Can Cats Eat Cheese? The answer might surprise you!
Sometimes we like to give bread with cheese or even cheddar cheese to our feline friends, but have we ever realized that these foods don’t have a very good effect on them?
While cheese isn’t typically on a feline’s menu, certain varieties like mozzarella and cottage cheese might be more cat-friendly.
However, many cats are lactose intolerant, making even a small cheese nibble a potential digestive dilemma.
With concerns over high fat, calories, and sodium, it’s crucial to know which cheeses are safe and which to avoid.
Let’s dive into the expert-backed facts and find the best options for our furry friends.
Key Takeaways
- Cheese is not a natural or necessary part of a cat’s diet, and it can cause digestive issues, obesity, and other health problems for some cats.
- Some types of cheese may be tolerated by some cats in moderation, but high-fat, high-lactose, and processed cheeses should be avoided.
- It’s important to feed cheese to cats safely and in moderation, and to consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s diet or health.
Can Cats Eat Cheese: Is It OK?
Do you ever find yourself snacking on cheese and your feline friend gives you those irresistible eyes, begging for a bite?
Or maybe you have eaten pastry like bread or cake containing cheese and you want to share it with your cat who might be looking at you with sparkling eyes.
While it may be tempting to share your human food with your pet, it’s important to know what’s safe and healthy for them. Cheese, in particular, is a controversial topic when it comes to cats.
Why Is Cheese Bad for Cats?
Health Implications
Cheese is high in fat, calories, and sodium, which can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease in cats.
Digestive Issues
It also contains lactose, a type of sugar that many cats cannot digest properly, causing diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and bloating.
Cheese can also contain additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors that may be harmful to cats.
Pancreatitis Risk
Some cats may develop pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas if they consume high-fat foods like cheese. So choose the ideal cat food for a pancreatitis cat if you don’t want the disease to get worse..
Other Health Concerns
Cheese can also worsen or trigger diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the ability of the body to regulate blood sugar levels. (1)
Kidney disease can be exacerbated by high-sodium foods like cheese. Cheese can stick to the teeth and cause plaque buildup, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. (2)
Safer Cheese Options
Not all types of cheese are equally bad for cats. Low-fat cheese, such as cottage cheese or mozzarella, can have less fat and calories than regular cheese.
Low-lactose cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, can have less lactose than soft cheese or milk. (3)
Unprocessed cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, can have fewer additives and preservatives than processed cheese.
Feeding Guidelines
To feed cheese to cats safely, only give it as an occasional treat, not as a regular part of their diet. Only give small amounts of cheese, no more than a teaspoon per day.
Only give cheese that is fresh and unexpired, and avoid moldy or spoiled cheese. Only give cheese that is plain and unflavored, and avoid cheese with garlic, onion, herbs, spices, or other ingredients that may be toxic to cats.
In summary, cheese is generally bad for cats due to its high fat, calorie, and sodium content, as well as its lactose and additive content. Some types of cheese may be less harmful than others, but they should still be given sparingly and with caution. If your cat has a history of health issues or allergies, it is best to avoid giving them cheese altogether.
Is All Cheese Bad for Cats?
Not all cheese is created equal when it comes to cats. Some types of cheese may be less harmful than others for cats.
The Low-fat one, such as cottage or mozzarella, have less fat and calories than regular cheese.
Low-lactose cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, have less lactose than soft cheese or milk. Unprocessed cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, have fewer additives and preservatives than processed cheese. (4)
If you do decide to give cheese to your cat, it’s important to follow some guidelines to ensure their safety.
Only give cheese as an occasional treat, not as a regular part of their diet. Only give small amounts of cheese, no more than a teaspoon per day.
Only give cheese that is fresh and unexpired, and avoid moldy or spoiled cheese. Only give cheese that is plain and unflavored, and avoid cheese with garlic, onion, herbs, spices, or other ingredients that may be toxic to cats.
Types of Cheese: Good vs. The Bad
When it comes to feeding cheese to cats, not all types of cheese are created equal. Some types of cheese are safer and healthier for cats than others, while some types of cheese should be avoided altogether.
Here is a comparison of good cheeses and bad cheeses for cats:
Good Cheeses
Low-fat, low-lactose, and unprocessed cheeses are generally considered to be safer and healthier for cats than high-fat, high-lactose, and processed cheeses.
Here are some examples of good cheeses for cats:
- Cottage cheese: This cheese is high in protein and low in fat, making it a good choice for cats who need extra protein in their diet. However, some cats may not like the texture or taste of cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella: This cheese is low in fat and lactose and has a mild flavor, making it a good option for cats who are sensitive to dairy. However, mozzarella is still high in sodium, so it should be given in moderation.
- Cheddar: This cheese is low in lactose and has a strong flavor that some cats may enjoy. However, cheddar is also high in fat and calories, so it should be given sparingly.
- Swiss: This cheese is low in lactose and has a nutty flavor that some cats may like. However, Swiss cheese is also high in sodium, so it should be given in small amounts.
- Goat cheese: This cheese is lower in lactose and fat than cow’s milk cheese and has a tangy flavor that some cats may find appealing. However, goat cheese is also high in calories, so it should be given as an occasional treat (1).
- Feta: This cheese is lower in lactose and fat than most cheeses and has a salty flavor that some cats may enjoy. However, feta is also high in sodium, so it should be given in moderation.
Bad Cheeses
High-fat, high-lactose, and processed cheeses are generally considered to be less safe and healthy for cats than low-fat, low-lactose, and unprocessed cheeses. Here are some examples of bad cheeses for cats:
- Cream cheese: This cheese is high in fat and calories and contains additives and preservatives that may be harmful to cats. Additionally, cream cheese is often flavored with garlic or onion, which are toxic to cats.
- Brie: This cheese is high in fat and lactose and has a soft texture that may be difficult for some cats to digest. Additionally, brie is often flavored with herbs or spices that may be harmful to cats.
- Blue cheese: This cheese is high in fat and sodium and has a strong flavor that some cats may find overwhelming. Additionally, blue cheese may contain mold, which can be dangerous for cats to consume.
- Parmesan: This cheese is high in fat and sodium and has a hard texture that may be difficult for some cats to chew. Additionally, parmesan is often grated over food, which can make it easy for cats to overeat.
- American cheese: This cheese is high in fat, sodium, and additives and preservatives that may be harmful to cats. Additionally, American cheese is often processed and contains little nutritional value for cats.
Remember, cheese should only be given to cats as an occasional treat, not as a regular part of their diet.
Always check with your veterinarian before giving cheese or any other human food to your cat, especially if they have any health issues or dietary restrictions.
Can Kittens Eat Cheese?
Kittens should not eat cheese as it is especially bad for them.
Kittens have a higher risk of developing lactose intolerance than adult cats, as they lose the ability to digest lactose after weaning.
Kittens have a higher need for protein and calcium than adult cats, but cheese is not a good source of these nutrients for them.
Kittens have a smaller body size and weight than adult cats, so even a small amount of cheese can have a bigger impact on their health.
Instead of cheese, it’s recommended to give kittens kitten formula, a specially designed milk replacement that provides all the essential nutrients for kittens.
Kitten food, a high-quality dry or wet food that meets the dietary requirements of kittens, and kitten treats, a healthy and tasty snack that can be used for training or bonding with kittens, are also good alternatives to cheese.
Dairy Intolerance and Dairy Allergy in Cats
Dairy intolerance and dairy allergy are two different conditions that cats may experience.
Dairy intolerance is a condition where the cat lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products.
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. It’s treated by avoiding or limiting dairy products, using lactase supplements or lactose-free products (5).
Dairy allergy, on the other hand, is a condition where the cat’s immune system reacts to the proteins in dairy products, such as casein or whey. Signs include itching, scratching, licking, hair loss, skin rashes, hives, ear infections, and respiratory problems. (6)
It’s diagnosed by a blood test, skin test, or food trial, and it’s treated by avoiding or eliminating dairy products, using hypoallergenic or hydroly. (7)
My Cat Ate Cheese, What Should I Do?
If your cat has eaten it, don’t panic. While cheese is not a natural or necessary part of a cat’s diet, it’s not always toxic or harmful to them.
However, you should monitor your cat for any signs of discomfort, digestive issues, or other health problems that may arise from eating cheese.
Here are some steps you can take to deal with a cat that has eaten cheese:
a) Check the type of cheese
Some types of cheese are safer for cats than others. Low-fat, low-lactose, and unprocessed cheeses like cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, goat cheese, and feta may be tolerated by some cats in moderation.
High-fat, high-lactose, and processed cheeses like cream cheese, brie, blue cheese, parmesan, and American cheese should be avoided by most cats.
b) Observe your cat’s behavior
If your cat shows any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or abdominal pain, contact your veterinarian.
These symptoms may indicate lactose intolerance, digestive issues, or other health problems that require medical attention.
c) Offer water and food
Make sure your cat has access to fresh water and their regular food. Encourage them to eat and drink as usual, but don’t force them to eat or drink if they don’t want to.
d) Consult with your veterinarian
If you’re unsure whether your cat has eaten a toxic or harmful amount of cheese, or if your cat has a pre-existing health condition that may be worsened by cheese, contact your veterinarian.
They can provide you with personalized advice and treatment options based on your cat’s age, weight, breed, and medical history.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid any potential health risks, it’s best to limit your cat’s intake of cheese or other dairy products, and to offer them a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their dietary requirements. If you want to give your cat a treat, consider offering them a small amount of plain cooked chicken, fish, or meat instead of cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What human food can cats eat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their natural diet consists of meat and fish.
However, some human foods can be safe and beneficial for cats in small amounts, such as cooked chicken, turkey, or beef, plain cooked rice or pasta, and small amounts of some fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, pumpkin, or carrots.
It is important to avoid giving cats any human food that contains onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, raisins, or xylitol, as these can be toxic to cats and cause serious health problems.
What can cats not eat?
Cats should not eat any food that is toxic, allergenic, or indigestible for them.
This includes any human food that contains onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, raisins, or xylitol, as well as any food that is high in fat, salt, or sugar, such as fried food, fast food, or junk food.
Cats should also avoid any food that is moldy, spoiled, or contaminated, as well as any food that is too hard, too soft, or too large to chew or swallow safely.
What happens if my cat eats cheese?
If your cat eats cheese, it’s like eating large amounts of fruits, it may experience digestive issues , such as diarrhea, vomiting, gas, or bloating, due to the high fat, calories, and lactose content of cheese.
Cheese can also cause weight gain, obesity, and other health problems in cats if given in large amounts or on a regular basis.
Some cats may be allergic or intolerant to cheese, which can cause skin rashes, itching, or respiratory problems. Additionally, some types of cheese may contain additives, preservatives, or other ingredients that are harmful to cats.
How much cheese is safe for cats?
Only a small amount of cheese, no more than a teaspoon per day, is safe for most cats to eat as an occasional treat.
Cats that are overweight, obese, or have a history of digestive issues or allergies may need to avoid cheese altogether.
It is important to monitor your cat’s reaction to cheese and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any signs of discomfort or illness.
What kind of cheese can cats eat?
Low-fat, low-lactose, and unprocessed cheeses, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, goat cheese, or feta, may be tolerated by some cats in moderation.
However, it is important to avoid any cheese that is high in fat, lactose, sodium, or additives, such as cream cheese, brie, blue cheese, parmesan, or American cheese.
It is also important to avoid any cheese that contains garlic, onion, herbs, spices, or other ingredients that may be toxic to cats.
Can cats eat scrambled egg?
Yes, cats can eat scrambled egg as a source of protein and other essential nutrients, such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
However, it is important to cook the egg thoroughly and avoid adding any salt, pepper, or other seasonings that may be harmful to cats. It is also important to give cats only a small amount of scrambled egg, no more than a tablespoon per day, as an occasional treat, and not as a regular part of their diet.
