A common question often asked by cat owners is, can cats eat cheese? It’s often assumed that cats can eat dairy products due to the classic images of a cat drinking from a bowl of milk.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means meat is a primary ingredient in their diet which they need to consume. While cat’s do enjoy a slice of cheese, their bodies are not actually designed to dine on dairy products.
So can cats eat cheese and are there any dangers of them eating it? Let’s take a look at all of the facts.
Can Cat’s Eat Cheese?
The answer is not a straight forward yes or no. Cheese is not toxic for cats, but most cats cannot digest dairy products as adult cats are lactose intolerant.
Some cats can get away with eating cheese, whilst other can consume just a small amount and it could wreak havoc on their digestive system. Even a cat who has more tolerance to dairy and can become sick by consuming too much cheese.
Either way, cheese is not a healthy addition to their diet and there are healthier alternatives out there that you can give to your cat as a treat.
Can Cats Eat A Little Bit Of Cheese?
If you do decide to give cheese to your cat, only give them a very small piece around the size of a dice. Always test with one small piece to see how your cat responds. If your cat shows any signs of sickness, do not give them cheese again.
Even if your cat has a higher tolerance to dairy, you should still only use a small amount of cheese on the odd occasion as a treat. It’s also always a good idea to speak to a veterinarian before you introduce anything new into your cats diet.
When To Never Give Cheese To A Cat
If your cat suffers from a heart condition or if they need to lower their salt intake, you should never give cheese to them.
Why Is Cheese Bad For Cats?
First of all, let’s look at a little information on the cat itself. All felids, including domestic cats are obligate carnivores as a result of their ancestral diets. A meat only diet provides fatty acids and vitamins in their pre-formed state. Cat’s no longer possess the ability to produce these vitamins and amino acids in their own bodies.
Cat’s also have a high requirement for Arginine and Taurine which is a critical element and can be found in animal flesh. Fortunately these can be found in all meat sources. To put it simple, cats must eat meat to stay alive.
If you’ve ever been slicing up cheese in the kitchen, you’ve more than likely experienced your cat up on the counter meowing at you for a slice. The reason they crave cheese in the first place is because of it’s high fat and protein content.
So why is cheese bad for your cat? It’s bad because it can upset your cat’s digestive system. Why does this happen? lactose and other nutrients found in dairy products are broken down naturally by lactase enzyme. Whilst this is true for humans and other omnivores, cat’s do not have these enzymes.
This makes it a lot harder for them to process dairy, and as a result, a majority of cat’s are lactose intolerant. This means that if you feed your cat cheese or other dairy products, it can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Here’s a list of why cheese is bad for your cat
- High Fat Content: Eating too much can cause heart disease, obesity, and diabetes just like in humans.
- High in Salt: Cheese contains a lot of salt. Too much salt in your cat’s diet can cause abnormal urination and increased thirst. Over time it can also lead to more complications such as kidney problems, hypertension plus much more.
- Lactose Intolerance: Most cat’s are lactose intolerant which will cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Common signs your cat has a dairy allergy after consuming lactose products:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Itchy and/or red skin patches
- Hair loss
Types of Cheese: Good Or Bad
Can Cats Eat Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese that is low in lactose and is one of the most popular types of cheese. Just because it is low in lactose doesn’t mean that your cat can eat more of it. Consuming too much cheddar can still make your cat poorly.
Can Cats Eat Swiss Cheese?
As swiss cheese is high in protein and low in fat and sodium, it is considered a healthy type of cheese for humans. It is also low in lactose just like cheddar, but it can still make your cat sick and cause digestive issues.
If you are going to give your cat swiss cheese, only give a very small amount on the odd occasion as a treat.
Can Cats Eat Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella cheese shouldn’t be given to cats as it is high in lactose and could make your cat sick.
Can Cats Eat Brie Cheese?
You shouldn’t give brie cheese to a cat because it is made with raw milk and could potentially contain Listeria and Salmonella, pathogens that can cause illness.
Can Cats Eat Blue Cheese?
Do not feed blue cheese to your cat as it is made out of mold and can be toxic for pets.
Can Cat’s Eat Non-Dairy Cheese?
You now know why cat’s cant eat cheese and how it can be bad for their health, but can cats eat non-dairy cheese? There are special products designed for humans who are lactose-intolerant which will be supplemented with the right enzymes to help their stomach break down dairy products.
The problem is, although it may be gentler on their digestive system and eliminates your cat from getting an upset stomach, the cheese still contains high levels of fat and salt. As previously mentioned, high salt levels can many problems such as abnormal urination and kidney problems.
So to answer the question of can cat’s eat non-dairy cheese? The answer is no. It’s not worth it when your cat simply doesn’t require cheese and there are better alternatives.
Can Cats Eat Cheese Puffs?
If you eat crisps such cheese puffs, you may have noticed your cat becomes very curious and may even have a lick. Cats seem to love the cheesy taste of these kind of snacks.
Whilst the odd lick or two here is more than likely harmless, snacks like cheese puffs are high in calories and salt. Too much salt can eventually lead to health complications such as increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
Can Cats Eat Cheesecake?
The problem with cheesecake is that it is high in fat, sugar, and can contain other ingredients that that are bad for your cats health. You should never give a cat even a small piece of cheesecake.
If your cat accidently consumes cheesecake it may make them sick. A single episode of diarrhea and/or vomiting shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Just monitor them closely and if you are concerned, contact a veterinarian for further advice.
Can Cats Eat Cream Cheese?
Cream cheese just like every other kind of cheese can cause digestive upset and diarrhea due to their inability to process dairy products as they do not possess significant amounts of lactose.
Can Cats Eat Cottage Cheese?
Although cottage cheese is high in protein and low in fat, cottage cheese can still give a cat an upset stomach and it is not an essential part of a cats diet. It’s better to just stick with regular cat food and treats.
Can Kittens Eat Cheese?
Kittens will feed on their mothers milk until they are weaned at 8-10 weeks old. If they can digest milk, does this mean kittens can eat cheese?
Kittens have a greater ability to digest dairy than adult cats due to their bodies still having enzymes present that helps them to digest lactose.
The problem is, at around 4 weeks of age during the start of the weaning process, their ability to digest lactose rapidly decreases. So by time they are actually able to move onto solid foods such as cheese, they will have become lactose intolerant.
Another important point to remember is that kittens are a lot more fragile than an adult cat. Consuming anything that they shouldn’t be can cause poor digestion and loose stools which could permanently damage their intestines.
It’s always best that a kitten sticks to their mothers milk, and properly formulated kitten food.
Can Cat’s Eat The Occasional Cheese Treat?
You have now saw all of the facts on cheese and the possible side effects it can lead to if given in large quantities. Can cat’s eat the occasional cheese treat? The answer to this is YES. Small amounts on the odd occasion can be safe and you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
This shouldn’t cause any health implications, however, if your cat experiences diarrhea or gas, then cut the cheese out completely. This may be the best thing to do anyway right from the start. Cat’s do not need cheese in any way, shape or form as it’s not an essential part of their diet.
What To Do If Your Kitty Eats Something it Shouldn’t
It’s impossible to have eyes on your cat at every moment of the day. Especially if your cat is very mischievous and always up to no good. So there will be times where your kitty may have consumed something it should’t.
If you start seeing unnatural behavior such as respiratory problems or vomiting, first of all do not panic. The best thing to do is to just seek the advice of a vet. They are trained professionals who will either give you advice or take you cat in for further testing.
What To Give Them Instead of Cheese
It should be firmly drilled into your minds by now that cat’s do not need cheese in their diet. There are plenty of options available in the shops to give your kitty as treats, but what items generally found around the house can you give them?
Before I give you the list, just always remember to double check the labels and make sure you to avoid anything with added spices, salt, or flavorings.
• Meat such as chicken, liver, lamb, turkey or beef
• Eggs (cooked)
• Cooked carrots
• Pumpkin
• Bananas
• Blueberries
What Other Foods Are Bad For Cat’s?
It’s not only cheese and dairy products that are bad for your cat. Here’s a list of other foods that cats should of avoid, as they will also cause vomiting, diarrhea, digestive issues and general nutritional imbalances.
- Alcohol: Can cause brain and liver damage
- Drinks Containing Caffeine: Your cat may experience rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and heart palpitations
- Onion and Garlic: This can cause digestive upset as well as anaemia
- Chocolate: Can cause heart problems, muscle tremors, and seizures
- Raw Eggs, Meat, & Fish: High risk of Salmonella which can cause diarrhea and vomiting
More in-depth information regarding these foods will be covered on this blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if cats eat cheese?
Vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are all possible side effects if a cat consumes cheese, due to their inability to digest dairy products.
How much cheese can I feed my cat?
Experts recommend that a small, bite sized piece of cheese should only be given to your cat once in a while.
Why do cats love dairy?
The reason why cats are so attracted to dairy products such as cheese is because of the protein and fat content that these foods contain.
Can cats have milk?
As most cats are lactose intolerant, milk will have the same effect as cheese and cause digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. Although milk isn’t toxic to cats, it isn’t an essential part of their diet, and cats should be drinking water instead.
What should I do if my cat ate cheese?
As cheese is not toxic for cat’s, there is no need to panic if your cat has consumed any. Keep an eye on your cat and look out for vomiting and diarrhoea which are signs of lactose intolerance. If you are worried or unsure about how much cheese your cat has consumed, contact a veterinarian for advice.
Can Cats Eat Cheese Conclusion
Hope you enjoyed this article on can cat’s eat cheese, and that you now have a better understanding of how your cats digestive system works.
Even though you kitty may look adorable when meowing for a slice of cheese, it’s best to just not give them any at all.
Make sure you have some alternatives lined up in the house to give them as snacks in between meals. If you have any questions or comments, just leave your replies in the comments box below.
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