Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
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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
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
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.
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
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
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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.