Kamil Perry
Cats are attracted to cheese because of its high fat and protein content. While cheese is typically safe for cats, it does not offer any health benefits and should be given in moderation. Cats are lactose intolerant, so their dairy intake should be minimal. The best cheeses for cats are natural cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and goat cheese, which contain only cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. Processed cheeses, blue cheeses, and cheeses with additives like herbs, seasonings, or garlic should be avoided, as they can cause digestive issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese as a treat for cats | It is safe to give cats a small piece of cheese as a treat or sprinkled over their meal occasionally. |
| Cheese as medicine | Cheese can be used to hide pills and make them more palatable for cats. |
| Health benefits | Cheese has a high fat and protein content, which cats naturally relish. |
| Health risks | Cheese does not offer any health benefits to cats and can cause digestive issues like an upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. |
| Type of cheese | Natural cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and goat cheese are safe for cats. |
| Type of cheese to avoid | Processed cheese, blue cheese, and cheese with additives like herbs, seasonings, garlic, or mold should be avoided. |
| Amount | Cheese should be given in moderation, with only 10% or less of a cat's daily diet consisting of treats. |
| Kittens and cheese | Kittens can have a tiny amount of cheese due to its high calorie and sodium levels, but their mother's milk is a more nutritious option. |
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What You'll Learn
Cats are attracted to the fat and protein in cheese
Cats are carnivores, and their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet primarily consisting of meat. Their taste buds are specifically attuned to fatty and meaty flavours, and these are the signals that drive their appetite. Cheese, with its rich concentration of both fat and protein, ticks all the boxes, making it incredibly appealing to cats.
The aroma of cheese also plays a significant role in its appeal to cats. The strong, distinct scent of cheese acts as a powerful attractant for cats, thanks to their incredibly sensitive sense of smell. The breakdown of fats and proteins in cheese during the fermentation process creates scents that cats find highly appealing. Even variations in cheeses (aged vs. fresh, hard vs. soft) will have unique profiles and thus different levels of allure for your feline friend.
The texture of cheese can also be enticing to cats. The gooey, soft, or crumbly consistency is novel and interesting to them, providing a sensory experience that can captivate their attention. They might enjoy the way it feels in their mouth as much as the taste, contributing to the overall appeal.
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not a healthy food for them. Cheese is high in fat, which can lead to weight gain and obesity over time, resulting in health problems such as diabetes and joint issues. It is also high in salt, which can lead to dehydration and, in severe cases, salt poisoning. Furthermore, the lactose in cheese can be difficult for cats to digest, causing digestive issues such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
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Cheese can be used to hide medicine
Cats are attracted to cheese due to its high fat and protein content, which they naturally relish. While cheese can be a tasty treat for cats, it does not offer any health benefits and should only be given in moderation. Before feeding cheese to your cat, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the right portion and address any health concerns.
Cheese can be a useful tool to hide medicine for your cat. Many cat parents grate or cut the cheese into small pieces to make it easier for their cats to take pills. However, it is crucial to pay attention to the amount of cheese offered and ensure it is only given as an occasional treat.
When introducing cheese to your cat's diet, it is important to start with a small amount and monitor your cat's reaction. Some cats may have sensitive stomachs or lactose intolerance, which can cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea or constipation. It is also important to choose the right type of cheese, as some varieties may contain harmful additives or high salt levels that can be dangerous for cats.
Natural cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and goat cheese are generally safe options, while processed cheeses, blue cheeses, and high-lactose cheeses like cream cheese should be avoided. It is also important to remember that cheese should not be a significant part of your cat's diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. As carnivores, the healthiest treats for cats are meat-based, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
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Natural cheeses like cheddar are safe for cats
Natural cheeses, like cheddar, are generally safe for cats to consume in small amounts as an occasional treat. However, it's important to remember that many cats are lactose intolerant, so their dairy intake should be minimal to avoid digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.
Cheddar cheese, being a hard and aged cheese, has a lower lactose content compared to soft cheeses like mozzarella or Brie. This means it is less likely to cause problems for cats, especially if consumed in moderation.
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is high in fat and salt and lacks the essential nutrients that cats need to stay healthy. Therefore, it should be given as an occasional treat, making up no more than 5-10% of their daily calorie intake.
If you choose to give your cat cheese as a treat, opt for a small piece of hard cheese that they can easily bite and chew. Avoid soft cheeses, which tend to have higher lactose levels, and cheeses with added ingredients like spices, onion, or garlic, as these can be toxic to cats.
Always monitor your cat after they consume cheese. If you notice any negative changes in their health or behaviour, contact your veterinarian for advice.
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Processed cheese and cheese foods should be avoided
Cats like string cheese because it is derived from cow's milk and can still contain lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. However, it is important to note that cats are lactose intolerant, so their dairy intake should be minimal to avoid diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal issues.
Now, coming to the topic of processed cheese, it is important to understand that processed cheese and cheese foods are not the same as natural cheese and should be avoided due to various health risks. Here are several reasons why processed cheese and cheese foods should be avoided:
Processed cheese is an industrially produced, modern invention that is highly processed and contains numerous artificial ingredients. It is made from natural cheese that is melted, emulsified, and combined with preservatives, artificial ingredients, and a high amount of salt. This process results in a product that is significantly different from the original cheese base. The long list of ingredients in processed cheese includes dairy by-products, emulsifiers, saturated vegetable oils, excess sodium, food colouring agents, preservatives, and sugar. These ingredients pose significant health risks and can negatively impact your health.
Processed cheese is often high in calories, salt, and saturated fat, which can lead to hypertension, obesity, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems. The high salt content can also contribute to high blood pressure. Additionally, the excess sodium and saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Furthermore, the artificial ingredients and preservatives in processed cheese can negatively impact gut health and overall wellness. Natural cheese, on the other hand, is made with simple, natural ingredients like fresh milk, salt, enzymes, and natural colours. It undergoes a traditional cheesemaking process without the addition of artificial substances.
Processed cheese is designed to taste good and perform well in the mass food market at a low cost. It is often used in fast foods, so it is important to be mindful of your consumption of these products. While cheese can be a good source of calcium and protein, it is important to choose natural, minimally processed varieties and consume them in moderation as part of a healthy dietary plan.
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Cheese should be cut into small pieces to avoid choking
While string cheese is derived from cow's milk, it can still contain lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. Cats are lactose intolerant, so their dairy intake should be minimal. However, this does not mean that cats cannot have any dairy at all. In fact, some cat owners give their cats string cheese as a treat.
When feeding string cheese to cats, or anyone for that matter, it is important to cut the cheese into small pieces to avoid choking. For example, you can cut the cheese into sticks or small pieces. A rectangular block of cheese can be laid with its largest surface down and sliced into small rectangles. Then, cut diagonally across from corner to corner. You should have two right-angle triangle slices with one long bottom, a short side, and a long diagonal hypotenuse. For even smaller pieces, lay each wedge on its flat side and begin slicing from top to bottom in thin slices.
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Frequently asked questions
String cheese is derived from cow's milk and can contain lactose, which some cats are intolerant to. Therefore, it is not recommended to give cats string cheese, especially if they have health issues such as obesity, heart disease, or kidney disease.
Cheese contains a high fat content and plenty of protein, both of which cats naturally enjoy.
Cats can eat natural cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and goat cheese in moderation. Most pet stores also offer cat treats and cat food with cheese as a minor ingredient.
It is recommended to give cats a very small amount of string cheese, about the size of a die, as a rare treat.
