Frederic Melton
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat primarily animal protein. However, many cats are interested in cheese, which is often packed with fat and protein, and some cats like blue cheese. While cheese isn't toxic to cats, the dairy content is not good or healthy for them and may cause digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting. Blue cheese, in particular, is made with cultures of the mold Penicillium, which can be toxic to pets. In addition, cheese often contains high levels of salt, which is not recommended for cats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Blue cheese can be toxic to cats due to the presence of the mold Penicillium and the toxin Roquefortine C. |
| Digestive Issues | Blue cheese can cause digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating in cats, especially if they are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. |
| Allergic Reactions | Some cats may have a dairy allergy and experience skin irritation, respiratory issues, or other immune system responses when consuming blue cheese. |
| Dehydration | High salt content in blue cheese can lead to dehydration or sodium poisoning in cats if consumed in large amounts without access to water. |
| Exacerbation of Health Problems | For cats with existing health issues, such as obesity or pancreatitis, blue cheese can worsen their condition due to its high-fat content. |
| Portion Size | Small amounts of blue cheese are unlikely to cause serious harm, but large portions can increase the risk of adverse effects. |
| Individual Variations | Some cats may tolerate blue cheese better than others, and individual sensitivity varies. |
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What You'll Learn
Is blue cheese toxic to cats?
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is also not recommended. The dairy content in cheese is difficult for cats to digest, as most adult cats are lactose intolerant. This can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, bloating, or vomiting. Even small quantities can upset their stomachs.
Some cheeses, such as feta and Parmesan, contain high levels of salt, which can be dangerous for cats in large amounts. Consuming large amounts of salty foods without access to water can lead to dehydration or even sodium poisoning.
Additionally, cheese is packed with fat, which can exacerbate health problems for cats already on low-fat diets due to obesity or medical conditions.
Blue cheese specifically can be even more dangerous for cats. Overripe or festering blue cheese can produce a toxin called Roquefortine C, which is harmful to cats and can even be fatal. If your cat has consumed blue cheese, it is important to monitor them for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
While cats may enjoy the taste of cheese, it is not a nutritious food for them and can cause digestive issues. It is best to offer cheese only as a rare treat, in very small quantities, or use it to hide and administer medication.
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Why do cats like cheese?
Cats are carnivores and need to eat meat to stay healthy. Their taste buds are programmed to detect fatty and meaty flavours, and their appetite is driven by foods with a high-fat content. Cheese is rich in fat and protein, which provides a lot of energy. This means that when cats eat it, their brain rewards them, just like when humans eat doughnuts. Most cheeses also have a strong smell, which cats like.
However, cheese is not the best treat for cats. It is high in fat and salt, which can be detrimental to a cat's health in large quantities. It also contains lactose, which many cats are intolerant to due to their inability to produce the lactase enzyme needed to digest it. This can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, or vomiting.
If you want to give your cat cheese, it is recommended to only give them a small amount as an occasional treat. Hard, mature cheeses typically contain less lactose than soft cheese and are more likely to be tolerated by cats. Some examples of cat-safe cheeses include cheddar, Swiss cheese, and parmesan.
It is important to monitor your cat's reaction to cheese and contact your vet if they experience any health issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain.
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What to do if your cat eats blue cheese?
If your cat eats blue cheese, the first thing to do is not panic. While blue cheese can be toxic to cats, this is usually only the case if they have eaten a significant amount. If your cat has only ingested a small amount, it is unlikely to cause any harm. However, it is important to monitor them for any signs of diarrhea or indigestion. If your cat does experience any gastrointestinal upset, it is recommended to slowly transition them back to their regular food over a 10-day period, gradually increasing the proportion of their usual diet.
That being said, if your cat has eaten a larger amount of blue cheese, it is important to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline as soon as possible to get their expert advice on the best course of action. They may recommend inducing vomiting to prevent the toxin from being absorbed, or they might suggest bringing your cat in for observation and treatment. It is important to provide the veterinarian with as much information as possible, including the amount of blue cheese consumed, any symptoms your cat is displaying, and their overall health history.
In some cases, blue cheese can cause more severe reactions in cats, such as vomiting, lethargy, or even seizures. If your cat is displaying any of these symptoms, immediate veterinary attention is crucial. Do not wait for the symptoms to pass, as timely treatment can significantly impact your cat's prognosis. While it can be challenging to determine whether vomiting is related to blue cheese consumption or another cause, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
To prevent future incidents, it is essential to keep blue cheese out of your cat's reach. Cats are curious creatures and can be surprisingly adept at getting into food containers, so ensure that any blue cheese is securely stored and never leave it unattended where your cat can access it. Remember, while a small amount of blue cheese might only cause mild digestive issues, you should still avoid intentionally feeding it to your cat as a treat, as the potential risks outweigh the benefits.
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Is cheese bad for cats?
While cheese is not toxic to cats, it is not recommended as a regular treat. Cats are lactose intolerant and most cheeses are high in lactose, which can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and gas. In addition, cheese is high in calories, with a 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat being equivalent to a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers. Therefore, cheese should be given to cats in very small amounts, no more than a dice-sized square, and only once or twice a week. It is also important to avoid soft cheeses, such as cream cheese and cottage cheese, which are much higher in lactose and can trigger vomiting and diarrhoea. If your cat has any underlying health conditions, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian before feeding them cheese.
Some cheeses that are generally considered safe for cats in small amounts include:
- Cheddar: a semi-hard cheese with low lactose content.
- Swiss: a healthy cheese for humans due to its high protein and low sodium and fat content. It also has low lactose levels.
- Parmesan: a natural, hard cheese with low lactose content.
- Goat cheese: a natural cheese with low lactose content.
However, it is important to note that even these cheeses should be given in moderation, as large amounts can still cause digestive issues in cats.
Blue cheese, specifically, should be avoided due to the presence of the mold Penicillium, which can be toxic to pets. Overripe or festering blue cheese can produce a toxin called Roquefortine C, which is dangerous to cats and has led to deaths. Therefore, it is best to keep blue cheese away from cats to prevent accidental ingestion.
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What kind of cheese is safe for cats?
It is true that most types of cheese are not toxic to cats, but cheese also does not provide any nutritional benefits to cats. Cats are carnivores and need to eat meat to stay healthy. Cheese is very high in fat and salt, and many cats are lactose intolerant, which means they cannot properly digest the type of sugar found in dairy products. Common signs of lactose intolerance in cats include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, and lethargy. Even if your cat is not allergic to dairy, cheese can still cause digestive issues and might even affect their immune system.
If you want to give your cat cheese, only give them a small piece occasionally, about the size of a dice. Cheddar is one of the most suitable types of cheese for cats because it has a lower lactose content than other cheeses, making it easier to digest. Provolone is also one of the lower-lactose varieties of cheese, making it suitable to feed to cats in small quantities. Feta is traditionally made using sheep or goat milk, which contains galactose rather than lactose, meaning it can be easier for cats to digest.
However, it is important to remember that cheese should never be fed to cats that need a special diet due to health conditions. If your cat is displaying signs of digestive issues, dairy should be one of the first things that you cut out of its diet. If your cat falls ill after eating cheese, contact your vet to get it checked over.
Blue cheese, in particular, can be dangerous for cats. Overripe or festering blue cheese can produce a toxin called Roquefortine C, which cats are susceptible to. If your cat has eaten blue cheese, keep an eye on them and contact your vet if they become unwell or you notice any changes in their health or behaviour.
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Frequently asked questions
Cats are attracted to the fat and protein content of cheese. While cheese isn't toxic to cats, the dairy content is not good or healthy for them and may cause digestive issues.
Blue cheese contains cultures of the mold Penicillium, which can be toxic to pets. Overripe or festering blue cheese can produce a toxin called Roquefortine C, which is harmful to cats. However, a small amount of blue cheese is unlikely to be harmful.
If your cat ate a large amount of blue cheese, keep an eye out for signs of an upset stomach, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat shows any unusual behavior or symptoms, contact your veterinarian for advice.
