Kamil Perry
Cats are often drawn to cheese, and while it's not toxic for them, it also doesn't offer any health benefits. Harder, aged cheeses such as Swiss or Cheddar are considered safe for cats because they're low in lactose. However, some cats are lactose intolerant, and too much cheese can lead to digestive issues like an upset stomach, gas, and/or diarrhea. It's also important to note that cheese is high in fat, which could cause your cat to gain weight, increasing their risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. Therefore, it's best to give your cat only a small amount of cheese as an occasional treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for cats | Yes, in moderation |
| Health benefits | None |
| Lactose content | Low |
| Calories | High |
| Sodium | High |
| Fat | High |
| Protein | High |
| Calcium | High |
| Safe serving size | Small piece or dice-sized |
| Risks | Digestive issues, weight gain, diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, arthritis, salt toxicity, poisoning |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is safe for cats in moderation
While cats can eat cheese, it is important to remember that cheese is not an essential part of a cat's diet and should only be fed in moderation. Cheddar cheese, in particular, is generally safe for cats to consume in small amounts. It is a semi-hard cheese with lower levels of lactose compared to other varieties, such as soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese.
Cheddar cheese can be used as an occasional treat or to conceal pills for your cat. However, it is crucial to monitor your cat's reaction after consuming cheese to check for any signs of lactose intolerance, such as an upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea. Additionally, the high-calorie content of cheese can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of health issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. Therefore, it is recommended to limit cheese treats to no more than 8 to 10 percent of your cat's daily calorie intake.
When introducing cheese into your cat's diet, start with a small amount and gradually increase it while observing their reaction. If your cat shows any unusual symptoms or has a known dairy allergy, contact your veterinarian immediately. It is also important to ensure that cheese treats do not replace their regular, balanced cat food, as cheese does not offer the same nutritional benefits.
It is worth noting that some cats may be more tolerant of lactose than others. Aged, hard cheeses like cheddar are generally safer options for cats due to their lower lactose content. However, it is always advisable to consult with your veterinarian before regularly incorporating cheese into your cat's diet, especially if your cat is on any medication or has specific health considerations.
In conclusion, while cheddar cheese is generally safe for cats in moderation, it should not be a staple in their diet. It is crucial to prioritize your cat's overall health and well-being by providing a balanced and species-appropriate diet, with treats like cheese being an occasional indulgence.
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Cheddar cheese is low in lactose
Cats are lactose intolerant, but this does not mean they cannot enjoy cheese at all. Cheddar cheese is low in lactose, which is why it is considered safe for cats in moderation. However, it is still important to monitor your cat's consumption of cheese, as large quantities can lead to unpleasant results.
Lactose is a sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose. While it is not an allergy, lactose intolerance can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, cramping, and stomach pain.
Cheddar cheese is a hard cheese that typically falls within the 0-2.1% lactose range. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, have lower sugar content and are easier to digest. This is because the cheesemaking process removes most of the lactose, which is then fermented into lactic acid. As a result, hard cheeses like cheddar are considered "virtually lactose-free."
For lactose-intolerant individuals, including cats, consuming dairy products with low or no lactose can provide the nutritional benefits of dairy without the uncomfortable symptoms. Cheddar cheese, being low in lactose, can be a suitable option for cats to enjoy in small amounts.
However, it is important to remember that cheese is also high in fat, which can contribute to weight gain in cats and increase their risk of health issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. Therefore, while a few bites of cheddar cheese may be safe for your cat, it should be given in moderation and not replace a well-balanced diet tailored to their specific needs.
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Too much cheese can cause tummy troubles
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it also doesn't offer any health benefits. It is high in fat and calories, which can cause your cat to gain weight and increase their risk of diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. It is also high in salt, which can cause salt toxicity or poisoning, requiring veterinary care.
Cheese also contains lactose, which cats are intolerant to and cannot properly digest. This can lead to digestive issues like an upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. Some cats are more tolerant of lactose than others, but it's still best to stick to small amounts of cheese to avoid negative gastrointestinal effects.
In addition, cheese can interfere with your cat's ability to digest protein. If your cat is on medication, it's best to skip the cheese altogether, as it may interact with certain medicines.
So, while an occasional small bite of cheese is probably fine for your cat, too much cheese can definitely cause tummy troubles. It's important to monitor your cat's cheese intake and watch for any signs of digestive issues.
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Cheddar cheese is high in fat and calories
While cheddar cheese is generally safe for cats to consume in moderation, it is essential to be mindful of its high-fat content and calorie count. Cheese is a tempting treat for cats, and a few bites are unlikely to cause harm. However, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and associated health risks.
Cheddar cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is lower in lactose compared to other varieties, making it a safer option for cats. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that cheese is not a necessary part of a cat's diet and does not offer significant nutritional benefits. Cats are naturally drawn to cheese due to its high protein and fat content, but these same characteristics can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.
The high-fat content in cheddar cheese can contribute to obesity in cats if not carefully monitored. Obesity in cats can increase their risk of developing diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis. Therefore, it is essential to limit the amount of cheese given as a treat and ensure it does not replace their regular, balanced meals.
In addition to its high-fat content, cheddar cheese is also calorie-dense. A single slice of cheese can contain up to 90 calories, which is a significant amount for a cat's daily calorie intake. As a result, it is crucial to be mindful of the portion size when offering cheese as an occasional treat.
When introducing cheese into a cat's diet, it is essential to monitor their reaction and adjust the amount accordingly. Some cats may be more sensitive to lactose or have dairy allergies, leading to digestive issues such as an upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea. It is also important to note that cheese should not be used as a substitute for a cat's regular meals or healthy treats, such as cooked chicken, beef, fish, or eggs.
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Consult a vet before giving cheese to a cat on medication
While cheese may be a tasty treat for your cat, it's important to exercise caution, especially if your feline friend is on medication. Consult your veterinarian before giving cheese to a cat that is taking any form of medication. This is crucial because some medications do not interact well with certain foods, and cheese may fall into this category.
For example, Dr. Tawnia Shaw, DVM, points out that some medicines, such as the antibiotic doxycycline, should not be taken with high-calcium foods like cheese. The calcium can bind to the medication, preventing its absorption. Therefore, it is always best to check with your veterinarian to ensure that cheese is compatible with your cat's medication.
Additionally, cheese contains lactose, and while some cats can tolerate small amounts, others may experience digestive issues. Symptoms of lactose intolerance in cats include an upset stomach, gas, and diarrhoea. It's important to monitor your cat for any signs of discomfort after consuming cheese, especially if they are on medication, as this could indicate an adverse reaction.
If your veterinarian advises against giving cheese to your cat while they are on medication, there are alternative ways to administer the medicine. One option is to hide the pill in a small amount of wet cat food, tuna, or a soft treat that can be moulded around the pill. You can also lubricate the pill with gravy or a soft treat to make it easier for your cat to swallow.
Remember, even if your cat is not on medication, cheese should only be given in moderation and as an occasional treat. It is high in fat and can contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk of health issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, and arthritis.
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Frequently asked questions
Sharp cheddar cheese is generally safe for cats to eat in moderation. It is lower in lactose than other cheeses, but it can still cause digestive issues in large amounts.
A small amount of sharp cheddar cheese, about the size of a dice, is generally considered safe for cats. However, it's important to monitor your cat for any signs of lactose intolerance, such as an upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea.
While cats enjoy the taste of cheese, it does not offer any significant health benefits. Cheese is high in fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of health issues in cats.
Yes, consuming large amounts of sharp cheddar cheese can lead to digestive issues such as tummy aches, diarrhea, or constipation. Additionally, cheese is high in salt, which can cause salt toxicity or poisoning in cats.
It is generally recommended to avoid giving cheese to cats that are on medication. Some medications may interact with the high calcium content in cheese, affecting their absorption or effectiveness. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any new food to a cat on medication.
