Randy Chandler
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet of nutrients found only in animal meat. Dairy is not a natural part of a cat's diet, and cheese does not offer any nutritional benefits. While small amounts of cheese are generally considered safe for cats to eat, blue cheese is an exception. Blue cheese contains roquefortine C, a toxin that is potentially fatal to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If you suspect your cat has eaten blue cheese, contact your veterinarian immediately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Blue cheese contains roquefortine C, a toxin that is potentially toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. |
| Nutritional Benefits | Cheese does not offer any nutritional benefits to cats. |
| Safe Consumption | Cats can generally consume small amounts of cheese without negative effects, but blue cheese is an exception and can be toxic even in small quantities. |
| Veterinary Consultation | If your cat has consumed blue cheese, it is advised to call your veterinarian right away. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is toxic to cats
While cats can eat cheese in small amounts, blue cheese is toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. This is because blue cheese contains roquefortine C, a toxin that cats are particularly susceptible to. In some cases, blue cheese consumption has even resulted in death.
Blue cheese is formed from Penicillium, a type of fungus that grows on aging food. While this mold is edible for humans, it can be toxic to pets. The mold in blue cheese is what gives it its distinctive flavor, but it can be harmful to cats, even in small quantities.
If you suspect your cat has eaten blue cheese, it is important to call your veterinarian right away. They may advise you to monitor your cat for any abnormal behavior, such as repeated vomiting or weakness. In the meantime, you can provide supportive care by ensuring your cat stays hydrated and withholding food for a brief period.
It is worth noting that, in general, cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet and offers no nutritional benefits. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet requires nutrients only found in animal meat. Dairy products can cause digestive issues in cats, and cheese is high in calories, so it should be given to cats only occasionally and in small quantities as a treat.
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Cats can eat cheese in small amounts
Blue cheese, for example, is a type of moldy or "stinky" cheese that contains Penicillium, a fungus that can be toxic to cats. Ingestion of blue cheese by cats has been linked to vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. Therefore, it is advisable to prevent cats from consuming blue cheese and other human foods, especially dairy and moldy cheeses.
Soft cheeses like Brie and cottage cheese can also be given to cats in small amounts, but they are higher in lactose and may cause complications for lactose-intolerant cats. Hard cheeses are generally safer for cats to consume due to their lower lactose content.
It is important to remember that cheese has very little nutritional benefit for cats and should not be a significant part of their diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet primarily requires nutrients found only in animal meat. A healthy cat diet should consist mostly of commercial-grade food, with treats making up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
In conclusion, while cats can safely consume small amounts of cheese, it should be given in moderation and not as a regular treat. Pet owners should be cautious and consult their veterinarian before introducing new foods to their cat's diet.
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Cats are lactose intolerant
Cats are almost always lactose intolerant. This is because, like humans, they are born with the enzyme lactase, which enables them to break down the sugar in milk, lactose. However, as cats age, they lose this enzyme. This means that when adult cats ingest milk, cheese, or other dairy products, the lactose that isn't digested stays in their intestines and begins to ferment, leading to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
While cats can eat cheese in small amounts, eating too much can cause gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, and flatulence. This is because most cats cannot digest dairy products. Blue cheese, in particular, contains roquefortine C, which is potentially toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in cats include diarrhea, vomiting, and an upset stomach. If your cat is lactose intolerant, you will know within 8 to 12 hours. While the majority of cats are lactose intolerant, some cats do love milk and can drink it without getting sick. If your cat is one of these milk-loving kitties, you can give them an occasional treat of milk, but it is best to purchase special lactose-free cat milk from your supermarket or pet store.
It is important to note that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet requires nutrients only found in animal meat. Dairy is not a natural part of a cat's diet, and cheese does not offer them any nutritional benefits. A healthy cat diet should consist of commercial-grade food, with treats making up no more than 10% of their daily calorie consumption.
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Cats are obligate carnivores
Blue cheese, in particular, can be dangerous for cats. The mold in blue cheese, formed from Penicillium, a type of fungus that grows on aging food, can be toxic to pets. Blue cheese also contains roquefortine C, which is potentially toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If you suspect your cat has eaten blue cheese, it is best to call your veterinarian right away.
Cats may be attracted to cheese due to its high-fat content. However, cheese has very little nutritional benefit for cats and should be fed to them sparingly as a treat. The majority of a cat's calories should come from commercially available cat food, which is formulated to provide them with the nutrients they need.
In addition, if your cat has certain health conditions, such as a heart condition, kidney disease, or diabetes, cheese can be unhealthy and should be avoided. Overall, while the occasional small amount of cheese is generally safe for cats, blue cheese and other moldy cheeses should be strictly off the menu.
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Blue cheese is a treat for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet of nutrients found only in animal meat. Their digestive systems are sensitive, and many human foods that are safe for us can be harmful to cats. While cheese is generally considered an acceptable treat for cats, blue cheese is an exception.
Blue cheese is formed from Penicillium, a type of fungus that grows on aging food and can be toxic to pets. Blue cheese contains roquefortine C, which is potentially toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy. Overripe or festering blue cheese is more likely to produce this toxin, and deaths have occurred from cats eating large amounts of discarded, moldy blue cheese.
However, if your cat has only had a few licks or crumbs of blue cheese, they will likely be fine. If you suspect your cat has eaten blue cheese, monitor them for abnormal behaviour, repeated vomiting, or weakness. Call your veterinarian right away if symptoms worsen.
While cheese can be a treat for cats, it should be given in small amounts and on rare occasions. Cheese has very little nutritional benefit for cats and is very high in calories. It can also cause gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, bloating, and flatulence. Cats with health problems such as heart or kidney conditions should never be given cheese, as it can be unhealthy for them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue cheese can be toxic to cats as it contains roquefortine C, a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy.
Contact your veterinarian right away and monitor your cat for abnormal behaviour, repeated vomiting, or weakness.
Cheese should be fed to cats in small amounts and on rare occasions. Treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat's daily calories.
Cats are lactose intolerant and lack the necessary physiology to consume plant-based matter. Therefore, hard cheeses are the least likely to cause complications. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese and brie are safe but may cause complications for lactose-intolerant cats.
Human foods like butter, ice cream, and sugar-free products are unsafe for cats. Nacho cheese generally includes ingredients like onions, garlic, and other seasonings that are unsafe for cats.
