Can Cats Eat Cheese?

Have you ever wondered if it's okay to share cheese with your cat? Can cats eat cheese? A lot of cat owners ask this question because cheese seems like a yummy treat, and cats always seem so interested in what we’re eating. It’s hard to resist those big, curious eyes staring at your cheesy snack!

But before you give your cat a bite, it's important to know if cheese is actually safe for them. Even though it might seem harmless, cheese can sometimes cause health problems for cats. Not all kinds of cheese are good for them, and understanding if cheese is bad for cats can help you make better choices for your pet.

In this article by Michupet, we'll look at different types of cheese, like cream cheese and cottage cheese, and whether they are safe for your cat. We’ll also see if cottage cheese causes constipation in cats. By the end, you'll know what’s best for your cat when it comes to cheese, and how to keep them happy and healthy without any risks.

Why Do Cats Like Cheese?

Cats seem to love cheese, but why is that? The answer has a lot to do with their natural instincts and the flavors and textures they like.

• High Fat Content: Cats are meat eaters by nature, which means their bodies are made to eat meat. They naturally crave foods that are high in fats and proteins. In the wild, cats eat prey that is full of fat and protein, which gives them the energy they need. Because of this, cats are drawn to foods with a lot of fat, like cheese. Cheese can taste similar to the fatty parts of meat, which makes it very tempting for them. This is why cats might really want cheese, even though it isn’t the best thing for them to eat.
• Aromatic Appeal: Another reason cats are interested in cheese is the smell. Cheese has a strong, rich smell, and cats have an amazing sense of smell. The strong scent of cheese makes them curious and makes them want to try it.
• Textural Enjoyment: Cats may also like cheese because of its creamy and smooth texture. This texture is different from their regular food, like dry cat food or even wet food, which makes cheese more interesting for them to try.
• Learned Behavior: Sometimes, cats learn to love cheese because their owners have given it to them before as a treat. If they enjoyed it and had a good experience, they might start asking for more. Cats are smart, and they remember what they like!
• The Dairy Misconception: Many people think dairy is good for cats because of the old idea of cats drinking milk. But the truth is, most cats are lactose intolerant. When cats are kittens, they have an enzyme called lactase that helps them digest their mother’s milk. But as they grow up, they make much less lactase. This means many adult cats can't digest dairy well, and eating cheese can cause problems like diarrhea or vomiting.

So, even though cats may love the taste, smell, and texture of cheese, it isn’t really good for them. Knowing why cheese is so tempting helps us make better choices about what to feed them, so we can keep our cats happy and healthy without making them sick.

Is Cheese Safe for Cats?

So, is cheese safe for cats? The short answer is yes, but only in very small amounts and only once in a while. In small quantities, cheese isn't toxic to cats, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good choice for them. Cheese can be tempting, but there are some health problems that cat owners should know about.

• Lactose Intolerance: Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. This means they don’t have enough of an enzyme called lactase, which helps them digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products like cheese. Since they don’t have enough lactase, eating cheese can cause digestive problems like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Cats' bodies just aren’t made to handle dairy well after they are kittens.
• High Fat and Salt Content: Cheese also has a lot of fat and salt. Cats don’t need all that extra fat and salt, and eating too much of it can cause health issues like obesity and high blood pressure. For example, cheddar cheese has about 33 grams of fat per 100 grams, which is way more than a cat needs. Eating too much fat regularly can make a cat gain weight and cause other health problems over time.
• Potential Allergens: Some cheeses have ingredients that can be harmful to cats. Certain cheeses might have things like garlic or onions, which are toxic to cats. Also, soft cheeses like blue cheese can have mold, which isn’t safe for cats. If you're wondering, is blue cheese safe to eat for cats? The answer is no, because the mold in blue cheese can be dangerous for them. It’s always better to avoid any cheese that has strong flavors or added ingredients that could be risky.

If you decide to give your cat cheese, it’s best to choose low-lactose varieties like hard cheeses, such as Swiss cheese or cheddar. Even then, only give them a tiny piece about the size of a small dice. You might think about giving a little bit of cheese only when you really need to, like if you need to hide a pill for your cat. So, can I use a small piece of Swiss cheese for this? Yes, but remember, it should only be used once in a while and in very small amounts.

What about cottage cheese? Can cats eat cottage cheese? Cottage cheese has less lactose compared to some other cheeses, but it still has enough to cause stomach problems for a lactose-intolerant cat. Just like all dairy products, it should only be given in tiny amounts, and it’s often better to avoid it completely.

While cheese might seem like a fun treat for your cat, it’s important to know the risks. Cats have sensitive stomachs that aren’t made for dairy, and even though a small bite might be okay once in a while, cheese should not be a regular part of their diet. Knowing this can help keep your cat healthy and prevent any upset tummies!

Types of Cheese for Cats – Which one is Okay to Consume?

When it comes to cheese, it's important to know that not all types are the same for your cat. No cheese is really safe as a regular part of a cat's diet, but there are some types that might be a little less harmful in small amounts. Let’s take a look at different kinds of cheese that cats might handle in tiny portions and why others should be avoided.

Low-Lactose Cheeses

Harder, aged cheeses have less lactose, which makes them a bit easier for cats to digest compared to soft cheeses. If you would like to share a small amount of cheese with your cat and know that they aren’t allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant, look for firm cheeses that are plain with no additives. Here are some options that might be less likely to cause problems:

• Cheddar: Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese with low lactose content. Since it’s aged, it has less lactose that can upset a cat’s stomach. This means a small piece of cheddar might be less likely to cause stomach issues.
• Swiss Cheese: Can cats have Swiss cheese? Yes, but only in very small amounts. Swiss cheese has low lactose and also has less salt and fat compared to other cheeses. This makes it a slightly better choice if you want to give your cat a small taste.
• Parmesan: Parmesan is another option if you want to give your cat a tiny bit of cheese. It is a hard, aged cheese, which means it has even less lactose, making it a little easier on a cat’s digestive system. But remember, only give Parmesan in very small amounts.
• Provolone: Provolone is a firm cheese that is generally lower in lactose and may be better tolerated by cats than softer cheeses. However, it should still only be given in tiny portions.
• Gouda: Gouda is another option that has lower lactose levels. Like other aged cheeses, it is better for occasional small nibbles rather than a regular treat.
• Goat Cheese: Goat cheese can be given in very small amounts, but keep in mind that it is higher in fat and lower in vitamin D compared to some other cheeses, which can make it less ideal for cats.

Soft Cheeses to Avoid

Soft cheeses have more lactose, which makes them more likely to cause stomach issues. These cheeses are best avoided:

• Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is relatively high in lactose and can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats. Even though it might seem harmless, it’s best not to share it with your cat.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is on the no-no list for cats. As a softer cheese, cream cheese has more lactose than many other types and is likely to cause vomiting or diarrhea in cats.
• Mozzarella: Too much mozzarella cheese can cause gas, diarrhea, or an upset stomach in cats. Mozzarella is higher in lactose compared to harder cheeses, which makes it less suitable for cats.
• Brie and Camembert: These cheeses are soft and creamy, which means they have high lactose levels. They can upset a cat’s stomach and should be avoided.
• Blue Cheese: Is blue cheese safe to eat for cats? No, blue cheese contains mold, which can be unsafe and harmful for cats.
• American Cheese: American cheese is a processed food that is high in carbohydrates, salt, and other additives, making it an unhealthy choice for cats. It is best to avoid giving your cat any American cheese.

Other Cheese Products to Avoid

• String Cheese: Most string cheeses are made of mozzarella, sometimes mixed with firmer provolone. Since mozzarella is high in lactose, it can upset a cat’s stomach. Even if the string cheese contains some provolone, it’s best to keep it away from your cat or offer only a very small bite.
• Cheesecake: Cheesecake is not safe for cats. It often contains cream cheese or ricotta, which are high in lactose, along with other ingredients that may make your cat sick or could be toxic to them.
• Cheez-Its and Cheese Crackers: Cheez-Its and other cheese crackers are also not safe for cats. These treats have lots of added ingredients, are high in calories, fats, and carbs, and are considered empty calories for your cat. It’s best to avoid these kinds of snacks altogether.
• Mac and Cheese: Can cats eat mac and cheese? No, mac and cheese contains cheese, butter, salt, and sometimes even garlic or onions, which can be harmful to cats.

By understanding which cheeses and cheese products are better avoided, you can make better decisions for your cat’s health. Cheese should never be a regular part of their diet, and even the "safer" cheeses should only be given in tiny amounts as a very occasional treat.

If you decide to give your cat cheese, remember it should only be a tiny nibble, about the size of a small dice, and only on rare occasions. Always watch your cat after they eat cheese to see if they show signs of discomfort, like vomiting or diarrhea. If anything seems off, it’s best not to give them cheese again. Cheese should never be more than 10% of your cat’s diet, and it's always a good idea to ask your vet before giving your cat new foods to make sure it’s safe.

While it might be tempting to share some cheese with your cat, it's important to be careful and know the risks. Some types of cheese might be okay in very small amounts, but they are not safe as a regular part of a cat's diet. Knowing this will help keep your cat healthy and avoid any upset stomachs.

Potential Health Implications on Cats Consuming Cheese

Feeding cheese to cats might seem like a harmless treat, but it can cause a lot of health problems, especially if given too often. Let’s take a closer look at the health issues cats can have from eating cheese.

• Short-Term Effects: When cats eat cheese, they can have digestive problems. Many cats are lactose intolerant, which means they don’t have enough of an enzyme called lactase to help them digest lactose, the sugar in dairy products. Because of this, eating cheese can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some cats might also get itchy skin or red patches if they have a bad reaction to cheese.

Most cats are either lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products. This means many adult cats will feel sick like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas, even after eating just a small amount of cheese. Because of this, it’s best not to give cats any dairy at all.

• Long-Term Effects: Cheese is high in fat and can cause long-term health issues if given regularly. Cheese is very high in calories, and giving it often can lead to weight gain and obesity. To give you an idea, a 1-ounce piece of cheddar cheese for a cat is like a human eating two and a half cheeseburgers! Obesity can then lead to other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. It’s better to avoid giving your cat high-calorie foods like cheese and limit any cheese to a very small piece about the size of a dice and only once or twice a week.

Other Health Risks Could Be

1. Allergic Reactions: Some cats are allergic to dairy proteins. This can cause symptoms like itching, skin rashes, and hair loss. These symptoms can make your cat very uncomfortable and might need treatment from a vet.
2. Pancreatitis: Foods that are high in fat, like cheese, can cause pancreatitis, which is when the pancreas becomes inflamed. This can lead to severe abdominal pain and other health issues. Pancreatitis is a very serious condition that needs attention from a vet.
3. Toxic Additives: Some cheeses have added ingredients that are dangerous for cats. For example, cheeses with garlic, onions, or certain herbs can be toxic and cause serious health problems. It’s very important to keep your cat away from any cheese that might contain these harmful additives.
4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
5. Diabetes
6. Liver disease

According to veterinarians and trusted animal health experts, it’s best to avoid giving cheese to cats. If you really want to give your cat a treat, you should think about cat-safe alternatives, like small pieces of cooked meat or special treats made just for cats. Always remember that treats should only be a small part of your cat’s diet, and it’s a good idea to ask your vet before giving your cat any new foods.

By understanding the risks of feeding cheese to your cat, you can make better choices to keep them happy and healthy. While a small taste of cheese might not cause problems right away, the health risks show that cheese is not a good regular treat for your cat.

Alternative Treats to Cheese

If you want to give your cat a special treat, it’s better to avoid cheese and choose healthier options that are safe for them. There are lots of treats cats can enjoy without risking any health problems or upset stomachs.

Healthy Treat Options

1. Cooked Meat: Can cats eat turkey? Yes! Small pieces of cooked turkey, chicken, or beef are great treats for cats. Just make sure there are no bones and that the meat is plain, with no spices or seasonings. Cats need meat to stay healthy, so a small bit of cooked meat is a great option for a treat.
2. Eggs: Can cats eat eggs? Yes, but they should always be cooked. Eggs are full of protein, which is good for cats. A small piece of scrambled or boiled egg can make a tasty treat, but remember not to add any salt or seasoning.
3. Fruits and Vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables are safe and healthy for cats in small amounts. Can cats eat strawberries or can cats eat watermelon? Yes, small pieces of these fruits can be given occasionally. Make sure to remove the seeds, and only give a tiny piece to see if your cat likes it. Cats may also enjoy small bites of vegetables like broccoli. Can cats eat broccoli? Yes, in moderation, it can be a healthy, fiber-rich treat for them.
4. Peanut Butter: Can cats have peanut butter? Technically, they can have a very small amount, but it should be rare. Peanut butter is high in fat and can be hard for cats to digest, so it's not the best choice. If you give it, make sure it doesn’t have xylitol, which is toxic to pets.
5. Fish: Cooked fish, like salmon, can also be a good treat, but only in small amounts. Raw fish can have bacteria or parasites, so always make sure it’s fully cooked.

Treats to Avoid

• Chocolate: Can cats eat chocolate? No way! Chocolate is toxic to cats and can make them very sick. Never give your cat any kind of chocolate.
• Whipped Cream: Can cats have whipped cream? It’s best to avoid it. Most cats are lactose intolerant, and whipped cream has sugar and dairy, which can cause stomach problems like diarrhea and gas.

By giving your cat healthy treats like small pieces of cooked meat, eggs, or some fruits and veggies, you can keep them happy without hurting their stomach. Always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to see how your cat reacts. It’s always a good idea to ask your vet before giving your cat anything new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kittens eat cheese?

Kittens produce more lactase than adult cats, which means they have more of the enzyme that helps digest lactose. However, even though they can handle lactose a bit better than adult cats, cheese is still not a good choice for kittens. All types of cheese, including cheddar, parmesan, brie, feta, mozzarella, and blue cheese, contain lactose, which can lead to digestive problems like diarrhea, vomiting, or gas. Additionally, lactose-free or plant-based cheeses should also be avoided, as they often contain other ingredients that could be toxic to cats. Overall, it’s best not to give cheese to kittens or adult cats to avoid any potential health issues.

Are there benefits to giving cheese to cats?

Some people think cheese might be good for cats because it contains protein and fats, which are important nutrients for cats. However, these nutrients can be found in much more suitable foods for cats, like meat or specially formulated cat treats. Cheese does not offer any unique health benefits to cats, and because it can lead to digestive issues, it is better to avoid it as a treat.

Why can cats eat cheese but not milk?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet should mostly be meat-based. They don’t produce enough of the enzyme needed to properly digest lactose, which is found in all dairy products, including milk and cheese. The reason some cats might tolerate cheese better than milk is because cheese usually has less lactose. But this doesn’t mean cheese is a healthy treat cats still cannot digest dairy well, and cheese can cause stomach upset. In general, dairy is not the best choice for cats.

How much cheese is too much for a cat?

If you decide to give your cat cheese, it should be done in moderation. A small piece, about the size of a dice, is enough and should only be given once in a while. It’s also best to give cheese only when there is a specific reason, like hiding a pill. Remember, cheese should never become a regular part of your cat's diet.

What happens if a cat licks cheese?

If a cat licks or eats a small amount of cheese, they might not have any serious problems, especially if they are not very lactose intolerant. However, if they eat too much cheese, it can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) problems like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, and gas. Since most adult cats cannot digest lactose well, it’s better to avoid giving them cheese to prevent any of these uncomfortable symptoms.

Can cats be allergic to cheese?

Yes, some cats can be allergic to dairy, including cheese. A dairy allergy happens when a cat’s immune system reacts to the protein called casein found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms of a dairy allergy can include itchy skin, hair loss, and gastrointestinal upset. If you notice these symptoms after your cat eats any kind of dairy, it’s best to stop giving it and talk to your vet about it.