Can Cats Eat Cheese? A Complete Guide for Cat Parents

Have you ever been eating cheese and caught your cat staring at you with those big, hopeful eyes? Maybe you’ve wondered if it’s okay to share a little bite. As a cat parent to Rio, my curious two-year-old orange tabby, I’ve asked myself this question many times.

Today, I’ll share everything you need to know about cats and cheese – from safety concerns to potential benefits and serving suggestions.

Is Cheese Safe for Cats?

Let’s start with the most important question: Is cheese toxic to cats? The short answer is no, most cheese is not poisonous to cats. Unlike foods like chocolate, onions, or grapes that can be toxic, cheese won’t poison your cat.

But this doesn’t mean cheese is good for cats. There’s a big gap between “won’t kill them” and “good for them.” So let’s dig deeper into this topic.

Also read, Can Cats Eat Bananas?

Cats and Dairy: A Complicated History

Cats and milk seem to go together in our minds. We’ve all seen the cute images of cats lapping up saucers of milk. Yet the truth is more complex.

Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. This means they lack enough of an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk. Without enough lactase, cats can’t digest dairy well.

Kittens produce lactase to help them digest their mother’s milk. But as cats grow up, they make less lactase. By the time they’re adults, many cats produce very little. This is natural, since adult cats in the wild wouldn’t drink milk.

So while cheese might not be toxic, it can cause tummy troubles for many cats. This can lead to upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea. Not a fun time for you or your cat!

What’s In Cheese?

To understand if cheese can fit into a cat’s diet, we need to look at what’s in it:

• Protein: Cheese does contain protein, which cats need.
• Fat: Most cheese is high in fat.
• Calcium: Cheese offers calcium, which is good for bones.
• Sodium: Many cheeses are high in salt.
• Lactose: The amount varies by type of cheese.

Cats need protein, and a bit of fat is fine. They also need some calcium. But too much salt isn’t good for cats. And as we know, the lactose can be a problem.

Types of Cheese and Their Impact on Cats

Not all cheese is created equal when it comes to cats. Some types are better than others:

Hard, Aged Cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan have less lactose. During the aging process, more lactose breaks down. This makes them easier for cats to digest than soft cheeses.

Soft Cheeses like brie or camembert have more lactose. They’re more likely to upset your cat’s stomach.

Cottage Cheese and Cream Cheese fall in the middle. They have moderate lactose levels but are very high in fat and salt.

Blue Cheese contains molds that produce compounds that may harm cats. It’s best to avoid blue cheese entirely.

String Cheese often has less lactose but may contain additives or salt that aren’t great for cats.

Last week, I was eating some aged cheddar, and Rio showed interest. I gave him a tiny crumb, and he seemed to enjoy it with no ill effects. Still, I keep these treats very rare.

Potential Benefits of Cheese for Cats

While cheese isn’t necessary for cats, there are a few potential benefits to small amounts:

Medication Helper: A tiny bit of cheese can help hide pills. Many cats will eat medication wrapped in cheese when they would refuse it otherwise.

Training Aid: Some cats respond well to cheese as a high-value treat during training sessions.

Calcium Source: Cheese does provide calcium, which helps bone health.

Protein Boost: For cats who need extra protein, cheese can provide a little boost.

But remember, these benefits only apply if your cat can tolerate lactose. Even then, there are almost always better options that fit a cat’s natural diet.

The Downside of Cheese for Cats

Despite some potential benefits, cheese comes with several drawbacks for cats:

Digestive Issues: The lactose in cheese can lead to gas, bloating, diarrhea, or vomiting in lactose-intolerant cats.

High Calorie Content: Cheese packs a lot of calories in a small serving. Cats only need about 200-300 calories per day, depending on their size. Even a small piece of cheese can use up a big chunk of their daily calorie needs.

Salt Content: Many cheeses contain a lot of sodium. Too much salt can lead to dehydration and may contribute to kidney or heart problems over time.

Fat Content: Cheese is high in fat. While cats need some fat, too much can lead to weight gain and obesity-related issues.

Additives and Flavors: Some cheeses contain herbs, spices, or other additives that might not agree with your cat’s system.

One time, Rio managed to snatch a bigger piece of cheese than I intended to give him. He had loose stools the next day. This was a good reminder to be very careful with portions!

Signs Your Cat May Be Lactose Intolerant

How can you tell if your cat has trouble with lactose? Watch for these signs after giving a tiny amount of cheese:

• Vomiting within a few hours
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Excessive gas or bloating
• Stomach rumbling or discomfort
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or seeming unwell

If you notice any of these signs, your cat likely can’t handle cheese well. It’s best to find other treats they enjoy instead.

How Much Cheese Is Safe?

If your cat shows no signs of lactose intolerance and your vet approves, you might share tiny amounts of cheese occasionally. Here are some guidelines:

Keep It Small: A piece no larger than a pea is plenty for most cats.

Make It Rare: Cheese should be an occasional treat, not a daily item. Once a week is plenty.

Choose Wisely: Stick to hard, aged cheeses with less lactose.

Plain Is Best: Avoid cheeses with herbs, spices, garlic, or onions, which can be harmful to cats.

Watch The Response: Even if your cat seemed fine with cheese before, always watch for any negative reactions.

Count The Calories: Remember that treats should make up less than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.

Better Alternatives to Cheese for Cats

Instead of cheese, consider these more cat-appropriate treats:

Commercial Cat Treats: These are made with cats in mind and balance taste with nutrition.

Small Bits of Cooked Meat: Plain chicken, turkey, or fish make excellent treats that match your cat’s natural diet.

Freeze-Dried Meat Treats: These preserve the nutrients cats need while offering a crunchy texture many cats love.

Catnip or Cat Grass: For cats who enjoy plants, these provide stimulation without the digestive issues of cheese.

Rio absolutely loves freeze-dried chicken treats. These align much better with his natural diet than any dairy product.

When to Avoid Cheese Completely

Some cats should never have cheese, even in small amounts:

Cats with Known Dairy Sensitivity: If your cat has reacted poorly to dairy before, don’t try cheese.

Overweight Cats: The extra calories in cheese can contribute to obesity, which leads to many health problems.

Cats with Kidney Issues: The salt in cheese can put extra strain on the kidneys.

Cats with Pancreatitis: The high fat content in cheese can trigger pancreatitis flares.

Cats on Special Diets: If your vet has prescribed a special diet, don’t add cheese unless they approve it.

When in doubt, check with your vet before introducing any new food to your cat’s diet.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Too Much Cheese

Accidents happen. If your cat gets into cheese when you’re not looking, here’s what to do:

Don’t Panic: A one-time cheese binge isn’t likely to cause lasting harm.

Offer Fresh Water: Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water to help with digestion and prevent dehydration.

Watch for Symptoms: Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or discomfort.

Call Your Vet If Needed: If symptoms are severe or last more than 24 hours, contact your vet.

Return to Normal Diet: Don’t offer any treats for a day or two to let their system recover.

The Natural Diet of Cats

To understand why cheese is questionable for cats, it helps to know what cats are designed to eat. Cats are obligate carnivores. This means they must eat meat to survive and thrive.

In the wild, cats eat small prey like mice, birds, and insects. This diet provides:

• High protein levels
• Moderate fat content
• Very low carbohydrates
• Water content from fresh prey
• Essential nutrients like taurine

Nowhere in this natural diet do we see dairy products. Cats’ bodies are simply not designed to process foods like cheese.

This doesn’t mean cats can never have anything outside their natural diet. But it does mean we should be careful about what extras we offer.

Common Questions About Cats and Cheese

Can kittens eat cheese?

Kittens actually produce more lactase than adult cats, so they can digest dairy better. However, kittens have sensitive digestive systems and specific nutritional needs. It’s best to stick to kitten food and treats made just for them.

What about lactose-free cheese?

Lactose-free cheese removes one problem (the lactose), but it still contains fat, salt, and calories that aren’t ideal for cats. It’s safer than regular cheese but still should be given only in tiny amounts.

Can cats eat plant-based “cheese”?

Plant-based cheese alternatives might not contain lactose, but they often contain ingredients like nuts, oils, and additives that aren’t natural for cats to eat. These should also be avoided or given very sparingly.

Is cheese good for helping cats gain weight?

If your cat needs to gain weight, there are better options than cheese. Talk to your vet about high-quality, calorie-dense cat foods designed for weight gain. These will provide better nutrition than cheese.

Can cheese cause long-term health problems in cats?

Regular cheese consumption could contribute to obesity, which leads to diabetes, joint problems, and shortened lifespan. The high salt content could potentially contribute to kidney or heart issues over time.

Cats and Human Food: Finding Balance

As cat parents, we often want to share our food with our pets. This comes from a place of love – we want to give them things they enjoy. However, the best way to show love is to provide what’s truly good for them.

That said, the occasional tiny treat can be a nice bonding experience. The key is moderation and choosing treats wisely.

For Rio’s birthday last year, I gave him a tiny bit of plain, cooked chicken as a special treat. He was much more excited about this than he ever was about cheese. It made me realize that what cats truly want often aligns better with their natural diet.

Building Healthy Cat Food Habits

Instead of focusing on human foods like cheese, here are ways to build good feeding habits:

Regular Meal Times: Feed your cat at consistent times each day.

Fresh Water Always: Keep clean water available at all times.

High-Quality Cat Food: Choose foods where meat is the first ingredient.

Appropriate Portions: Follow feeding guidelines and adjust based on your cat’s needs.

Limited Treats: Keep treats under 10% of daily calorie intake.

Food Puzzles: Use puzzle feeders to make mealtime mentally stimulating.

Rotate Proteins: If your cat tolerates it, varying protein sources can provide different nutrients.

When to Talk to Your Vet About Diet

Some signs it’s time to discuss your cat’s diet with your vet:

• Unexpected weight changes
• Fur or skin problems
• Digestive issues
• Changes in water consumption
• Lethargy or behavior changes
• Poor dental health

Your vet can help create a feeding plan tailored to your cat’s specific needs.

My Experience With Rio and Food Curiosity

As I mentioned earlier, Rio is a curious cat who sometimes shows interest in what I’m eating. Once, I was making a grilled cheese sandwich, and he wouldn’t stop meowing and trying to reach the counter. I thought he really wanted the cheese.

But when I gave him a tiny sample of plain cheese, he sniffed it and walked away! It turned out he was much more interested in the butter I’d used on the bread. This taught me that what we think our cats want isn’t always accurate.

Now, instead of assuming Rio wants what I’m eating, I pay attention to his natural preferences. He goes crazy for plain chicken but shows little interest in dairy products. Respecting these preferences makes both of us happier.

The Bottom Line on Cats and Cheese

To sum it all up:

• Most cats are lactose intolerant to some degree
• Cheese is not toxic but can cause digestive issues
• If given at all, it should be in very small amounts, very rarely
• Hard, aged cheeses are better than soft cheeses
• Many cats are better off with no cheese at all
• There are healthier treat options that better match a cat’s natural diet

The best approach is to think of your cat as the carnivore they are. Their bodies are designed for meat, not dairy products. When choosing treats, options that respect this natural design will generally be better for their health.

Final Thoughts

Being a responsible cat parent means making choices based on what’s best for our feline friends, not just what they seem to want in the moment.

While an occasional tiny bit of cheese won’t harm most cats, it’s rarely the best choice. For most cats, the risks and drawbacks outweigh any potential benefits. Treats that align with a cat’s natural diet are almost always a better option.

If you’re ever unsure about what to feed your cat, your vet is the best source of advice. They know your specific cat and their health needs.

Remember – our goal isn’t to make our cats eat like humans. Our goal is to help them live their best, healthiest cat lives. Sometimes that means saying no to those pleading eyes when we’re eating cheese!

Has your cat ever shown interest in cheese or other dairy products? How did they react? Sharing our experiences helps all of us become better cat parents. Here’s to healthy, happy cats who get the nutrition they need!