Frederic Melton
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients from meat. Treats should make up no more than 5% of their daily diet. While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is high in fat and calories and can cause stomach upsets. Many cats are also lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas. If your cat is lactose intolerant, even a small amount of cheese could cause havoc on their digestive system. However, if your cat is healthy and only eats a small amount of cheese, it is likely safe to simply monitor the situation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Cheese is not toxic to cats. |
| Nutritional Benefits | Cheese is high in protein and calcium. |
| Lactose Intolerance | Many cats are lactose intolerant and may experience gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas |
| Allergies | Some cats may have a dairy allergy |
| Caloric Content | Cheese is very high in calories and can lead to weight gain in cats. |
| Salt Content | Some cheeses are high in salt, which can be problematic for cats as they require less salt than humans. |
| Recommendations | Cheese should be given in moderation and only as an occasional treat, not as a replacement for cat food. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cats can eat cheese in moderation, but it's not a substitute for cat food
- Lactose intolerance and dairy allergies are common in cats, causing vomiting and diarrhoea
- High-lactose soft cheeses, like mozzarella, are especially harmful to cats
- Salt, fat, and calories in cheese can be unhealthy for cats in large amounts
- Consult a vet about whether cheese is a healthy option for your cat
Cats can eat cheese in moderation, but it's not a substitute for cat food
Cheese can be a nutritious treat for cats, but only in small amounts and occasionally. A cube of cheese, about the size of a dice, is generally considered a safe portion size. However, it is important to be mindful of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, which are common in cats. Many cats experience gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas, after consuming dairy products. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid feeding cats cheese or other dairy products, especially in large quantities.
If you choose to feed your cat cheese, opt for hard, plain cheeses with no additives, such as cheddar, Swiss, or goat cheese. These varieties typically have lower lactose levels. On the other hand, soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and brie are high in lactose and more likely to cause digestive problems. Blue cheese should also be avoided due to the presence of mould, which can be toxic to cats.
While cheese can be an occasional treat, it should not replace a cat's regular diet. Cats require a meat-based diet to fulfil their nutritional needs. If you are concerned about your cat's diet or notice any adverse reactions to cheese, it is best to consult your veterinarian for specific advice and recommendations.
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Lactose intolerance and dairy allergies are common in cats, causing vomiting and diarrhoea
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is also not a necessary part of their diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients from meat. As such, treats should make up no more than 5% of their daily diet.
The severity of these symptoms will depend on the type of cheese. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and brie, are high in lactose and should be avoided. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese, have lower amounts of lactose and may be tolerated in small amounts by cats that are not lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. However, even these cheeses can still lead to digestive issues.
Goat's cheese is low in lactose, but it is still not recommended for cats due to its high salt, fat, and calorie content. Cheese is a very high-calorie food for cats, and regular consumption can lead to weight gain and skin disease, resulting in fur loss.
If your cat has eaten cheese, there is usually no need to rush them to the vet. However, if they show signs of lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, or lethargy, contact your vet for advice.
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High-lactose soft cheeses, like mozzarella, are especially harmful to cats
While feeding cats cheese here and there shouldn't be a problem, it is important to note that high-lactose soft cheeses, like mozzarella, are especially harmful to cats. Mozzarella, a soft cheese, is high in lactose and is likely to upset a cat's stomach. This is true whether the cheese is raw (like string cheese) or cooked (like on pizza).
Mozzarella is not the only soft cheese that poses a health risk to cats. Other soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and ricotta, are also high in lactose and can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, soft cheeses like brie, blue cheese, and Camembert are made with raw milk, which may contain Salmonella and Listeria, pathogens that can cause serious illness in cats.
It is worth noting that not all cats are lactose intolerant, and some can process dairy just fine. However, due to the high-lactose content of soft cheeses like mozzarella, it is generally recommended to avoid feeding these to cats. Instead, if you want to give your cat a small treat of cheese, opt for a hard cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or goat cheese, but only in small amounts and as an occasional treat.
If your cat does eat a large amount of cheese or shows signs of lactose intolerance, such as diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or excess gas, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian for advice.
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Salt, fat, and calories in cheese can be unhealthy for cats in large amounts
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is high in salt, fat, and calories, which can be unhealthy for cats in large amounts. 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, being a dairy product, also contains lactose, which many cats are intolerant to. Lactose intolerance in cats can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas. Even a small amount of cheese can cause these symptoms in lactose-intolerant cats, so it is important to monitor your cat's reaction if they consume cheese.
Some cheeses are higher in lactose than others. Soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Brie, tend to have higher lactose content and should be avoided. Harder cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone are generally better tolerated by cats. However, even these cheeses can still lead to digestive issues due to their lactose content.
In addition to the lactose content, the high-calorie content of cheese can also be problematic for cats. A small amount of cheese for a cat is comparable to a human consuming two and a half cheeseburgers. Regular consumption of cheese can lead to weight gain and associated health issues, such as skin disease and fur loss.
Therefore, while a small piece of cheese given occasionally as a treat is generally safe for cats, it is important to be mindful of the salt, fat, and calorie content. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine if cheese is an appropriate treat for your cat and to ensure they maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
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Consult a vet about whether cheese is a healthy option for your cat
While some sources state that feeding your cat cheese here and there shouldn't be a problem, it is still highly recommended that you consult a vet about whether cheese is a healthy option for your cat. This is because cheese is a dairy product, and cats often experience lactose intolerance or allergy to dairy. In fact, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, most cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and gas.
If your cat is otherwise healthy and has only eaten a small amount of cheese, it is likely safe to simply monitor the situation at home. However, if your cat becomes unwell or you notice any changes in their health or behaviour, you should call your vet. For cats with any underlying health conditions, it is recommended to be proactive and call your vet before any symptoms develop.
If you do choose to feed your cat cheese, it should only be given to them occasionally and in small amounts. The cheese should be a plain, firm variety with no additives, such as cheddar, Swiss, or goat's cheese. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, and cottage cheese, are much higher in lactose and are more likely to cause gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to remember that cheese is high in fat and calories and can cause your cat to become overweight if fed regularly.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not toxic to cats, and it can be a nutritious treat, being high in protein and calcium. However, it is very high in calories and fat, so it should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. If your cat is lactose intolerant, even a small amount of cheese can cause gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, and lethargy. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, contact your vet.
If you would like to feed your cat cheese, opt for hard, plain cheeses with no additives, such as cheddar, Swiss, or goat's cheese. Avoid soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and brie, as these are much higher in lactose.
Cheese should not be a regular treat for cats, as it does not provide them with any essential nutrients—cats are obligate carnivores and get all their nutrients from meat. It is also very high in salt, which can be harmful in excess. If you want to give your cat a treat, speak to your vet about healthier alternatives.
