Can cats eat cheese
Can Cats Eat Cheese?
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
We often think of cats and milk togetherand cheese is only a small step away from milk from a nutritional perspective. And you might have noticed that your kitty is interested whenever you have cheese out; but can cats have cheese?
Yes, cats can eat cheesewith some guidelines in place. For example: Many cats experience lactose intolerance, limiting the cheeses available as options. Heres what to know about safely sharing cheese with your kitty.
Is Cheese Bad for Cats?
Cheese, in moderation, can be a very nutritious treat to share with your kitty. Its not toxic to cats, and its considered high in protein as well as calcium.
However, manyperhaps most cats either have lactose intolerance or an allergy to dairy products. This means that quite a few adult cats will experience gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or gas after eating only a small amount of milk or cheese. Unfortunately, this means that these cats shouldnt be fed any dairy products at all.
The other concern with cheese is that its very high in calories. In fact, a 1-ounce square of cheddar for a cat is somewhat like a human scarfing two and a half cheeseburgers! So, the amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square only once or twice per week.
What Cheeses Can Cats Eat?
If you would like to share a small amount of cheese with your cat and know that she isnt allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant, there are some cheeses that are better for cats than others. Look for firm cheeses that are plain with no additives. Some to consider include:
Cheeses to avoid include the softer cheeses, which often are much higher in lactose. Stay away from:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is one of the cheeses on the no-no list. As a softer cheese, cream cheese has more lactose than many other varieties and is likely to trigger an episode of vomiting and diarrhea.
Cottage Cheese
Much like cream cheese, cottage cheese is relatively high in lactose and may cause gastrointestinal distress in kitties. As tempting as it might be to share the carton once it is empty, cottage cheese is best avoided by cats.
String Cheese
Most string cheeses are made of mozzarella (a soft cheese), sometimes mixed with firmer provolone. Whether raw (like in string cheese) or cooked (like on pizza), mozzarella is high in lactose and likely to upset the sensitive kitty tummy. Provolone is better tolerated by many cats. If your kitty must have a bite, keep the portion small. But overall, its best to just say no to sharing your string cheese.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is not safe to share with cats. Not only does it contain soft cheese (often cream cheese or ricotta), but it also has additional ingredients that may make your kitty sickor are even toxic to cats.
Cheez-Its
Cheez-Its and other cheese crackers are also on the no-go list. These baked treats have tons of additional ingredients that may not be healthy for cats. Also, being high in calories, fats, and carbs, this treat is really nothing but empty calories for your cat and is best avoided.
My Cat Ate Cheese. What Should I Do?
If your cat manages to steal some cheese, you might be wondering what to do. If your cat is otherwise healthy and only a reasonably small amount of cheese was eaten, its likely safe to simply monitor the situation at home. Most healthy cats who eat a small amount of cheese of any variety will be fine, aside from perhaps a bit of gastrointestinal upset.
But if you notice your kitty isnt feeling well, her appetite is reduced, or shes vomiting and/or has diarrhea, call your veterinarian.
For cats with any underlying health conditions, its better to be proactive and call your veterinarian before any symptoms develop. This is especially true for cats with:
How to Safely Feed Your Cat Cheese
If you would like to share a cheese snack with your kitty (and know she doesnt have a dairy allergy and isnt lactose intolerant), look for hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss. Cut a small cube (no more than the size of a dice!) and break it down into smaller pieces so your cat doesnt gulp it all in one bite.
The amount of cheese given to cats should be limited to no more than a dice-sized square only once or twice per week.
Remember that moderation is the key. Dont give out a second serving, and only offer cheese once or twice a week as a special treat. Always keep an eye on your kitty for a few days to make sure that no vomiting or diarrhea develops.
Featured Image: Adobe/Yulia
WRITTEN BY
Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVPVeterinarian
Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine.Since graduation, she has worked in many fields...
Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Can cats have non-dairy cheese?
If the dairy content in cheese is the problem, what about the non-dairy versions? It turns out this might not be such a good idea either. Another reason why cheese isnt the best treat for cats has to do with ingredients. Whether its dairy or non-dairy, cheese comes packed with salt, fat and even spices or additional ingredients such as onion or garlic which can be toxic for felines. Make sure you read the food label before offering that much-craved cube of cheese to your cat. And if your feline seems bent on getting their paws on any slice of cheese in sight, discuss with your vet to find safer alternatives.
Can cats eat cheese as a treat?
There are owners who let their cats have an occasional cheesy treat and when it comes togiving yourcat a pill, a lump of cheese comes in handy to help medication go down easier for the pet. If you havent noticed any reactions and your vet has given you the go-ahead, you can use cheese as a treat every once in a while. Make sure you keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort. Dont forget that there are plenty of meaty treats cats will enjoy just as much if not even more, so cheese can easily be replaced with feline-friendly alternatives that wont cause intestinal issues. For regular treating you can select from our snacks range which can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Can cats eat cheddar cheese?
Cats can technically eat cheddar cheese in small amounts, but its not recommended as part of their diet due to their potential lactose intolerance. Its better to choose treats that are specifically formulated for cats.
Can cats eat mozzarella cheese?
Yes, cats can eat mozzarella cheese in small amounts, although its not the best treat for your feline friend. If you want to reward your cat with a tasty treat, its better to offer some cooked chicken or fish.
Can cats eat parmesan cheese?
Cats can consume parmesan cheese, but only in small amounts as an infrequent treat. Its high in fat and salt, which can lead to digestive issues and other health problems. Instead of parmesan cheese, you could consider giving your cat a small amount of chicken or fish as a treat.
Can cats eat cottage cheese?
Yes, cats can eat cottage cheese in moderation as its low in lactose and rich in protein. It is better, however, to choose low-fat varieties of cottage cheese to avoid digestive issues.
Can cats eat feta cheese?
Cats can eat feta cheese, but it should only be offered as an occasional treat due to its high levels of fat and salt, which can cause digestive problems and other health issues. Its better to opt for more cat-safe treats when looking to pamper your feline friend fish or cooked chicken are always good substitutes!
Can cats eat goat cheese?
As goat cheese is also high in fat, it is not recommended as a regular treat. It can, however, be offered occasionally in moderation. Larger amounts or more frequent feeding may cause digestive issues.
The answer to whether cats can have cheese is not a straightforward yes or no. Cheese is not in the risky category ofharmful foods for cats, but its not the healthiest option either, no matter how happy will make the feline in your life. As always, check with your vet before using cheese as a treat for your cat.
If you want to find out more aboutcats and milk, weve dispelled the most common milk myths in our feeding guide. And if you need inspiration forcat treatsalternatives, check out our tips.
Can Cats Eat Cheese? The Surprising Truth About Feline Nutrition
Do you ever wonder if it's okay to give your cat cheese? You're not alone! A lot of people are curious about what foods are safe for their feline friends. In this blog post, we will explore the truth about cats and cheese. Spoiler alert: cats can eat cheese, but it's not recommended as a part of their regular diet. Keep reading to learn more!
Is cheese bad for your cats?
Most cats are lactose intolerant, which means that their stomachs can't properly digest lactose. When cats consume dairy products such as cheese or milk, they may experience stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your cat is lactose intolerant, it's best to avoid giving them cheese altogether.
So, can cats still eat cheese? The answer is yes - but only in moderation. If you give cheese to your cat, make sure to give them a small amount. Too much cheese can cause gastrointestinal distress, so it's important to be mindful of how much you're feeding them. Cheese is not an essential part of a cat's diet, so there's no need to worry if your feline friend doesn't enjoy it.
Can kittens eat cheese?
You may be wondering whether cheese is harmful to kittens, as kittens drink milk. Kittens are different from adult cats when it comes to their ability to eat cheese. Kittens can digest dairy as they have a higher level of lactase, which is the enzyme that breaks down lactose. This means that they can digest milk and cheese better than adult cats. However, this ability starts to decline as they get older. By the time they're to eat solid food such as cheese, most cats become lactose intolerant.
What kind of cheese can cats eat?
Types of Cheese: Good vs. The Bad
If you do decide to give your cat cheese, certain varieties may be better than others:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is one of the most well-known cheeses in the world. It's a semi-hard cheese with little lactose that isn't particularly hard to find. Your cat, on the other hand, should not eat big quantities of cheddar since it might cause stomach issues.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is the safest kind of cheese, because it has the lowest lactose content among all cheeses. Even if goat cheese contains less lactose than other cheeses, it still includes lactose, which might cause annoyance to your cat's digestive system if consumed in excess.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a popular choice among sandwich lovers since it's high in protein and low in salt and fat. Although it has lower amounts of lactose like cheddar, it may still cause digestive problems.
Mozzarella
Is all that gooey cheese good for your cat, or does it attract him? Plenty of pet parents have discovered their feline buddies eating pizza from the box, but is it all right? It isn't. Soft cheeses like mozzarella, whether raw or cooked, are health hazards for cats because they are high in lactose. Cottage cheese and cream cheese pose similar risks and should be avoided.
Raw or cooked soft cheeses like mozzarella are health risks to cats since they are high in lactose. Cottage cheese and cream cheese, too, should be avoided since they pose a similar health risk.
Blue cheese
What causes cheese to be blue? Mold. Penicillium mold is used to create this sort of cheese, including Stilton, which can harm dogs if ingested. As a result, don't offer your cat moldy cheeses.
Non-dairy cheese
Vegan cheeses don't contain lactose, so they're presumably okay, right? Unfortunately, the answer is no. They are extensively processed and contain a high salt and fat content, making them harmful for cats to consume.
Obesity in cats
So, if cats can eat cheese, why isn't it a good idea to give it to them on a regular basis? The main reason is that cheese is high in fat and calories. While a little bit of fat is okay for cats, too much can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Cheese is also relatively low in protein, which is an essential nutrient for cats. For these reasons, it's best to give your cat cheese only as an occasional treat.
Alternative treats to cheese
A cat's diet is an important factor in their overall health. While there are a variety of cat food options on the market, raw meat and bones is often considered the best option. This is because cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use animal-based proteins. However, there are some alternative treats that you can feed your cat.
Alternative treats to cheese include:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Vegetables and fruits
Hard-boiled eggs are a good option, as they are high in protein and low in fat. You can also give your cat vegetables and fruits, but make sure to avoid ones that are high in sugar, as these can be harmful to cats.
Make sure you know that some human foods are hazardous to cats. Whether you have a finicky feline or an all-they-can-eat kitty, make certain their nutritional needs are met. Please contact our vets via teleconsultation if you need assistance creating a healthy cat's diet plan.
