Patrick Oconnell
Cats are considered obligate carnivores, meaning their preferred diet is meat and other animal products. While cheese is generally considered safe for cats to eat, there are some important things to keep in mind. Many cats experience lactose intolerance or an allergy to dairy products, which can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas. String cheese, in particular, is derived from cow's milk and can contain lactose, so it may not be the best option for cats with lactose intolerance. However, if your cat is not lactose intolerant and can handle small amounts of dairy, string cheese can be given as an occasional treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional benefit | Minimal |
| Health risks | High |
| Occasional consumption | Safe |
| Regular consumption | Unsafe |
| High-fat content | Attractive to cats |
| High-calorie content | Yes |
| Lactose intolerance | Common in cats |
| Allergic reactions | Possible |
| Gastrointestinal issues | Possible |
| Recommended amount | Dice-sized square, once or twice a week |
| Recommended types | Hard, low-lactose cheese |
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What You'll Learn
- String cheese is derived from cow's milk and may contain lactose, which cats are often intolerant to
- Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their preferred diet is meat and animal products
- Cheese is high in calories, fats, and carbs, so it should be given in moderation
- Cats can usually tolerate small amounts of low-lactose cheese, such as aged, hard cheeses
- Cats may experience gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming cheese
String cheese is derived from cow's milk and may contain lactose, which cats are often intolerant to
Lactose intolerance in cats is common because, as kittens, they are weaned off their mother's milk, and the enzyme that enables them to digest lactose begins to disappear from their gut. Therefore, dairy products with high lactose content are likely to upset a cat's stomach. However, this does not apply to all cats, and some can tolerate cheese just fine.
String cheese is one of the harder varieties of cheese, and harder cheeses are generally considered safer for cats to eat. This is because the cheesemaking process for harder cheeses removes more lactose than softer cheeses. However, string cheese is still derived from cow's milk, and so it may still contain lactose. As such, it is recommended that cats only consume string cheese occasionally and in small amounts.
If your cat has no issues with lactose or dairy, there are some health benefits to cheese. Cheese is high in fat and protein, which can be beneficial to cats in small amounts. However, it is important to remember that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their nutritional needs are mostly met by meat, and their digestive systems are especially suited to this type of diet. Therefore, cheese should only be given to cats as an occasional treat, and their regular diet should consist of high-quality cat food designed to meet their nutritional needs.
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Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their preferred diet is meat and animal products
Additionally, many cats experience lactose intolerance or an allergy to dairy products, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for low-lactose cheeses such as aged, hard cheeses, including cheddar, muenster, Swiss, provolone, colby jack, parmesan, gouda, mozzarella, feta, string cheese, and goat cheese. Soft cheeses like cream cheese, cottage cheese, and Brie can also be given, but in smaller amounts due to their higher lactose content.
It is worth noting that while some cats may enjoy cheese without any issues, others may develop digestive discomfort. If your cat experiences any negative reactions, such as an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is best to avoid feeding them cheese. Overall, while cats can occasionally indulge in small amounts of cheese, it should not replace their regular diet of high-quality cat food, which is specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs.
String cheese, in particular, is derived from cow's milk and can contain lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. While it may not be toxic to cats, it is still considered a dairy product, and the amount consumed should be limited to small portions. As with other cheeses, it is important to monitor your cat for any signs of lactose intolerance or digestive issues after consuming string cheese.
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Cheese is high in calories, fats, and carbs, so it should be given in moderation
While cats can eat string cheese, it should be given in moderation due to its high calorie, fat, and carb content. String cheese is derived from cow's milk and can contain lactose, which many cats are intolerant to. As a result, cheese should be fed to cats in small amounts, and only occasionally.
Lactose intolerance can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas. Therefore, it is important to monitor your cat's reaction after consuming cheese and adjust their diet accordingly. If your cat experiences any negative symptoms, it is best to avoid giving them cheese in the future.
Some cheeses are lower in lactose than others, such as provolone and gouda, which can be better options for cats. Hard cheeses like cheddar, muenster, Swiss, parmesan, and mozzarella are generally considered safe for cats and can be fed in small pieces. However, it is important to remember that cheese has little to no health benefits for cats, and their nutritional needs are better met by high-quality cat food and treats designed specifically for felines.
While string cheese may be a tasty treat for your cat, it should not become a regular part of their diet due to its high-calorie content. A 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat is equivalent to a human consuming two and a half cheeseburgers. Therefore, it is recommended to limit cheese portions to a dice-sized square, given only once or twice a week.
In conclusion, while string cheese is not inherently harmful to cats, it should be given sparingly due to its high-calorie, fat, and carb content. It is important to prioritize your cat's health and well-being by providing a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs, with treats like string cheese being an occasional indulgence.
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Cats can usually tolerate small amounts of low-lactose cheese, such as aged, hard cheeses
Cats are considered obligate carnivores, meaning their preferred diet is meat and other animal products. They are usually lactose intolerant, and dairy products can cause gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or gas. Therefore, it is recommended to keep their dairy intake minimal. However, not all cats are lactose intolerant, and some can usually tolerate small amounts of low-lactose cheese, such as aged, hard cheeses.
Hard, low-lactose cheeses that cats can typically tolerate include cheddar, muenster, Swiss, provolone, colby jack, parmesan, gouda, mozzarella, feta, string cheese, and goat cheese. Provolone and gouda are good options for the first time you offer your cat cheese as they are lower in lactose. While string cheese is derived from cow's milk and can contain lactose, it is still considered safe for cats to eat in small amounts.
If you choose to give your cat cheese, keep the portion small, and monitor your cat for any bad reactions. In addition, treats like cheese should not be more than 10% of their daily caloric intake or a daily occurrence.
It is important to note that while cheese can be a tasty treat for cats, it has little to no health benefit. There are better treat options that are less likely to cause issues for your cat. High-quality cat food and treats designed specifically for felines can provide the nutrients your cat needs.
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Cats may experience gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming cheese
While some cats may be able to handle cheese from time to time, others may experience gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming it. This is because, like milk, cheese is a dairy product that contains lactose, which can be difficult for cats to digest. As kittens are weaned from their mother's milk, the enzyme that enables them to digest lactose begins to disappear from their gut. Therefore, most adult cats are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, and consuming cheese may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
The amount of lactose in cheese varies depending on the type of cheese. Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar, muenster, Swiss, parmesan, gouda, and provolone are generally considered safe for cats to eat in small amounts because they are lower in lactose. On the other hand, soft cheeses like cottage cheese and cream cheese tend to be higher in lactose and should be avoided or given in very small quantities. String cheese, specifically, is made from cow's milk and can still contain lactose, so it may cause gastrointestinal issues in lactose-intolerant cats.
It's important to note that each cat is unique, and their tolerance to lactose may vary. Some cats may be able to handle small amounts of string cheese without any issues, while others may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or gas. If your cat has previously shown signs of lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, it's best to avoid giving them any string cheese or other dairy products.
If your cat does consume string cheese, monitor them closely for any signs of gastrointestinal distress. Depending on the amount consumed, your cat may experience diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal upset. In most cases, these symptoms should resolve on their own without requiring veterinary intervention. However, if your cat shows severe or persistent symptoms, it's always best to consult your veterinarian for advice.
Overall, while string cheese may not be specifically toxic to cats, it's generally recommended to limit your cat's dairy intake due to the potential for gastrointestinal issues. There are many other treat options that are less likely to cause your cat problems and can provide better nutritional value. If you choose to give your cat cheese, always do so in moderation and be mindful of their individual tolerance levels.
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Frequently asked questions
String cheese is derived from cow's milk and can contain lactose, which many cats are intolerant to. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid giving your cat string cheese.
If your cat eats string cheese, it may experience gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas.
Yes, there are some cheeses that are generally considered safe for cats to consume in small amounts, such as aged, hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and gouda, as well as low-lactose cheeses.
Cheese should be given to cats in moderation, with some sources suggesting no more than a dice-sized square once or twice a week, and never exceeding 10% of their daily caloric intake.
