Randy Chandler
Cats are carnivores, and their nutritional needs are met by meat. However, cats can eat cheese, and many enjoy its taste. But, as cats are often lactose intolerant, cheese can cause gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, cheese should be fed to cats in moderation, and only as a treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional benefits | Cheese is not nutritionally beneficial for cats |
| Taste | Some cats like the taste of cheese, others don't |
| Health risks | Many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weight gain |
| Safe amount | Small amounts of cheese are safe for cats |
| Toxicity | Most types of cheese are not toxic to cats |
| Treat | Cheese can be given to cats in small quantities as a treat |
| Veterinary advice | Consult a veterinarian before feeding cheese to your cat |
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What You'll Learn
- Cats can eat cheese, but only in small amounts
- Cheese is high in calories and fat, so it should be a rare treat
- Some cheeses are better than others for cats due to lactose intolerance
- Cheese can be used to hide pills and make them more palatable for cats
- Cats like cheese because they are attracted by its fat and protein content
Cats can eat cheese, but only in small amounts
If your cat has eaten a small amount of cheese, there is generally no need to rush them to the vet. However, if they become unwell, experience any changes in their health or behavior, or show signs of lactose intolerance, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian.
When feeding cheese to your cat, it is important to offer only a small piece that they can easily bite and chew. The cheese should be about the size of a die or a small cube. It is also suggested to break it down into even smaller pieces to prevent your cat from gulping it down all at once.
Some types of cheese are more suitable for cats than others due to their lactose content. Cheeses made from sheep or goat milk, such as feta, tend to have lower lactose levels and are easier for cats to digest. On the other hand, soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, and ricotta are high in lactose and more likely to upset your cat's stomach. Provolone, a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, is a lower-lactose option that many cats can tolerate.
While cats may enjoy the taste of cheese, it should be given only as an occasional treat and should not replace their regular diet. A cat's diet should primarily consist of meat, as they are obligate carnivores and require nutrients from animal sources.
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Cheese is high in calories and fat, so it should be a rare treat
Cats can eat cheese, but only in small amounts as treats. Cheese is high in fat and calories, and while it has a high protein content, it should not be the main source of protein in a cat's diet. As cats are carnivores, they need to eat meat to stay healthy. Cheese is not nutritionally beneficial for cats and should not be a significant part of their diet.
Cheese also contains lactose, which many cats are intolerant to. Eating cheese can cause cats to experience gastrointestinal issues such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also make them feel sluggish or lethargic. If they eat cheese regularly, they are likely to become overweight. Therefore, it is recommended to give cats only a small amount of cheese, about the size of a dice, and only once or twice a week.
Some types of cheese are more suitable for cats than others due to their lactose content. Hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss are generally safer options for cats than soft cheeses, which tend to have higher lactose levels. For example, mozzarella, a soft cheese, is high in lactose and likely to upset a cat's stomach. On the other hand, provolone, a semi-hard cheese, is lower in lactose and fat, making it easier for cats to digest. Feta cheese, made from sheep or goat milk, also has lower lactose levels and is less likely to cause weight gain.
It is important to monitor your cat's reaction after consuming cheese and consult your veterinarian if any health concerns arise. Overall, while cats can safely consume a small amount of cheese as an occasional treat, it should not be a regular part of their diet due to its high-calorie and fat content and potential digestive issues.
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Some cheeses are better than others for cats due to lactose intolerance
Cats can eat some types of cheese, but only in moderation. Most types of cheese are not toxic to cats, however, they do contain lactose, which many cats are intolerant to. As obligate carnivores, cats only get the nutrients they need from meat, but certain types of cheese can be given in small quantities as a treat.
Dr. Maryanne Murphy, a clinical assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Tennessee, says that "some cats seem to tolerate more lactose in the diet than other cats". She adds that "it is okay to give most cats a small volume of dairy products like cheese, but sticking to a small amount is best because a higher quantity is more likely to risk negative gastrointestinal effects".
Cheese might be high in protein, but it is not meant to be the main source of protein in the feline food plan. Cats lack lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose in dairy products, making it hard for them to digest certain cheeses. That’s why eating cheese can cause them to experience symptoms like gas and diarrhoea.
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Cheese can be used to hide pills and make them more palatable for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they only get the nutrients they need from meat. However, certain types of cheese can be given in small quantities as a treat. While some cats enjoy the smell and taste of cheese, others do not. This is because cats' taste buds are programmed to detect fatty and meaty flavours, and they are attracted to foods with a high fat content.
If your cat's medication is not available in a chewable form, you can try hiding pills in their food or in treats. Some cat owners have reported success with hiding pills in treats such as squeeze treats, or in small pieces of meat. Others have suggested using tuna or whipped cream to disguise the taste of medicine.
It is important to note that while some cheeses are okay for cats to eat in moderation, others are best avoided due to their high lactose content, which can cause negative gastrointestinal effects. Provolone, feta, and cheese made from sheep or goat milk are lower in lactose and may be easier for cats to digest.
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Cats like cheese because they are attracted by its fat and protein content
Cats are carnivores and require nutrients from meat to stay healthy. Their taste buds are designed to detect fatty and meaty flavours, and they are attracted to food with a high-fat content. Cheese is one such food, and its protein content is also attractive to cats.
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it does contain lactose, which many cats are intolerant to. This can cause digestive issues, vomiting, and diarrhoea. As such, cheese should be fed to cats in moderation.
Some cheeses are more suitable for cats than others. Feta, for example, is traditionally made with sheep or goat milk, which contains galactose rather than lactose, making it easier for cats to digest. Harder cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss, are also preferable to softer cheeses, which tend to be much higher in lactose.
While cheese can be a tasty treat for cats, it should not be a significant part of their diet. Cheese is high in calories and can lead to weight gain. It also has limited nutritional benefits for cats. As such, it is important to monitor the amount of cheese fed to cats and ensure it makes up no more than 10% of their daily diet.
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Frequently asked questions
No, shredded cheese is not toxic to cats. However, it is not nutritionally beneficial either and has very few nutritional benefits. Cheese is high in calories and fat content, which can lead to weight gain in cats.
Cheese should be given to cats in small quantities as treats. A cube of cheese about the size of a die is considered a reasonable amount. Cheese should not be a significant part of a cat's diet.
Cats are usually lactose intolerant, so it is best to look for hard cheeses with low lactose content, such as provolone, feta, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, and ricotta are high in lactose and likely to upset a cat's stomach.
