Patrick Oconnell
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet based on meat to stay healthy. While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is high in fat and calories, and most cats are lactose intolerant, so eating cheese can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, and lethargy. If consumed regularly, cheese can also cause obesity. Therefore, cheese should be fed to cats in moderation, if at all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe to eat | Yes, in small amounts, but not recommended |
| Health concerns | Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gas, lethargy, obesity |
| Alternatives | Chicken, fish, cat treats |
| Recommended cheese types | Cheddar, Swiss, cottage cheese, parmesan, mozzarella |
| Cheese types to avoid | Blue cheese, feta, goat's cheese, mouldy cheese, lactose-free cheese, plant-based cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Cats are lactose intolerant and cheese can upset their stomachs
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet based primarily on meat to thrive and stay healthy. They are not particularly good at digesting dairy products, and many cats are lactose intolerant. This means that eating cheese can upset their stomachs, leading to gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, and lethargy.
Lactose intolerance in cats can cause inflammation in the digestive system, and in some cases, even a small amount of cheese can wreak havoc. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine emphasizes that many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal issues if they consume dairy. Cats with a dairy allergy may also react poorly to cheese.
Cheese is high in fat, and too much can be unhealthy for cats and cause them to become ill or overweight. It is also high in salt, which can cause problems in excess, just as it does in humans. Cats need far less salt than humans, and the high salt content of cheese can make them thirsty or harm their kidneys.
Some cheeses, such as blue cheese, are made with mould, which can be toxic to cats. Other cheeses, like mozzarella, are high in lactose and can be health hazards for cats. Even lactose-free or plant-based cheese should be avoided, as they may contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.
While some cats can tolerate small portions of cheese, it is not a necessary part of their diet and should be given sparingly as a treat. If you are unsure, it is best to check with your vet.
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Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can lead to obesity
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is high in fat and calories, which can lead to obesity. Cats are carnivores, and their appetite is driven by foods with a high-fat content. As a result, they are often drawn to the taste of cheese, despite it being unhealthy for them. Cheese is also high in salt, which can cause problems for cats in excess, just as it does for humans.
Cheese should be avoided as a regular part of a cat's diet, and it should only be fed to them in moderation. A cat's body cannot produce enough enzymes to digest milk properly, making cheese a problematic food choice for felines. As many cats are lactose intolerant, eating cheese can upset their stomach, resulting in vomiting and/or diarrhea. It can also make them feel sluggish or lethargic.
If you do feed your cat cheese, it should only be given in small amounts, about the size of a dice, and only once in a while. Some cheeses are better than others, with hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss being better options due to their lower lactose content. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, whether raw or cooked, are health hazards for cats because they are high in lactose. Feta cheese, while lower in lactose than other cheeses, is extremely high in salt and should be avoided.
It is important to remember that cats can get all the nutrients they need by eating meat. A healthy cat diet should comprise meat-based cat food and water, with treats taking up no more than five percent of their daily diet. If you are unsure about whether to feed your cat cheese, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
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Some cheeses are high in salt, which can be harmful to cats
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a healthy option for them either. Most cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting if they consume dairy. Cats with a dairy allergy may also react poorly to even a small bite of cheese.
Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can cause problems in excess just as it does in humans. Cats need far less salt than humans, and the high salt content of some cheeses can make your cat thirsty or harm their kidneys. Feta cheese, for example, is extremely high in salt and should be avoided. Goat's cheese is also high in salt and should not be fed to cats.
If you do feed your cat cheese, only give it to them once in a while and in small amounts. 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.
If your cat does become unwell after eating cheese, try to keep it out of their reach in the future. If you notice any changes in their health or behaviour, give your vet a call.
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Blue cheese is made with mould, which is toxic to cats
Cheese is generally not considered a healthy snack for cats, as they are often lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. However, feeding cats a small piece of cheese once in a while is usually fine. That said, blue cheese should be avoided, as it is made with mould that can be toxic to cats.
Blue cheese is made with cultures of the mould Penicillium, which can be toxic to pets. Overripe or festering blue cheese can produce a toxin called Roquefortine C, which cats are particularly susceptible to. While death is rare, it has occurred in cats who have eaten large quantities of old, mouldy cheese from the trash.
If your cat has eaten blue cheese, monitor them for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, or lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. To help with any gastrointestinal symptoms, you can give your cat an over-the-counter medication like Pepcid (famotidine).
It's important to remember that cheese should only be given to cats in small amounts as a treat, and it's best to avoid blue cheese altogether. Cats have different nutritional needs than humans, and their diet should primarily consist of high-quality cat food.
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Cats can eat some cheeses, like cheddar, in small amounts
Cats can eat some cheeses, like cheddar, but only in small amounts. While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is also not the healthiest option for them. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients from meat. A healthy cat diet should comprise meat-based cat food and water, with treats taking up no more than 5% of their daily diet.
Cheese is high in fat and calories, and too much can be unhealthy for cats and may cause them to become overweight. It can also cause stomach upsets, leading to vomiting and/or diarrhoea, as well as lethargy. Many cats are also lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, abdominal pain, constipation, and gas. If your cat is lactose intolerant, even a small amount of cheese could wreak havoc on their digestive system.
If you would like to feed your cat cheese, it should be limited to no more than a dice-sized cube, and only once or twice a week. Look for hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss cheese, which have lower amounts of lactose. Avoid mouldy cheeses, such as blue cheese, as well as soft cheeses like mozzarella, which are high in lactose.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is also not the healthiest option. Cheese is high in fat and calories, and can cause stomach upsets, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Cats are often lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause havoc on their digestive system.
All types of cheese contain lactose, which can make cats unwell. Blue cheese, feta, and goat's cheese are particularly high in salt, which can cause long-term health problems. Mouldy cheese can also contain fungus, which is toxic to cats.
If your cat is not lactose intolerant, some cheeses are safer than others. Cheddar and Swiss cheese are lower in lactose. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose and rich in protein, but it is best to choose a low-fat variety.
Cheese should be fed to cats in moderation. A small dice-sized cube of cheese once or twice a week is the recommended amount. Cats should not eat large amounts of cheese, and it should only be fed as an occasional treat.
