Frederic Melton
Cats can technically eat cheddar cheese in moderation, but it's not recommended as part of their diet due to their potential lactose intolerance. Cheddar cheese is lower in lactose than other cheeses, making it one of the safest options for cats. However, cheese is high in fat and salt, which can lead to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and kidney problems. It's always best to consult with your veterinarian before feeding your cat cheese or any other human food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for cats | Yes, in moderation |
| Occasional treats | Yes |
| Regular consumption | No |
| Lactose intolerance | Yes, most cats are lactose intolerant |
| High-fat content | Yes |
| Toxic ingredients | Yes, garlic, onions, chives, salt, and spices |
| High-salt content | Yes |
| Alternatives | Meat-based treats, cat treats |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is safe for cats in moderation
Cats can safely eat small amounts of cheddar cheese, but it is not recommended as part of their regular diet due to their potential lactose intolerance. Cheddar cheese is lower in lactose than other cheeses, making it one of the safer options for cats. However, cheese is high in fat and salt, which can lead to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and hypertension if consumed in large quantities.
Lactose intolerance in cats can cause digestive issues, such as gas, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. While a few bites of cheddar cheese are not harmful, larger amounts can cause severe complications. It is important to monitor your cat's reaction after introducing any new food, including cheese, and to consult your veterinarian before regularly including it in their diet.
Some ingredients commonly added to cheese, such as garlic, onions, and chives, are highly toxic to cats and should be avoided. These belong to the allium family, which can break down an animal's red blood cells, leading to anemia. Blue cheese and other moldy varieties should also be avoided as they contain molds that are toxic to cats.
Overall, while cheddar cheese is safe for cats in moderation, it is not a necessary part of their diet and should be given sparingly as a treat. There are plenty of feline-friendly alternatives that your cat will enjoy and that will not cause intestinal issues. Cooked chicken or fish, for example, can be better options for rewarding your cat with a tasty treat.
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Cats are lactose intolerant
Cats are commonly associated with drinking milk, but this idea likely originated from farms, where cats enjoyed the fatty cream that rose to the top of cow's milk. However, the milk available in grocery stores today contains little fat and higher levels of lactose, which many cats find difficult to digest due to their lactose intolerance.
Lactose intolerance in cats occurs because they produce less of the enzyme lactase as they age, which is necessary for breaking down lactose. As a result, when adult cats consume milk or other dairy products, the lactose remains undigested as it passes through their intestines, leading to fermentation and gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While some cats may seem to enjoy milk and appear to tolerate it, it is generally not recommended due to the potential for digestive problems. If you want to give your cat milk, it is best to purchase lactose-free cat milk or offer small amounts of lactose-free milk as an occasional treat.
Cheese, as a dairy product, also contains lactose, and while Swiss and cheddar cheese have lower lactose levels than other types, they can still cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant cats. Non-dairy cheese is not a better option either, as it is still high in fat and salt, which are not suitable for cats. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid feeding cheese to cats and opt for feline-friendly treats specifically formulated for them.
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Cheese is high in fat and salt
Cats can safely consume small amounts of cheese, but it is not a natural part of their diet and is not recommended. Cheese is high in fat and salt, which can lead to health issues in cats.
Cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet, and their nutritional requirements can be fulfilled by a healthy, mostly meat-based diet. Cheese is high in fat, and too much fat in a cat's diet can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, arthritis, and other complications. Obesity in cats can also significantly reduce their life expectancy.
Cheese is also high in salt, and too much salt can cause increased thirst and abnormal urination. Over time, a high-salt diet can lead to hypertension, kidney problems, and other health issues.
Some types of cheese, such as non-dairy cheese, are still high in fat and salt, which are not part of a healthy diet for cats. It is best to avoid feeding cheese to cats if possible and to choose treats specifically formulated for them.
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Cheddar cheese is lower in lactose than other cheeses
Cats are obligate carnivores and need protein for optimal health. While cheese is high in protein, it is not meant to be the main source of protein in a cat's diet. Cats lack lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, which is found in dairy products like cheese. This makes it difficult for cats to digest cheese, and they may experience symptoms like gas and diarrhoea.
However, some cheeses are lower in lactose than others. Cheddar cheese, for example, has a lactose range of 0-2.1%. This is because, during the cheesemaking process, the lactose in cheese is converted to lactic acid. As a result, aged cheeses tend to have lower levels of lactose. Cheddar cheese is an aged cheese, and the ageing process can take decades. The longer the ageing process, the less lactose the cheese will contain.
Swiss and cheddar cheeses are lower in lactose than other cheeses, which makes them safer options for cats. However, it is important to note that cheese, in general, is not a recommended treat for cats due to their potential lactose intolerance. There are also other ingredients in cheese, such as salt, fat, spices, onion, or garlic, which can be harmful to cats.
If you choose to feed your cat cheese, it should be given in moderation and only if your vet has given you the go-ahead. There are plenty of other treats that cats can enjoy, such as cooked chicken or fish, that are safer options and provide the protein that cats need.
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Cats can eat non-dairy cheese but it is still high in fat and salt
Cats can technically eat cheese, but it is not recommended as part of their diet due to their potential lactose intolerance. While non-dairy cheese may be an option for lactose-intolerant cats, it is still high in fat and salt, which can be harmful to cats in large quantities.
Cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet, and it is unnecessary for them to consume it. A healthy, mostly meat-based diet will provide all the nutrients a cat needs. Cats are obligate carnivores and require protein for optimal health. While cheese is high in protein, it is not the best source of protein for cats.
The high-fat content in cheese can lead to obesity, increasing the risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. Additionally, the salt content in cheese can cause increased thirst and abnormal urination. Prolonged consumption of high-salt foods can lead to hypertension and kidney problems.
Some types of cheese are more dangerous to cats than others. Blue cheese, for example, contains mold that can be toxic to cats. Cheeses with additives such as garlic, onions, and chives, which are common in cheesy spreads, are also highly toxic to cats and can cause anemia.
In conclusion, while cats can technically eat non-dairy cheese, it is not a recommended part of their diet due to its high fat and salt content. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before feeding human foods to cats, as there may be safer and more nutritious alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cats can eat cheddar cheese, but only in small amounts and infrequently. Cheddar is lower in lactose than other cheeses, making it one of the safer options. However, most cats are lactose intolerant, so cheese can lead to digestive issues and should not be a regular part of their diet.
As well as the potential for lactose intolerance, cheese is high in fat, which can lead to obesity and secondary health complications in cats, such as diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. Cheese is also often high in salt, which can cause increased thirst and abnormal urination and, over time, hypertension and kidney problems. Finally, some cheeses contain toxic ingredients such as garlic, onions, and chives, which are members of the allium family and can cause anemia in cats.
Plain yoghurt is easier for cats to digest than cheese as it contains good bacteria and has less lactose. Goat's milk cheese may be better for some cats, as long as it is pasteurized. Non-dairy cheese made from almond milk, hemp, or soy can also be an option, but these have different amounts of fat and protein that must be taken into account.
