Cats' Favorite Cheeses: A Purr-Fect Combination

Cats can eat cheese, but only in small amounts and occasionally. While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is also not a necessary part of their diet and can cause health issues. Cats are carnivores and require nutrients found only in animal products. Cheese is high in fat and salt, and most cats are lactose intolerant, which means they cannot properly digest the type of sugar found in dairy products. Eating cheese can cause digestive issues, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. It can also cause weight gain and skin disease.

Which cheeses are safe for cats?

Cats can eat cheese, but it should be fed in moderation and small amounts. The best cheeses for cats to eat are natural cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and goat cheese. These cheeses are low in lactose and salt. Other safe options include Swiss, feta, and cottage cheese.

Some cheeses are dangerous for cats and should be avoided. These include blue cheese, brie, mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese. These cheeses are high in lactose, salt, and fat, and may contain moulds and additives that can upset a cat's stomach.

It is important to note that cheese has no nutritional benefits for cats and should be given as an occasional treat only. Cats are lactose intolerant and may have trouble digesting cheese, so it is always good to consult a veterinarian before feeding cheese to your cat.

Which cheeses are bad for cats?

While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a good snack for them either. Cheese is high in fat and calories and can cause weight gain and obesity if consumed over a prolonged period. It is also very high in salt, which can be harmful to cats in excess.

Some cheeses are worse for cats than others. Here is a list of cheeses that should be avoided:

• Blue cheese: This contains mould, which can be toxic to cats. It is also often very salty.
• Cheddar cheese: This can cause stomach upset and, if consumed in large quantities over a long period, weight gain. It also tends to be high in salt.
• Cottage cheese: This can lead to diarrhoea and stomach upsets.
• Feta cheese: This is high in fat and salt, which can affect a cat's digestive system and lead to long-term health problems.
• Goat's cheese: This is calorific, high in salt, and very high in saturated fat.
• Mozzarella: This is high in lactose and likely to upset a cat's stomach.
• Cream cheese: This is a soft cheese with more lactose than many other varieties and is likely to trigger vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Brie: This is made with raw milk, which may contain Salmonella and Listeria, pathogens that cause serious illness.
• American cheese: This is a processed food that is very high in carbohydrates.

In addition, cheese with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, and chives should be avoided, as these are toxic to cats.

How much cheese can a cat have?

Cats can eat cheese, but only in very small amounts and occasionally. A cube of cheese about the size of a die is considered a safe portion for cats to eat. However, cheese should not be a regular part of a cat's diet and should only be given as a treat. Cheese is high in fat and salt, which can cause health issues for cats, such as obesity and high blood pressure. It is also high in calories, so it should be limited to a tiny piece now and then.

Most cats are lactose intolerant, so cheese can cause digestive problems like vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain. It can also cause allergic reactions, such as itchy and/or red skin patches. For this reason, it is recommended to choose low-lactose cheeses such as hard, aged cheeses. Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are good options. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are high in lactose and should be avoided. Cheeses with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, and chives should also be avoided, as these are toxic to cats.

If you decide to give your cat cheese, it is important to monitor them for any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. If anything seems off, it is best to discontinue giving them cheese. It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your cat's diet.

What are the health risks of feeding cheese to cats?

While cheese is not toxic to cats, it does pose several health risks and should be fed sparingly.

Firstly, cheese is high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. This is especially true for cats already on low-fat diets due to obesity or medical conditions like pancreatitis.

Secondly, cheese contains high levels of salt, which can lead to dehydration or even sodium poisoning if consumed in large amounts without access to water.

Thirdly, most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Feeding cheese to a lactose-intolerant cat can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, bloating, or vomiting.

Finally, some cats have a dairy allergy, which involves an immune system response to proteins in milk, mainly casein. This can cause symptoms like skin irritation or respiratory issues.

Therefore, while an occasional small piece of cheese is unlikely to harm a healthy cat, it is not recommended as a regular treat due to the potential health risks outlined above. It is always best to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat's diet.

How to prepare cheese for cats

Cats are often drawn to cheese, but it should only be given to them in moderation and as an occasional treat. Before feeding cheese to your cat, there are a few things you should know and do to prepare it safely.

Firstly, it's important to note that cheese is not a necessary part of a cat's diet. In fact, it has no nutritional value for cats. Cheese is also high in fat and calories, so even small amounts can lead to weight gain. It's also worth noting that cheese doesn't contain the important nutrients cats need to stay healthy. Therefore, it's much better to feed your cat a proper cat food instead.

If you do choose to feed your cat cheese, it's crucial to monitor them for any signs of digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, as many cats are lactose intolerant. If your cat shows any negative reactions to cheese, it's best to stop giving it to them altogether.

When preparing cheese for your cat, choose a hard, aged cheese that is low in lactose, such as Cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan. These cheeses are generally safer for cats than soft cheeses like mozzarella, Brie, cottage cheese, or cream cheese, which are high in lactose and fat. Avoid any cheeses with added ingredients such as onions, garlic, or chives, as these are toxic to cats. Also, stay away from mouldy cheeses like blue cheese, which can contain Penicillium, a type of fungus that is toxic to pets.

To prepare the cheese, cut it into small, cat-bite-sized pieces that are easy for your cat to manage. A serving about the size of a die is generally safe for cats to eat occasionally. Always remember to give cheese to your cat in moderation and as an occasional treat, and make sure it doesn't exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake.

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