Andy Montoya
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients from meat. Therefore, cheese is not a necessary part of a cat's diet. In fact, cheese can be harmful to cats due to its high fat, salt, and lactose content. Many cats are lactose intolerant, and even those that are not may experience gastrointestinal issues if they eat too much cheese. As such, cheese should only be fed to cats in moderation—if at all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lactose intolerance | Many cats are lactose intolerant and will experience gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or gas after eating cheese. |
| Allergies | Some cats may also be allergic to dairy products, triggering similar symptoms. |
| High-calorie content | Cheese is high in calories and can lead to obesity in cats if consumed in large quantities. |
| Salt content | Cheese contains salt, which can be harmful to cats in excess. |
| Toxic ingredients | Cheese may contain additional toxic ingredients such as onion or garlic, which are harmful to cats. |
| High-fat content | Cheese is high in fat, which can cause stomach upsets in cats. |
| Protein content | Cheese contains protein, which cats may crave, but they can obtain this from meat-based cat food. |
| Safe alternatives | Hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss have lower lactose content and can be given in small amounts as an occasional treat. |
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What You'll Learn
Cats are often lactose intolerant
Lactose intolerance in cats can be identified by symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, bloat, and excess gas. While not all cats are lactose intolerant, it is recommended to avoid feeding them dairy products, especially in large quantities. Cats that can process lactose should still only be given cheese in moderation, as it is high in calories and fat. A 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese for a cat is equivalent to a human consuming two and a half cheeseburgers.
Cheese is also often high in salt, which can be problematic for cats in large amounts. Additionally, some cheeses may contain ingredients that are toxic to cats, such as onion or garlic. It is important to read the food labels and consult with a veterinarian before feeding cheese to cats.
Some types of cheese that are lower in lactose include hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and goat cheese. These cheeses can be offered in small amounts as an occasional treat for cats that are not lactose intolerant. However, it is crucial to monitor the cat's reaction and ensure that cheese does not exceed 5-10% of their daily calorie intake.
In summary, while not all cats are lactose intolerant, cheese should be fed sparingly due to its high-calorie content and potential digestive issues. It is important to prioritize cat food that meets their nutritional needs as obligate carnivores, with treats comprising a small portion of their diet.
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Cheese is high in calories
Cheese is also high in fat, which cats crave, but it can cause stomach upsets if they ingest too much. In addition, cheese is not a good substitute for cat food, as cats are obligate carnivores and can get all their nutrients from meat.
Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can be harmful to cats in excess. Cats need far less salt than humans, and cheese should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square once or twice a week.
While some cats can process dairy without any issues, others are lactose intolerant and may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or gas. Therefore, it is important to monitor your cat's reaction to cheese and adjust their diet accordingly.
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Salt in cheese is bad for cats
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a good snack for them. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they can get all their nutrients from meat. Cheese, on the other hand, is high in fat and calories, and can cause stomach upsets in cats, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition, the salt content in cheese can be problematic for cats. Cats need far less salt than humans, and the high salt content in cheese can cause problems in excess, just as it does in humans.
If your cat has a heart condition or needs to lower their salt intake, you should avoid giving them cheese. In addition to cheese, cats on a low-sodium meal plan should also avoid deli meat, fast food, potato chips, and bread. The salt content in these foods can be harmful to cats and cause health issues.
Some cheeses are also much higher in salt than others. Pizza, for example, is usually topped with mozzarella, which is high in fat, and the dough is very high in carbohydrates. In addition, the processed sauces used on pizzas may contain toxic ingredients such as garlic and onion powder. Mac and cheese is another food item that is high in fat and carbohydrates and should be avoided.
It is important to remember that treats should only make up a small portion of a cat's daily diet. According to some sources, treats should only account for 5% of a cat's daily diet, while others suggest no more than 8 to 10%. If you want to give your cat a treat, it is best to discuss this with your vet to find safer alternatives.
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Some cheeses are toxic
While cheese is not toxic to cats, some cheeses contain ingredients that can be toxic. For instance, blue cheese, including Stilton, is made with cultures of the mold Penicillium, which can be toxic to pets. Cheesecake also contains soft cheeses such as cream cheese or ricotta, as well as other ingredients that may be toxic to cats.
Other cheeses may not be toxic, but they can still cause digestive issues. This is because many cats are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. As such, cheeses with high levels of lactose, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and other soft cheeses, are likely to cause vomiting and diarrhea. Even cheeses with lower levels of lactose, such as cheddar, Swiss, and goat cheese, can cause tummy troubles if consumed in large amounts.
In addition, cheese is high in fat, which can cause stomach upsets in cats. It is also often high in salt, which can be problematic in excess. Pizza, for example, is usually topped with mozzarella and is very high in salt, while the dough is high in carbohydrates. It may also contain toxic ingredients such as garlic and onion powder.
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Cheese should be a rare treat
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it should be fed sparingly as a treat. Cats are obligate carnivores and can get all their nutrients from meat. Therefore, treats should only make up about 5% of their daily diet. Cheese is high in fat, calories, and salt, which can cause obesity and health issues in cats. Most cats are also lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you do want to give your cat cheese as a treat, choose a hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss, which have lower lactose content. Avoid soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, which are high in lactose and likely to cause tummy troubles. Also, stay away from processed cheese, cheesecake, and cheese crackers, which may contain additional ingredients that are toxic to cats.
When feeding cheese to your cat, cut a small cube, about the size of a dice, and break it into smaller pieces to prevent your cat from gulping it down in one bite. Do not give more than one or two dice-sized cubes per week. Monitor your cat for a few days after feeding them cheese to ensure they do not develop any signs of lactose intolerance or an allergy, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas. If your cat shows any negative symptoms, stop feeding them cheese and consult your veterinarian.
Remember, cheese should be a rare treat and not a replacement for a proper cat food diet. Always prioritize your cat's health and well-being when deciding what to feed them. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian for advice on safe and nutritious treats for your furry friend.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is high in fat and calories and can cause stomach upsets, vomiting, and diarrhoea, especially in lactose-intolerant cats. It should be fed to cats in moderation, if at all.
Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta are high in lactose and should be avoided. Cheeses to be fed sparingly include cheddar, Swiss, and goat cheese.
Cats can be picky eaters but crave foods high in fat and protein. Some alternatives to cheese include beef, chicken, shrimp, and fish.
