Frederic Melton
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get their nutrients from meat. Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is also not a nutritional food for them. Cats can be lactose intolerant, and cheese contains lactose, which can cause digestive issues. However, some types of cheese are lower in lactose, such as Swiss, cheddar, gouda, and provolone. These cheeses can be given to cats in small amounts as a treat, but it is important to monitor your cat for any signs of discomfort.
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What You'll Learn
Cats can be lactose intolerant
Lactose intolerance in cats can cause digestive issues, including diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. If your cat has shown signs of lactose intolerance, it is best to avoid feeding them cheese. However, some types of cheese are lower in lactose and may be less problematic for your cat to eat. These include hard cheeses like Swiss or cheddar, while soft cheeses like mozzarella, brie, and cottage cheese contain higher amounts of lactose and can be more likely to upset your cat's stomach.
In addition to lactose, certain ingredients in cheese can be toxic to cats, including spices such as garlic, onion, and chives, as well as mould, which is found in blue cheese. It is important to read the food label and avoid feeding your cat any cheese with these ingredients.
While cheese can be a tasty treat for cats, it offers little to no health benefits. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get most of their nutritional needs from eating meat, and their digestive system is especially suited to this type of diet. High-quality cat food and treats designed specifically for felines are the best way to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
If you choose to feed your cat cheese, it is recommended to offer only a small amount as an occasional treat and monitor your cat closely for any signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. If your cat shows any negative reactions to cheese, discontinue feeding it immediately and consult your veterinarian.
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Salt, fat, and spices in cheese
Cats can eat cheese, but only in small amounts as an occasional treat. Large amounts of cheese are not good for cats. Cats with health problems, such as a heart condition, an allergy to dairy, or obesity, should not be fed cheese.
Cheese is typically safe for cats and provides some advantages. It is an acceptable low-carb snack, high in calcium and protein, which cats relish. However, cheese should be avoided if your cat is lactose intolerant or has a milk allergy. Even if this is not the case, cheese should be fed in moderation.
Cheese comes packed with salt, fat, and even spices or additional ingredients such as onion or garlic, which can be toxic for cats. Therefore, it is important to read the food label before offering cheese to your cat.
Salt is an essential ingredient in cheese production, influencing its shelf life, enzyme activity, flavour, casein hydration, and microbial proliferation during ripening. However, excessive salt consumption is linked to health problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attacks. As such, several consumers avoid cheese with high salt content, and health authorities have recommended reducing or avoiding salt in cheese for a healthier life.
To reduce the salt content in cheese while maintaining its taste, researchers from Penn State University have found that adding herbs and spices can restore the overall liking of the food. Participants in their study preferred some recipes in which much of the saturated fat and salt were replaced with herbs and spices.
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Cheese as a treat
Cheese can be a tasty treat for cats, but it is important to be mindful of the amount and type of cheese you feed your cat. While cheese is generally safe for cats to eat, it has little to no health benefits and can cause digestive issues in some cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get their nutrients from meat, and their digestive system is designed to efficiently digest meat proteins and fats. Cheese, therefore, offers very few nutritional benefits to cats and should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat.
When feeding cheese to your cat, it is important to choose the right type of cheese. Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss or Cheddar have lower lactose levels and are less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues compared to soft cheeses like Mozzarella, Brie, or cottage cheese. Organic cheese is also a healthier option for cats as it does not contain herbicides or pesticides, which can cause digestive issues.
It is also crucial to avoid cheeses with additional ingredients such as onion, garlic, chives, or spices, as these can be toxic to cats. Moldy cheese, including blue cheese, should also be avoided as it contains Penicillium, which is harmful to pets.
Before introducing cheese into your cat's diet, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian. They can advise on the right portion size for your cat and determine if your cat has any health issues that might restrict their cheese consumption.
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Health conditions and cheese
While cheese is generally considered safe for cats to eat, it is not a nutritionally beneficial food for them. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all the nutrients they need from meat. Cheese is high in fat and salt, which can be detrimental to a cat's digestion and overall health. It also contains lactose, which many cats are intolerant to, leading to lactose intolerance symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting.
If your cat is lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, cheese is not a suitable treat. Even if your cat can tolerate dairy, cheese should be fed in moderation and only as a treat, making up no more than 10% of their daily diet. The type of cheese also matters—hard, aged cheeses like Swiss or Cheddar are better options, as they have lower lactose levels and are less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, Brie, or cottage cheese have higher lactose content and can upset your cat's stomach.
Additionally, avoid giving your cat cheese with added ingredients such as onion, garlic, or chives, as these are toxic to cats. Moldy cheese, including blue cheese, should also be strictly avoided. If your cat does consume cheese, monitor them for any signs of discomfort or gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. If these symptoms occur, discontinue feeding cheese immediately and consult your veterinarian.
Overall, while cats can technically eat cheese, it is not a nutritionally beneficial food for them and may cause health issues in some individuals. It is best to offer cheese sparingly and always consult your veterinarian for guidance on appropriate treats and portions specific to your cat's needs.
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Organic cheese is healthier
Cats can eat cheese, but only in small amounts and not if they are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. While cheese is typically safe for cats, large amounts are not good for them. Cats with health problems, such as a heart condition, an allergy to dairy, or obesity, should not be fed cheese.
Organic cheese is generally healthier than non-organic cheese. It is free of artificial additives, pesticides, and pesticide residues. Organic cheese is made from milk produced on farms that follow organic farming principles. This means that the cows are fed organically grown feed, and no artificial fertilisers or chemical pesticides are used on the land. Organic cheese also contains higher levels of certain nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. It also has more Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be higher by up to 71% in organic milk.
The benefits of organic cheese extend beyond personal health. Buying organic cheese positively impacts farm animal welfare and the environment. Organic farming methods, such as crop rotation and composting, conserve water and fossil fuels while encouraging wildlife. Organic cheese is also free of artificial colouring and flavourings, and the enzyme rennet used to curdle the milk is often not genetically engineered or derived from animals, making it a safe choice for vegetarians.
In summary, organic cheese is a healthier option due to its higher nutritional value and reduced exposure to toxins. It also aligns with a conscious lifestyle that prioritises animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese sticks are not toxic to cats, but they are not recommended as part of their diet due to their lactose intolerance.
Soft cheeses like mozzarella, brie, and cottage cheese contain high amounts of lactose and can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats. Cheeses with spices such as onion, garlic, and chives are also toxic to cats and should be avoided.
Cheese is high in calcium and protein, which cats enjoy. However, there are minimal health benefits to feeding cats cheese, and the health risks may outweigh the advantages.
Cheese should be given to cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. A cube of cheese about the size of a die is a suitable portion for a cat.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get their nutrients from meat. Cooked chicken or fish are suitable alternatives to cheese as treats for cats.
