Andy Montoya
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients from meat. While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is high in fat and calories and can cause stomach upsets if ingested, especially in large amounts. Many cats are also lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas. In addition, cheese is very high in salt, which can be problematic for cats in excess. Therefore, cheese should be given to cats sparingly, if at all, and only in small amounts as an occasional treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Cheese is high in fat, calories, salt, and protein. |
| Health concerns | Cheese can cause gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas. It can also lead to obesity. |
| Recommended intake | Cheese should be given in moderation, no more than a dice-sized square once or twice a week. |
| Lactose intolerance | Many cats are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. |
| Toxicity | Cheese is not toxic to cats, but blue cheese can be toxic due to the presence of certain molds. |
| Alternatives | Firm and plain cheeses with no additives, such as cheddar, Parmesan, goat cheese, and provolone, are better options. |
| Veterinary advice | Always consult a veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat's diet. |
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What You'll Learn
Cats can be allergic to cheese
Lactose intolerance in cats can develop over time. Kittens can produce lactase, an enzyme that helps them digest the lactose in their mother's milk. However, lactase production slows once they start weaning, and by the time they are able to eat solid foods like cheese, their ability to digest lactose is diminished.
Even cats that are not allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant should only be given cheese in moderation due to its high-calorie and fat content. A 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese for a cat is equivalent to a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Cheese is also often high in salt, which can be harmful to cats in excess.
Some types of cheese should be avoided altogether. Blue cheese, for example, is made with mould that can be toxic to cats. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, and cottage cheese are also high in lactose and more likely to cause gastrointestinal distress in cats.
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Cheese is high in calories
Cheese is a popular treat for cats, but it is high in calories and should be fed sparingly. A 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese for a 10-pound cat is equivalent to a person eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Cheese is also high in fat, which can cause stomach upsets in cats.
Cheese is not a necessary part of a cat's diet. In fact, cats can get all the nutrients they need from meat. Therefore, treats should only make up a small percentage of a cat's daily diet. According to one source, treats should not exceed 5% of a cat's daily calorie intake, while another source recommends no more than 8 to 10%.
Some cheeses are healthier than others. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta, are high in lactose and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Harder cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and goat cheese are lower in lactose and may be better tolerated by cats. However, even these cheeses should be fed in moderation due to their high-calorie content.
In addition to their high-calorie content, some cheeses are also high in salt, which can be problematic for cats with heart conditions or those on a low-sodium diet. Blue cheese, which is made with mould, can also be toxic to cats. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of cheese and feed it in small amounts.
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Cheese can cause stomach issues
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it can cause stomach issues. This is because most cats are lactose intolerant, and cheese contains lactose. Lactose intolerance can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas. Even cats that are not lactose intolerant may still struggle to digest cheese, as they cannot produce enough enzymes to digest milk properly.
Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta, are particularly high in lactose and are likely to upset cats' stomachs. Blue cheese, including Stilton, is made with mould, which can be toxic to cats.
Cheese is also very high in calories, with a 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat being equivalent to a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Cheese is also high in fat, and salt, which can cause problems for cats in excess.
If your cat has eaten a large amount of cheese, you should monitor them for signs of lactose intolerance, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, bloat, or excess gas. If they are showing any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet.
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Some cheeses are toxic
While cheese is not in the risky category of harmful foods for cats, it's not the healthiest option either. Cheese is high in fat and can cause stomach upsets in cats. It is also very high in calories—a 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese for a cat is like a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers.
Some cheeses are more problematic than others. Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, are much higher in lactose and are likely to trigger vomiting and diarrhea. Processed cheese should also be avoided.
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Cheese is not a substitute for cat food
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a substitute for cat food. Cheese is high in fat and calories and can cause stomach upsets in cats, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also very high in salt, which can be harmful to cats in excess. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients from meat. Therefore, a healthy cat diet should primarily consist of meat-based cat food and water, with treats making up no more than 5% of their daily diet.
Cheese can be a tasty treat for cats, but it should be fed in moderation and only given to cats that are not lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. Even then, it should be limited to a small dice-sized cube once or twice a week. It is best to avoid soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and cheesecake, as these are much higher in lactose and can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats.
If you are unsure about whether to feed your cat cheese, it is best to consult your veterinarian. They can advise on whether cheese is a healthy option for your cat and recommend alternative treats that are more suitable for their diet. It is important to remember that cats can be picky eaters, so it is essential to provide them with a diet that meets their nutritional needs and keeps them happy and healthy.
While cheese may be tempting for cats, it is not a suitable replacement for their regular meals. Cats require a diet specifically tailored to their nutritional needs, and cheese does not provide the same benefits as cat food. It is important to ensure your cat has access to appropriate food and always consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is also not a good snack for them. Cheese is high in fat and can cause stomach upsets if ingested. It can also lead to obesity and other health issues if consumed in large quantities.
If your cat is lactose intolerant, they may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or excess gas after consuming cheese or other dairy products.
Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are high in lactose and should be avoided. Blue cheese and other mouldy cheeses can be toxic to cats. It is best to stick to hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss in very small amounts.
