Patrick Oconnell
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they can get all their nutrients from meat. Therefore, cheese and other dairy products are not good for cats. While cheese is not toxic to cats, eating too much can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and lethargy. This is because many cats are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. Cheese is also high in fat, calories, and salt, which can cause problems in excess. If you do feed your cat cheese, it should be a small piece of a hard, low-lactose variety like cheddar or Swiss cheese, and only once in a while as a treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Cheese should be given to cats in small amounts, only once or twice a week as a treat |
| Quantity | No more than a dice-sized square |
| Type of cheese | Firm, hard, or semi-hard cheeses with low lactose content, e.g., cheddar, Swiss, goat cheese |
| Type of cheese to avoid | Soft cheeses with high lactose content, e.g., mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, blue cheese, cheesecake |
| Health risks | Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, lethargy, obesity, fur loss, gastrointestinal issues, salt intake, heart condition |
| Alternatives | Cat treats made with a small amount of cheese, or cheese-flavored |
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What You'll Learn
- Cats are often lactose intolerant, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
- Cheese is high in fat and calories, leading to obesity
- Salt in cheese is bad for cats, especially those with heart conditions
- Blue cheese contains mould, which is toxic to cats
- Dairy alternatives may contain ingredients toxic to cats
Cats are often lactose intolerant, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a suitable snack for them. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients from meat. As such, a healthy cat diet should comprise meat-based cat food and water, with treats making up no more than 5% of their daily diet.
Cheese is high in fat and calories, and can cause stomach upsets in cats, including vomiting and diarrhoea. This is because many cats are lactose intolerant. In fact, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. While a young kitten's body produces lactase, an enzyme that helps digest the lactose in their mother's milk, lactase production slows once the kitten starts weaning.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in cats include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas. If your cat shows any of these symptoms after consuming cheese, it's a good idea to call your vet.
Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can cause problems in excess just as it does in humans. Remember, cats need far less salt than humans.
If you do want to give your cat cheese as an occasional treat, opt for hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, which don't contain much lactose. However, even these cheeses can cause tummy troubles in cats, so it's best to limit the amount you give them to no more than a dice-sized square once or twice a week.
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Cheese is high in fat and calories, leading to obesity
Cheese is a popular treat for cats, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with feeding it to them. While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is high in fat and calories, which can lead to obesity if consumed in large quantities.
Cheese is a high-calorie food, and even a small amount can be significant for a cat. For example, a 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese for a 10-pound cat is equivalent to a human consuming two and a half cheeseburgers. This is a substantial amount of extra calories for a cat, especially considering that treats should only make up about 5% of their daily diet.
The high-fat content in cheese can also contribute to weight gain and obesity in cats. While cats may be attracted to the high-fat content in cheese, consuming too much can lead to an unhealthy weight gain. Obesity in cats can have serious health consequences, including skin disease and fur loss.
In addition to the risk of obesity, the high-fat content in cheese can also cause stomach upsets in cats. This can include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas. These gastrointestinal issues can be uncomfortable for cats and may require veterinary attention.
Therefore, while cheese can be given to cats as an occasional treat, it is important to be mindful of the portion size and frequency. Moderation is key, and cheese should not be a regular part of a cat's diet due to its high-fat and calorie content, which can lead to obesity and other health issues.
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Salt in cheese is bad for cats, especially those with heart conditions
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a good idea to give it to them as a treat, especially if they have underlying health conditions. Salt in cheese is bad for cats, especially those with heart conditions.
Cheese is packed with fat, which can exacerbate health problems for cats already on low-fat diets due to obesity or medical conditions like pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. If your cat has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, it is best to avoid cheese altogether.
Salt is not toxic for cats, but it is not recommended for them to consume high amounts. Cats with heart conditions should not be offered cheese, as it may have adverse effects on their health. A study on the long-term cardiovascular effects of high salt intake in healthy aged cats found that a high dietary salt intake over 24 months had no adverse effects on BP, heart rate, or cardiac morphology. However, another study found that two cats fed a high-salt diet died suddenly from no obvious cause.
Cheese is also very high in calories. A 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat is equivalent to a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers. In addition, many cats are lactose intolerant or have milk allergies, and eating cheese could lead to digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea. It can also make them feel sluggish or lethargic. If they eat cheese regularly, they are likely to become overweight and may suffer from skin disease, resulting in fur loss.
If you want to give your cat cheese, it should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square once or twice a week and only if you know they do not have a dairy allergy and are not lactose intolerant. Look for hard, plain cheeses with no additives, such as cheddar or Swiss.
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Blue cheese contains mould, which is toxic to cats
While cats can eat small amounts of certain types of cheese, blue cheese should be avoided. This is because blue cheese contains mould, which is toxic to cats.
Blue cheese is made from milk that has been fermented with specific types of mould, such as penicillium roqueforti or penicillium glaucum. While these moulds are harmless to humans, they can be dangerous to cats. The mould in blue cheese produces a substance called roquefortine C, which can be toxic to cats and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, seizures and even death.
The severity of the symptoms depends on the amount of blue cheese consumed, as well as the cat's size and overall health condition. If your cat ingests blue cheese and shows any signs of illness, such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
It is worth noting that all types of cheese contain lactose, which can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats, including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or gas. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the amount of cheese given to cats and only offer it as an occasional treat.
Additionally, cheese is high in calories, fat, and salt, which can contribute to weight gain and health issues in cats. As such, it is important to monitor your cat's cheese intake and ensure it does not replace a balanced cat food diet.
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Dairy alternatives may contain ingredients toxic to cats
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a healthy food for them either. Many cats are lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas. Even cats that can tolerate cheese should only be fed a small amount, about the size of a dice cube, once or twice a week.
Some cat owners may opt for dairy alternatives, but caution should be exercised here as well. While some dairy-free milk options, such as goat's milk, are considered safe for cats, other plant-based alternatives can contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. For example, sweetened plant milk should be avoided due to its high sugar content, which can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, diabetes, and gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, some plant milk may contain oils and thickeners, such as vegetable oil and carrageenan, which cats may struggle to digest, potentially leading to diarrhea.
It is important to note that cats do not require milk as part of their diet. Kittens drink milk from their mothers, but adult cats do not need milk to thrive. In fact, milk is not an adequate meal replacement for cats and can cause stomach issues due to lactose intolerance or casein allergy. If you wish to give your cat milk as a treat, opt for lactose-free alternatives or fermented milk products such as kefir, sour cream, or yogurt. However, always consult with a veterinarian if you are unsure about what is safe for your cat to consume.
In addition to dairy alternatives, there are other foods that may seem harmless but can be toxic to cats. For example, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts. Nuts, especially macadamia nuts, can be toxic and cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors. Yeast dough is another hidden danger, as it can expand in a cat's stomach, causing bloating and discomfort, and the fermentation process can produce alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning. Chocolate is well-known to be toxic to cats and should always be kept out of their reach.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is not a natural food for them, either. Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain. It also contains lactose, which many cats cannot tolerate, leading to digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Cats are attracted to the high fat and protein content in cheese.
Cheese should only be given to cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. It should not be a significant part of their diet.
If you are going to give your cat cheese, stick to firm cheeses that are plain and free of additives. These cheeses are generally lower in lactose and salt.
