Bushra Griffith
Cats are notoriously drawn to cheese, but is it safe for them to eat? The short answer is yes—but only in small amounts and very occasionally. Cheddar cheese is one of the safer options, as it is a hard, aged cheese with lower levels of lactose. However, most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest dairy, so even a small amount of cheese could cause digestive issues. While cheese is high in protein and fat, which cats enjoy, it is not a suitable main source of protein in a cat's diet and should only be given as a treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Cheddar cheese is generally safe for cats in small amounts. |
| Occasional Consumption | It can be given to cats occasionally, in moderation. |
| Lactose Content | Cheddar is lower in lactose than other cheeses, but can still cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant cats. |
| Nutritional Value | Cheddar cheese is high in protein, fat, and salt. |
| Health Risks | High consumption can lead to tummy troubles, gas, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and weight gain, increasing the risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. |
| Alternatives | It is recommended to offer feline-friendly alternatives like cooked chicken or fish. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is safe for cats in small amounts
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet to stay healthy. While cheese is high in protein, it is not meant to be the primary source of protein in a cat's diet. Cheddar cheese, in particular, is a semi-hard cheese with low lactose content, making it safer for cats to consume in small amounts than other cheeses.
Cheddar cheese is one of the most popular cheeses, and its low lactose content makes it a safer option for cats than other varieties. However, it's important to remember that cheese is not a necessary part of a cat's diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. Cats typically have difficulty digesting dairy products due to their low lactase levels, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as gas, diarrhoea, and constipation.
The high-fat content in cheese can also increase the risk of health issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. Therefore, it is recommended that treats should only account for up to 10% of a cat's daily calorie intake, and cheese, being high in fat, should ideally make up an even smaller proportion. As a general rule, treats should be limited to the size of a dice or a small cube, and only given once in a while.
Some cats may be lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, so even a small amount of cheese could cause digestive issues or affect their immune system. Common signs of a dairy allergy include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and skin irritation. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your cat has consumed cheese, contact your veterinarian immediately.
In conclusion, while cheddar cheese is generally safe for cats in small amounts, it should not be a regular part of their diet due to the potential for lactose intolerance and the high-fat content. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your cat's diet.
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Cheddar is lower in lactose than other cheeses
Cheddar cheese is generally considered safe for cats to consume in moderation. While cats are obligate carnivores that require protein for optimal health, cheese is not meant to be the main source of protein in their diet. Cats lack lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, which is the main sugar found in milk. This makes it difficult for them to digest dairy products, and they may experience symptoms like gas and diarrhea.
Other low-lactose cheeses include Swiss, Parmesan, and goat cheese. These cheeses are generally well-tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals and can be offered to cats in small amounts. However, it is important to remember that even low-lactose cheeses can cause digestive issues in cats if consumed in large quantities.
Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, contain higher levels of lactose and should be avoided or offered only in very small amounts. Additionally, cheeses made with raw milk, such as Brie and Camembert, may contain pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria, which can be harmful to cats. Blue cheese, which contains mold, can also be toxic to cats and should be avoided.
While a few bites of cheese are not cause for alarm, it is important to monitor your cat's reaction and consult a veterinarian if any negative gastrointestinal effects occur.
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Cats are lactose intolerant and lack the enzyme to digest it
Lactose intolerance in cats is caused by their inability to produce the lactase enzyme, which is needed to break down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. This means that consuming milk, cream, or cheese can quickly lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, or vomiting. These gastrointestinal problems can include inflammation, as well as other symptoms like gas.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine emphasizes that many cats are lactose intolerant and susceptible to these issues. Dr. Maryanne Murphy, a clinical assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Tennessee, agrees, recommending that only small amounts of dairy products like cheese should be given to cats, as larger quantities are more likely to cause negative gastrointestinal effects.
Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss or cheddar have less lactose and are generally considered safer for cats than soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or cream cheese, which are higher in lactose. However, even low-lactose cheeses can still lead to digestive issues in cats with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
In addition to the potential for digestive issues, cheese is high in fat and sodium, which can be unhealthy for cats and increase their risk of health issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. Therefore, it is important to limit the amount of cheese given to cats and ensure that it does not exceed 5-10% of their daily calorie intake.
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Cheese is high in fat and sodium, which can be unhealthy for cats
Cheddar cheese is generally considered safe for cats in small amounts. However, cheese is high in fat and sodium, which can be unhealthy for cats. While cats may crave the protein and fat content in cheese, overconsumption can lead to weight gain and increase their risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis.
Cheese is also high in salt, which can be detrimental to cats, especially those with heart conditions or on low-sodium diets. It is important to monitor a cat's sodium intake, as excess salt can lead to health issues. Therefore, while cheese may be given as an occasional treat, it should not replace a cat's regular food.
The high-fat content in cheese can contribute to weight gain in cats, increasing their risk of health issues. As such, it is recommended that treats should make up no more than 5% to 10% of a cat's daily calorie intake. A 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese, for example, is equivalent to a person consuming two and a half cheeseburgers. This highlights the importance of moderation when giving cheese to cats.
In addition to the high-fat content, cheddar cheese also contains lactose, although in lower amounts compared to other cheeses. Lactose can cause digestive issues in cats, as they lack the enzyme lactase needed to break it down effectively. This can lead to gastrointestinal problems, including gas, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. Therefore, while cheddar cheese may be given to cats in moderation, it is important to be mindful of its high-fat and sodium content, which can have negative health implications if consumed in excess.
Cheese should be an occasional treat for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet based on meat to be healthy. While cheese is high in protein, it is not meant to be the main source of protein in a cat's diet. Cheese is also high in fat, which can cause your cat to gain weight, increasing their risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis.
Additionally, cats lack lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose in dairy products, making it difficult for them to digest cheese. This can lead to digestive issues such as gas, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Even if your cat is not lactose intolerant, cheese should be given in moderation due to its high-fat content.
Some cheeses are safer for cats to consume than others. Harder, aged cheeses like Swiss or cheddar have lower lactose levels and are safer options for cats. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese have higher lactose levels and should be avoided. Cheeses made with raw milk, such as brie and camembert, can contain pathogens like salmonella and listeria, which are dangerous for cats. Blue cheese contains mold, which can be toxic to cats.
While cheese can be a tasty treat for cats, it should only be given occasionally and in small amounts. It is important to remember that cheese is not a substitute for a proper cat food diet. If you are unsure about giving your cat cheese, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cats can eat cheddar cheese, but only in small amounts as it is not a part of their recommended diet. Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with lower lactose content than other cheeses, making it one of the safer options for cats.
Cheddar cheese should be given to cats in moderation, about the size of a dice or a small cube. It should not be given as a substitute for their regular meals.
Cheddar cheese is high in protein and fat, which cats naturally relish. However, cheese is not an essential part of a cat's diet, and their protein needs can be met through other sources.
Yes, cheddar cheese can cause tummy troubles and digestive issues in cats due to their potential lactose intolerance. High-fat content in cheese can also increase the risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis in cats.
