Andy Montoya
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients from meat. While some cats can process milk just fine, many are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea, if they consume dairy. As such, cheese is not a good snack for cats. However, some cat treats made specifically for cats have a little bit of cheese in them or are cheese-flavored, and these are okay to give to cats in small amounts as an occasional treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Cheese is high in fat, calories, salt, and carbohydrates. |
| Health effects | Cheese can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas. It can also lead to obesity, skin disease, and fur loss. |
| Lactose intolerance | Many cats are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, which can cause digestive issues and stomach upset. |
| Toxicity | Cheese is not toxic to cats, but some ingredients in cheese, such as garlic and onion, can be toxic. Blue cheese contains mold, which can be toxic to pets. |
| Recommended intake | Cheese should be given in moderation, limited to small amounts as an occasional treat. It should not replace a proper cat food diet. |
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What You'll Learn
Cats are often lactose intolerant
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but eating too much of it can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. It can also make them feel sluggish or lethargic. If they eat cheese regularly, they are likely to become overweight. They may also suffer from skin disease, resulting in fur loss. All types of cheese, including cheddar, parmesan, brie, feta, mozzarella and blue cheese, are not healthy for cats. They all contain lactose, which can make cats unwell.
Some cat treats are cheese-flavoured and can be given to cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. They can also be used to hide your cat's medication inside. However, if your cat is lactose intolerant, these treats can still upset their stomach. It is important to keep an eye on your cat and if they become unwell, use a different type of cat treat.
If you do want to feed your cat cheese, look for hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss, which do not contain much lactose. Cut a small cube (no more than the size of a dice) and break it down into smaller pieces so your cat doesn't eat it all in one bite. The amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square only once or twice per week. Remember that moderation is key.
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Cheese is high in fat
While cats can be irresistibly drawn to cheese, it is not a healthy snack for them. Cheese is high in fat, which can cause cats to suffer from stomach upsets if they ingest it. It can also lead to obesity if consumed in large quantities over a prolonged period.
Cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet. As obligate carnivores, cats can get all the nutrients they need from meat. A healthy cat diet should consist of meat-based cat food and water, with treats making up no more than 5% of their daily diet.
Some cats are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, and even a small amount of cheese can wreak havoc on their digestive system. Common signs of lactose intolerance in cats include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas. Even if your cat is not lactose intolerant, cheese should be fed in moderation due to its high-fat content.
If you want to give your cat cheese as an occasional treat, opt for hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss cheese, which have lower amounts of lactose. Cut the cheese into small cubes, about the size of a dice, and break them into smaller pieces to prevent your cat from gulping them down in one bite. Remember that cheese should only be given once or twice a week as a special treat, and always monitor your cat's health and behaviour after feeding them cheese.
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Salt in cheese is bad for cats
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a suitable substitute for cat food. Cats are obligate carnivores and can get all their nutrients from meat. Therefore, cheese should only be given to cats in moderation as an occasional treat.
Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can cause cats to become overweight and suffer from stomach upsets, including vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also very high in salt, which can cause problems for cats in large quantities, just as it does for humans. Cats need far less salt than humans, and the high salt content in cheese can be harmful, especially if your cat is on a low-sodium meal plan. In addition, some cheeses are made with mould, which can be toxic to cats.
Some cats are also lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, and even a small amount of cheese could wreak havoc on their digestive system. Common signs of lactose intolerance in cats include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas. Therefore, if your cat is lactose intolerant, it is best to avoid giving them cheese altogether.
If you do choose to give your cat cheese, opt for a hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss, which have lower amounts of lactose. Cut the cheese into small cubes, no more than the size of a dice, and break it into smaller pieces to prevent your cat from eating it all in one bite. Remember to feed cheese to your cat in moderation, only once or twice a week as a special treat. Always monitor your cat's health and behaviour after they have consumed cheese, and consult your veterinarian if you notice any adverse effects.
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Cheese can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it can be harmful to their health in several ways. One of the most common issues is lactose intolerance, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Many cats are lactose intolerant, and even those that are not may experience stomach upset due to the high-fat content of cheese.
Lactose intolerance in cats can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as abdominal pain, gas, and lethargy. The severity of these symptoms will vary depending on the amount of cheese consumed and the individual cat's tolerance level. Some cats may also have a milk allergy, which can make them especially sensitive to even small amounts of cheese.
Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, tend to be higher in lactose and more likely to trigger vomiting and diarrhoea. Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss cheese contain less lactose but can still cause digestive issues in cats. Blue cheese should also be avoided due to the presence of mould, which can be toxic to cats.
In addition to the immediate gastrointestinal effects, regular consumption of cheese can lead to obesity in cats. Cheese is high in calories and fat, and it does not provide the nutrients that cats need, as obligate carnivores, obtain all their nutrients from meat. Therefore, cheese should not be a substitute for a proper cat food diet and should only be given as an occasional treat in small amounts.
If a cat consumes a large amount of cheese or exhibits signs of lactose intolerance or other health issues, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian for advice.
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Cats can be allergic to dairy
Cheese is also very high in calories, with a 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese for a 10-pound cat being equivalent to a person eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Cheese is also high in fat, which can cause stomach upsets in cats. In addition, some cheeses are very high in salt, which can be problematic for cats as they need far less salt than humans.
Some cheeses are worse for cats than others. Blue cheese, for example, is made with mould, which can be toxic to pets. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta, are also best avoided as they are much higher in lactose. Harder cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and goat's cheese, are lower in lactose and can be fed to cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. However, even these cheeses can cause tummy troubles in larger quantities.
If your cat has eaten a large amount of cheese, keep an eye out for signs of lactose intolerance, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, bloat, or excess gas. If your cat shows any of these symptoms, it is recommended to call your vet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is not a good snack for them either. Cheese is high in fat and can cause stomach upsets in cats if ingested. It is also very high in calories and can lead to obesity. In addition, cheese is high in salt, which can be harmful to cats in excess.
If your cat is lactose intolerant, they may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or gas after eating cheese or other dairy products.
Soft cheeses such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella are high in lactose and should be avoided. Blue cheese and other mouldy cheeses can be toxic to cats and should also be avoided. Processed cheese should be avoided as well.
Non-dairy cheese is not a good option for cats either, as it may contain ingredients that are toxic to them.
Cheese should only be given to cats in small amounts and occasionally as a treat. It should not be a substitute for their regular cat food.
