Randy Chandler
Cats can eat cheese, but only in small amounts as treats. While cheese is generally considered safe for cats to eat, there are some types of cheese that are better for cats than others. Harder, aged cheeses such as Swiss cheese, are considered safe for cats because they are low in lactose. However, some cats may be lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, which can lead to digestive issues and vomiting. Therefore, it is important to monitor your cat after feeding them cheese for the first time and to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your cat's diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe for cats | Yes, in small amounts |
| Nutritional benefits | None |
| High in | Protein, calcium, fat, sodium |
| Low in | Lactose |
| Safe types | Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, parmesan, gouda |
| Unsafe types | Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, brie, blue cheese |
| Health risks | Digestive issues, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, gas |
| Portion size | Dice-sized square, once or twice a week |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is low in lactose
Lactose intolerance is a common issue for cats, and even a small amount of cheese can cause digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for hard cheeses like Swiss cheese, which are lower in lactose. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cream cheese, and cottage cheese are high in lactose and more likely to cause gastrointestinal problems for cats.
In addition to lactose content, it is important to consider the sodium levels in cheese. While Swiss cheese is low in sodium, other varieties may have higher salt content, which can lead to health issues such as salt toxicity or poisoning in cats. It is crucial to always monitor your cat's reaction after introducing new foods and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations.
Swiss cheese, known for its distinctive holes, is typically made with cow's milk and has a mild, nutty flavour. Its low lactose content makes it a relatively safer option for cats compared to other varieties of cheese. However, it is still important to feed Swiss cheese to cats in moderation, as overconsumption can lead to weight gain and potential digestive issues.
Overall, while Swiss cheese is lower in lactose compared to other cheeses, it should still be fed to cats in small amounts as an occasional treat. It is always advisable to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat's diet to ensure their specific nutritional needs are met without compromising their health.
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It's high in protein and fat
Swiss cheese is a healthier option for humans as it is high in protein and low in sodium and fat. While cats can eat cheese, it should only be in small amounts, and some types of cheese are better than others. Harder, aged cheeses such as Swiss cheese are considered safe for cats because they are low in lactose. However, cheese is very high in calories, so the amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square once or twice a week.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get most of their nutritional needs from eating meat, and their digestive system is especially suited to this type of diet. Therefore, feeding your cat cheese has little to no health benefit. While cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which cats need in their diet, it is also high in fat. High-quality cat food and treats designed specifically for felines are better options to ensure your cat gets all the nutrients it needs.
Cats can be lactose intolerant, and many may experience gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or gas after eating cheese. Therefore, it is important to monitor your cat after feeding them cheese for the first time. If your cat shows any unusual signs, contact their veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you are going to feed your cat cheese, it is recommended to give them plain cheeses that are low in lactose and salt. Harder cheeses such as Swiss cheese, cheddar, and parmesan are good options. Soft cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are high in lactose and should be avoided.
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It's safe in small amounts
Swiss cheese can be safely offered to cats in small quantities as an occasional treat. While it is not a necessary part of a cat's diet, Swiss cheese can provide some nutritional benefits when fed in moderation.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they primarily obtain their nutritional needs from animal-based proteins. However, small amounts of cheese can be a good source of additional nutrients, including protein, calcium, and essential fatty acids. Swiss cheese, in particular, has a lower lactose content compared to other types of cheese, which is beneficial for cats since they have a reduced ability to digest lactose.
The holes in Swiss cheese, caused by the gas produced by bacteria during the cheese-making process, actually reduce the lactose content further. This makes Swiss cheese a relatively safer option compared to other cheeses for cats, who can sometimes struggle to digest lactose and may experience gastrointestinal upset if they consume too much.
When offering Swiss cheese to your cat, it is important to keep the portions small. A general rule of thumb is to ensure that treats make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. Start with a very small amount of cheese, and gradually increase it if your cat shows an interest and does not exhibit any signs of digestive distress.
Some cats may be more sensitive to dairy products than others, so it is always a good idea to introduce new foods slowly and monitor your cat's reaction. If you notice any adverse effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or gas, discontinue feeding Swiss cheese and consult your veterinarian for further advice. Overall, Swiss cheese can be a safe and tasty treat for your feline friend, as long as it is given in moderation and does not replace a balanced, meat-based diet.
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It's not nutritious for cats
While Swiss cheese is considered a healthy cheese option for humans, it is not a nutritious food for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get most of their nutritional needs met by eating meat, and their digestive system is especially suited to this type of diet.
Cats do not produce lactase, an enzyme needed to break down lactose, after they are weaned. As a result, many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas after consuming dairy products like cheese. Even if your cat does not have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, cheese should only be given in small amounts as treats, and only once or twice a week.
Swiss cheese is a hard cheese that is typically made plainly and is low in lactose. While it may be a safer option for cats compared to soft, high-lactose cheeses like mozzarella or cottage cheese, it still contains some lactose and can lead to digestive issues. It is also high in fat and sodium, which can be problematic for cats. Therefore, it is recommended to give cats low-lactose, low-sodium cheeses like Cheddar or Parmesan in small amounts, and only as an occasional treat.
Overall, while Swiss cheese may be a safer option compared to other types of cheese, it is not a nutritious food for cats due to their unique nutritional needs as obligate carnivores. It is important to prioritize giving your cat high-quality cat food and treats designed specifically for felines to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
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It can cause digestive issues
While cats can eat Swiss cheese, it can cause digestive issues. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get most of their nutritional needs from eating meat, and their digestive system is especially suited to this type of diet. Cheese has little to no health benefit for cats, but it does come with a long list of health risks.
Swiss cheese is considered a healthy cheese for humans because it is high in protein and low in sodium and fat. It also has low amounts of lactose. However, it can still lead to digestive issues in cats. This is because cats do not produce lactase after weaning, making it hard for them to digest cheese and dairy. Many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and gas. Cats with a dairy allergy may also react poorly to even a small bite of cheese.
If you do feed your cat Swiss cheese, only give it to them occasionally and in small amounts. A cat's daily calories depend on their weight, age, and special dietary needs. For example, an overweight cat will require fewer daily calories than a growing kitten. Treats for cats should only amount to 10% of their daily calories, and some recommend that cheese make up only 5% of their daily calories. A 1-ounce square of cheese for a cat is comparable to a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Therefore, the amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square only once or twice per week.
If your cat shows any unusual signs after consuming Swiss cheese, contact their veterinarian as soon as possible to schedule a check-up.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only in small amounts as part of a treat, as it is low in lactose. Harder, aged cheeses like Swiss are considered safe for cats because they are low in lactose. However, it is still high in sodium and fat, so it might cause tummy troubles.
Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are not safe for cats to eat as they are high in lactose. Cheeses with spices, such as garlic and onion, are also unsafe, as are mouldy cheeses like blue cheese, which can be toxic to cats.
Cheese should only make up around 10% of a cat's daily calorie intake, but because it is high in fat and sodium, it is recommended to be even lower at 5%. A dice-sized piece of cheese is a suitable treat for a cat, but only once or twice a week.
