Kamil Perry
Cats are carnivores, and their diet should consist of meat and water. Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and long-term health problems. It is also high in salt, which can cause health issues in excess. Many cats are lactose intolerant, and cheese can cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While some cats can tolerate small amounts of cheese as an occasional treat, it is generally not recommended as a regular part of their diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Cheese should be given to cats no more than once or twice a week |
| Portion size | A small piece, about the size of a dice |
| Type of cheese | Hard cheeses with low lactose, such as cheddar or Swiss |
| Lactose intolerance | Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, lethargy, and weight gain |
| Dairy allergy | Can cause gastrointestinal problems |
| Toxicity | Cheese is not toxic to cats, but some dairy alternatives may be |
| Salt content | Cheese is high in salt, which can cause problems in excess |
| Calories | Cheese is very high in calories |
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What You'll Learn
Cats are lactose intolerant
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients 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. Treats such as cheese are not necessary for a cat's diet and can be harmful.
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy. As such, eating cheese can upset their stomach and lead to gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. If consumed regularly, cheese can also cause weight gain and obesity in cats.
Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can cause problems for cats in excess, just as it does in humans. Cats need far less salt than humans, and too much salt can affect their digestive system and lead to long-term health problems.
Even cheeses with lower lactose content, such as cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, can still lead to digestive issues in cats if consumed in large quantities. It is best to avoid feeding cats any type of cheese, including lactose-free or plant-based cheese, as these may contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.
If your cat has eaten a small piece of cheese as a one-off, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if they show signs of lactose intolerance, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, or excess gas, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian for advice.
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Cheese is high in calories
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a necessary part of their diet. Cats are obligate carnivores and get all their nutrients 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.
Cheese is also high in salt, which can cause health problems in excess, just as it does in humans. Cats need far less salt in their diet than humans.
Therefore, while a small piece of cheese as an occasional treat is generally considered safe for cats, it should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square once or twice a week. It is important to monitor your cat for any signs of lactose intolerance or digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, and adjust their diet accordingly.
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Cheese can cause gastrointestinal distress
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it can cause gastrointestinal distress. This is because cats are often lactose intolerant, and cheese contains lactose. Even cheeses with lower levels of lactose, such as cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese, can still lead to digestive issues. High-lactose cheeses, such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese, pose a greater risk of causing gastrointestinal distress and should be avoided.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine emphasizes that many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting, if they consume dairy. Cats with a dairy allergy may also react poorly to even a small bite of cheese.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in cats include diarrhoea, vomiting, bloat, and excess gas. If your cat shows any of these symptoms after consuming cheese, it is recommended to call your vet or make an appointment with a qualified veterinarian.
In addition to the potential for gastrointestinal distress, cheese is also high in fat and salt, which can affect your cat's digestive system and lead to long-term health problems if eaten regularly. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding cheese to your cat, especially in excessive amounts. As obligate carnivores, cats can derive all the nutrients they need from meat, and treats should comprise no more than 5% of their daily diet.
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Cheese should be fed in moderation
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is still not advisable to feed them cheese and other dairy products. This is because most cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, and lethargy.
If your cat is not lactose intolerant, it is still recommended to feed them cheese in moderation. Cheese is very high in calories, and a 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat is comparable to a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Cheese is also high in salt, which can be harmful in excess. Therefore, cheese should be given to cats in small amounts, such as a dice-sized square, and only once or twice per week.
Some types of cheese are better than others for cats. It is recommended to choose hard cheeses with low lactose content, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and brie, are much higher in lactose and more likely to cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Other cheeses to avoid include blue cheese, which contains mould that can be toxic to cats, and feta cheese, which may be lower in lactose but is still not recommended due to its high salt content.
If you choose to feed your cat cheese, it is important to monitor them for any signs of lactose intolerance or other health issues. If your cat becomes unwell, it is best to stop giving them cheese and consult your veterinarian.
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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 issues and weight gain if consumed in large quantities. It is also high in salt, which can lead to long-term health problems for cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their nutrients 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. Cheese and other dairy products are not considered good snacks for cats due to their high-fat content and potential for causing stomach upset.
Some cheeses are higher in lactose than others, and while many cats can tolerate small portions of low-lactose cheese, others may be lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. Even a small amount of cheese can cause gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and lethargy.
If you choose to feed your cat cheese, it should be limited to a small piece, about the size of a dice, once or twice a week. It is important to monitor your cat for any signs of lactose intolerance or other health issues and consult your veterinarian if you have concerns.
Overall, while an occasional small treat of cheese is not harmful to most cats, it is not a suitable replacement for their regular meat-based diet and should be given sparingly.
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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 salt, which can affect a cat's digestive system and lead to long-term health problems if eaten regularly. It is also very high in calories, so eating cheese over a prolonged period can lead to obesity.
All types of cheese contain lactose, which can make cats unwell. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and brie are especially high in lactose and should be avoided. Cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone are lower in lactose, but they can still lead to digestive issues and should only be given in small amounts as an occasional treat.
If your cat eats a large amount of cheese or shows signs of lactose intolerance, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, or excess gas, call your vet. If your cat does not show any signs of illness, there is no need to rush them to the vet, but you should still keep an eye on them and call the vet if any concerns arise.
