Randy Chandler
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet based primarily on meat to stay healthy. While cheese is generally considered safe for cats to eat, it has minimal health benefits and a long list of potential health risks. Cats are often lactose intolerant, and many develop digestive issues after consuming dairy products. The amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square once or twice a week. Harder cheeses like cheddar and Swiss are lower in lactose, while softer cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, and cottage cheese are less ideal due to their higher lactose content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional benefits | Cheese has little to no health benefit for cats. |
| Nutritional risks | Cheese is high in calories, fat, and salt. |
| Safe consumption | Cheese is generally considered safe for cats in small amounts. |
| Consumption risks | Cheese can cause digestive issues, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. |
| Recommended cheeses | Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss are lower in lactose. |
| Cheeses to avoid | Soft cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, and cottage cheese are higher in lactose and fat. |
| Consumption frequency | Cheese should be given to cats no more than once or twice a week. |
| Portion size | A dice-sized square or a pea-sized amount is recommended. |
| Veterinary consultation | Consult a veterinarian before introducing cheese to a cat's diet. |
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What You'll Learn
- Kittens can eat cheese, but only when they are still drinking milk
- Cheese is high in calories, so only give kittens a small amount
- Hard cheeses are better for kittens as they are lower in lactose
- Many kittens are lactose intolerant, so cheese may cause digestive issues
- Cheese has little to no health benefits for kittens
Kittens can eat cheese, but only when they are still drinking milk
The nutrients they require are more readily available in high-quality cat food and treats designed specifically for felines. While the health benefits of feeding your kitten cheese are minimal, the list of health risks is quite significant. Each cat is different, and what their digestive system can tolerate will vary. While one cat can eat cheese without issues, another may develop digestive discomfort.
Cheese is very high in calories, and a 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat is like a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Therefore, the amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square only once or twice per week. It is also important to note that many cats experience lactose intolerance, limiting the cheeses available as options. If your kitten is lactose intolerant, avoid giving them cheese altogether.
If you decide to feed your kitten cheese, look for firm cheeses that are plain with no additives. Cheeses to avoid include softer cheeses, which are much higher in lactose. Stay away from cream cheese, as it is likely to trigger an episode of vomiting and diarrhea. Always consult your veterinarian before adding a new food to your kitten's diet to ensure it is appropriate for them.
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Cheese is high in calories, so only give kittens a small amount
Cats are a type of meat-eating animal called an obligate carnivore, meaning they get most of their nutritional needs met by eating meat. Their digestive system is especially suited to this type of diet. As such, cheese has little to no health benefit for cats, and human foods like cheese should only be given occasionally and in moderation. While cheese is generally considered safe for cats to eat, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Cheese is high in calories. For example, giving a 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese to a 10-pound cat is equivalent to a person eating two and a half cheeseburgers at once. Therefore, the amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square only once or twice per week. If you do feed your cat cheese, only give it to them once in a while and in small amounts.
If your cat is otherwise healthy and has only eaten a reasonably small amount of cheese, it is likely safe to simply monitor the situation at home. Most healthy cats who eat a small amount of cheese of any variety will be fine, aside from perhaps a bit of gastrointestinal upset. However, if you notice your cat isn’t feeling well, its appetite is reduced, or it is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, call your veterinarian.
If you would like to share a cheese snack with your cat, look for hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss. 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. Remember that moderation is key. Don’t give out a second serving, and only offer cheese once or twice a week as a special treat. Always keep an eye on your cat for a few days to make sure that no vomiting or diarrhea develops.
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Hard cheeses are better for kittens as they are lower in lactose
Cats are a type of meat-eating animal called an obligate carnivore, meaning they get most of their nutritional needs from eating meat. Their digestive system is especially suited to this type of diet. As such, cheese has little to no health benefit for cats and human foods like cheese should only be given occasionally and in moderation. While cheese is generally considered safe for cats to eat, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Firstly, cheese is very high in calories. A 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat is the equivalent of a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Therefore, the amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square once or twice per week.
Secondly, many cats experience lactose intolerance, limiting the cheeses available as options. Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss are lower in lactose, so they may be a safer (though not risk-free) pick. Soft cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, and cottage cheese contain higher amounts of lactose and fat, making them less ideal treats for cats.
If you would like to share a cheese snack with your kitten, opt for a hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss. Cut a small cube (no more than the size of a dice) and break it down into smaller pieces so your kitten doesn't eat it all in one bite. Remember that moderation is key—don't give out a second serving, and only offer cheese once or twice a week as a special treat. Always keep an eye on your kitten for a few days to make sure that no vomiting or diarrhea develops.
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Many kittens are lactose intolerant, so cheese may cause digestive issues
While cheese is generally considered safe for cats to eat, it is important to note that many kittens are lactose intolerant, and cheese may cause digestive issues. Lactose intolerance is a common condition in cats, and it can lead to various digestive problems if they consume dairy products like milk, cream, or cheese.
Lactose intolerance in kittens can result in gastrointestinal upset, as their bodies cannot produce enough enzymes to properly digest milk. This means that cheese, which is derived from milk, can also be difficult for them to process. The severity of lactose intolerance can vary among cats, with some experiencing more pronounced symptoms than others.
The impact of lactose intolerance on a kitten's health can be mitigated by choosing the right type of cheese. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese, tend to have lower lactose levels and may be better tolerated by lactose-intolerant kittens. On the other hand, soft cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, and cottage cheese typically contain higher amounts of lactose and are more likely to trigger digestive issues.
It is important to monitor your kitten's reaction after consuming cheese, regardless of their lactose tolerance status. If you notice any adverse effects, such as reduced appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is best to discontinue giving them cheese and consult your veterinarian. While cheese can be a tasty treat for kittens, it is crucial to prioritize their digestive health and overall well-being.
Additionally, it is worth noting that cheese has limited health benefits for kittens. As obligate carnivores, kittens have specific nutritional requirements that are primarily met by a meat-based diet. High-quality kitten food is designed to provide the necessary nutrients for their growth and development, and treats like cheese should be given only occasionally and in moderation. Consulting with a veterinarian can help determine the appropriate amount of cheese to offer as a treat, ensuring it aligns with the kitten's overall nutritional needs and health status.
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Cheese has little to no health benefits for kittens
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found only in animal products to meet their nutritional needs. While cheese is generally considered safe for cats to eat in small amounts, it has little to no health benefits. The nutrients they require are more easily found in high-quality cat food and treats designed specifically for felines.
Cheese is not a necessary part of a balanced diet for cats, and many cats cannot digest dairy due to lactose intolerance, which can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. Even if a cat is not lactose intolerant, cheese should be fed in moderation. A 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese for a 10-pound cat is equivalent to a human consuming two and a half cheeseburgers. Therefore, cheese should be limited to a dice-sized square, no more than once or twice a week.
Some cheeses are safer than others for cats to consume. Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss are lower in lactose and may be a better option, although not risk-free. Soft cheeses like Brie, mozzarella, and cottage cheese are less ideal due to their higher lactose and fat content. Additionally, cheese often contains added ingredients that may be toxic to cats, such as onions, garlic, and chives.
It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods into a cat's diet, especially if the cat has any underlying health conditions. While feeding cheese to kittens specifically was not widely discussed, the same guidelines for adult cats should be followed, and it is essential to ensure that kittens are getting the proper nutrition they need from their diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not good for kittens as it is not part of a complete and balanced diet for felines. Kittens are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet based on meat to thrive and remain healthy. Cheese has little to no health benefit for kittens and can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting.
High-quality kitten food or treats designed specifically for felines are recommended as they provide the nutrients that kittens need. Chicken breasts can be boiled and shredded for kittens, and canned tuna (in water) can also be given, although it is usually too salty for regular meals.
No, kittens should not be fed any soft cheeses such as cream cheese, Brie, mozzarella, cottage cheese, or ricotta, as these are much higher in lactose and can trigger vomiting and diarrhoea. Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss are lower in lactose and may be safer, although not risk-free. Cheese with added ingredients should also be avoided, as they may be toxic to kittens.
