The slight crinkle of a cheese wrapper can send cats flying into the kitchen in search of the salty treat, but can cats eat cheese? Here's the scoop on whether cats and cheese are a good combination.
Can cats eat cheese? According to experts, yes — but only in moderation. If you give your cat cheese at all, just give them a small piece once in a while, about the size of a dice. For example, you might opt to limit your kitty's cheese intake to times when you need to hide a pill for them.
But, while many cats can tolerate small portions of cheese, if your kitty is lactose intolerant or has a milk allergy, even a small amount of cheese could wreak havoc on their digestive system.
Despite the long-standing myth that cats love nothing better than a bowl of milk or cream, most cats can't digest dairy. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine emphasizes that many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting, if they consume dairy.
Cats with a dairy allergy may also react poorly to even a small bite of cheese. (Generally, cats don't have a lot of food allergies, but dairy, as well as fish and red meat, are the more common ones.) Like kitties with lactose intolerance, if your cat has a dairy allergy, eating cheese could lead to digestive issues and might even affect their immune system.
Common signs your cat has a dairy allergy include the following after consuming lactose products:
If your cat shows these or any other unusual signs, contact their veterinarian as soon as possible to schedule a check-up.
According to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, you should avoid giving your cat cheese if they need to lower their salt intake and/or if they have a heart condition. In addition to cheese, if your kitty is on a low-sodium meal plan they should absolutely stay away from deli meat, fast food, potato chips and bread.
No more than 8 to 10 percent of a pet's daily calorie allotment should come from treats or food that wasn't recommended by a veterinarian. Cheese, for example, is a popular human food that can be way too high in calories. In fact, giving a 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese to a 10-pound cat is equal to a person scarfing two and a half cheeseburgers, all at once.
The best approach for cat parents? Avoid the extra snacks and substitute extra love instead.
If you do sneak your cat a cheesy treat, certain varieties may be better than others:
Feeding your cat a bit of cheese here and there shouldn't be a problem, but speak to your cat's vet about whether or not it's a healthy option for your kitty. If you do feed your cat cheese, only give it to them once in a while and in small amounts. That'll give them something to smile about!
Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.
Nutrition to support urinary care and weight management with added ingredients to reduce stress in cats
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Fewer calories for less active cats
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Cat pneumonia can be life-threatening if not addressed when clinical signs start to show. Luckily, many cats treated for this illness recover.
If you're a current cat owner that is thinking about getting a new kitten, you should read our helpful tips for getting cat and kittens acquainted.
Learn about how food allergies might be responsible for your cat's sensitive stomach & vomiting, and how trying a hypoallergenic cat food can help.
Cats often do a lot of grooming themselves, but learn some sticky situations where consulting a professional groomer might be the right call.
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
If you're wondering, "Why does my cat meow without sound?" read on to discover what a silent meow actually means (as well as the other types of meows).
Like human sneezing, cat sneezing is normal to a certain extent, but it can signal an underlying health concern that requires support or treatment.
If you're considering adopting a free kitten, learn some of the things to keep in mind, from potential health problems to socialization issues.
Learn which types of products and supplies are safest for your kitten, including specific kinds of litter, food, shampoo, carriers, collars and toys.
Get help tips for choosing a kitten, such as personality & knowing her health history, and how to prepare for her arrival at home.
Cat injuries require special attention—earn how to recognize a cat injury, details about cat wound care and recommendations for helping cats heal at home.
Learn why your kitty gets cat zoomies, random bouts of energy that cause them to race through the house, and when zoomies could indicate a health issue.
Here's a simple, cost-effective way to create a DIY cat-proof toilet paper holder cover that keeps your feline friend from destroying your TP.
Learn how to identify the kitten food that best aligns with her nutritional needs, keeping her active and healthy as she grows into an adult cat.
Understand how adopting an adult cat from a shelter is different than adopting a cat, and what to expect when you bring her home for the first time.
Learn how to identify and reduce the chances of feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress in her life.
Discover which harness style is best for your feline friend and learn how to put on a cat harness. Take your kitty for a stroll knowing they're secure.
Discover what cat chirping sounds like, why cats make that sound and what their body language when they chirp might mean.
Learn key signs to tell if your kitten is reaching cat adulthood, including life stage specifics and special considerations for gender, breed & more
Learn about ingredients in Halloween candy & treats that can either cause an upset stomach for your cat, or be downright toxic and dangerous to ingest.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2024 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool