Kamil Perry
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a high-protein diet. While cheese is a source of protein, it is not ideal for cats due to the possibility of gastrointestinal issues. Most cats are lactose intolerant and cheese contains lactose, which can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ricotta cheese is a soft cheese that tends to be high in lactose. While it may be okay for cats to consume in small amounts, it is not a suitable substitute for cat food and should only be given as an occasional treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Low nutritional value for cats |
| Toxicity | Not toxic |
| Lactose content | High |
| Risk of gastrointestinal issues | High |
| Risk of obesity | High |
| Safe amount | Small quantities |
| Safe frequency | Not a habit |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta cheese is high in lactose
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is high in lactose, which many cats are intolerant to. As kittens are weaned from their mother's milk, the enzyme that enables them to digest lactose begins to disappear from their gut. This means that dairy products with high lactose content, such as ricotta cheese, are more likely to upset a cat's stomach.
Ricotta cheese is a soft cheese, and softer, fresher cheeses tend to be higher in lactose. High-lactose cheeses can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats if they are intolerant. While some cats may be able to handle cheese in small amounts, it is not a suitable substitute for cat food and should not be given to them regularly.
Some cheeses, such as cheddar and provolone, have lower lactose content and are easier for cats to digest. These lower-lactose cheeses can be fed to cats in small quantities as a treat. However, it is important to remember that cheese has limited nutritional value for cats and is high in fat, which can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in excess.
Before feeding any type of cheese to a cat, it is essential to check the ingredients and ensure there are no unsafe additives. It is also recommended to consult a veterinarian, especially if the cat has any medical conditions or takes medication. Any new food should be introduced in small quantities, and if negative symptoms occur, the food should not be given again.
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Cats are lactose intolerant
When an adult cat consumes milk or other dairy products, such as cheese, the lactose remains undigested and passes through the intestinal tract. This can cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, about 8 to 12 hours later. The undigested lactose in the gut may also start to ferment, causing further stomach discomfort.
While some cats seem to tolerate small amounts of cheese or milk without showing signs of lactose intolerance, it is generally best to avoid giving them dairy products. There are special lactose-free cat milk options available if you want to give your cat milk as an occasional treat. However, it's important to remember that milk contains calories and can contribute to obesity in cats.
The association between cats and milk is believed to have originated on farms, where cats found cow's milk, with its high-fat content and low lactose levels, appealing. However, today's store-bought milk has lower fat content and higher lactose levels, making it more difficult for cats to digest.
In conclusion, while cats may enjoy the taste and creaminess of cheese and other dairy products, it is important to remember that they are lactose intolerant and can experience health issues if they consume too much. It is best to offer them healthier and more enjoyable options as treats and ensure they receive proper nutrition through their cat food.
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Ricotta cheese may cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhoea
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is also not a food that is necessary for them. In fact, cheese offers very few nutritional benefits to cats. As obligate carnivores, cats are in need of a high-protein diet, which they can only get from eating meat.
However, if you are looking to give your cat a cheese-based snack, it is important to be aware that some cheeses are better than others. Ricotta cheese, for example, is a soft cheese that tends to be high in lactose. As cats are often lactose intolerant, eating ricotta cheese may cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Some cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, and feta, have lower lactose content and are therefore easier for cats to digest. These cheeses can be fed to cats in small quantities as a treat. However, it is important to remember that cheese should not make up a large part of a cat's diet. For an average-sized cat, the maximum amount of cheese at one time should be about a dime-sized amount.
If you are unsure about whether it is safe to feed your cat a certain type of cheese, it is always best to consult your veterinarian.
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Cats should only eat fatty foods in moderation
While cats can eat some types of cheese, it should only be consumed in moderation. This is because most cats are lactose intolerant, and cheese contains lactose. As a result, eating too much cheese can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Ricotta cheese is among the varieties of cheese that experts suggest keeping cats away from, even in small amounts, as they tend to be high in lactose. However, according to Dr. Saffire, they are probably still fine in small doses, but there may be a higher risk of adverse effects.
In general, cats should only eat fatty foods in moderation. This is because, while cheese is a source of protein, it is not an ideal source for cats due to the possibility of inducing gastrointestinal issues. Cats require specific nutrients that can only be supplied through the ingestion of animal meat. Consuming too much dairy can also contribute to obesity, which is becoming more common in household cats.
Therefore, while cats can eat small amounts of cheese, it is not a necessary or ideal part of their diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. It is important to monitor cats after they eat cheese for the first time and if they experience any negative symptoms, do not feed it to them again. Any foods outside of a cat's normal diet should make up less than 10% of their daily food intake.
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Cheese has no nutritional value for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a high-protein diet. While cheese is a source of protein, it is not an ideal source for cats due to the possibility of inducing gastrointestinal issues. Cats require specific nutrients that can only be supplied through the ingestion of animal meat.
Some cheeses are worse than others. Softer, fresher cheeses tend to be higher in lactose, which can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhoea in cats if they are intolerant. Processed cheese, such as string cheese, is also high in lactose and other nutrients that a cat does not need. Ricotta, mozzarella, and burrata are also high-lactose cheeses that should be avoided. Blue cheeses should also be avoided as the colourful veining in these cheeses is actually mould, which can be dangerous for cats.
If you are going to feed your cat cheese, it is recommended to give them a small amount of low-lactose, aged, hard cheese. Cheddar, for example, has a lower lactose content than other cheeses, making it easier to digest. It is also often used to conceal medication given to cats as it easily moulds around tablets.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is best to avoid giving your cat ricotta cheese. While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is high in lactose, which can cause gastrointestinal issues and obesity.
Cats can eat some types of cheese in small quantities, such as organic cheese, fermented cheese, and low-lactose, aged, hard cheeses like cheddar and provolone.
The high lactose content in ricotta cheese can lead to gastrointestinal issues, obesity, diarrhoea, and constipation in cats. It is also high in fat, which can be harmful to cats in large amounts.
