even these cheeses should be given sparingly and only as an occasional treat. Blue cheese, in particular, should be avoided due to its potential toxicity to cats. As always, consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat's diet or if they display any unusual symptoms after consuming cheese.
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Cats with a dairy allergy may react poorly even to a small bite of cheese
Cats are obligate carnivores and do not require dairy in their diet. In fact, most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy products well. This is because they do not produce the enzyme lactase, which is essential for breaking down lactose, a sugar that occurs naturally in milk. As a result, cats that consume dairy may experience bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
Some cats are also allergic to dairy proteins. This can cause skin disorders and gut problems, even when consuming a very small amount of cheese. In rare cases, an anaphylactic reaction can occur, which has the potential to be life-threatening. Common signs of a dairy allergy in cats include itching, skin rashes, and hair loss. These symptoms can make your cat very uncomfortable and might require veterinary treatment.
Blue cheese, in particular, is not recommended for cats. Blue cheese contains the mould Penicillium, which can be toxic to pets. Overripe or festering blue cheese can produce a toxin called Roquefortine C, which cats are susceptible to. However, this usually occurs when cats eat large quantities of discarded, old, and mouldy cheese from the trash.
If you choose to feed your cat cheese, it should only be given on occasion and in small amounts. Harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan have lower lactose content and are generally easier for cats to digest. Goat cheese has the least amount of lactose and is also lower in salt than other hard cheeses, making it the safest option for cats.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese contains the mould Penicillium, which can be toxic to cats. It is best to avoid feeding your cat blue cheese or any other mouldy cheese.
Cats who are allergic to dairy may experience itching, skin rashes, hair loss, and digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and gas.
If your cat eats blue cheese, monitor them closely for any signs of adverse reactions. If they show any unusual symptoms, contact their veterinarian as soon as possible.
