The image of a cat lapping up milk is iconic, and it’s natural to extend that association to cheese. If you’ve ever unwrapped a slice of cheddar only to find your feline friend suddenly appearing at your feet, you’ve likely wondered, “Can Cats Eat Cheese?” The answer is yes, cats can eat cheese, but it’s not quite as simple as offering them a block of cheddar. While cheese isn’t toxic to cats, there are important considerations, primarily lactose intolerance and the high calorie content, that should guide whether and how you share this dairy treat with your kitty.
Is Cheese Safe for Cats? Navigating the Dairy Aisle
In moderation, cheese can be a palatable and even nutritious snack for some cats. It boasts protein and calcium, essential nutrients for feline health. However, the catch lies in the fact that a significant portion of the adult cat population experiences lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities. This means that for many cats, consuming cheese can lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and flatulence. These symptoms arise because many adult cats lack sufficient levels of lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Therefore, while cheese isn’t inherently poisonous to cats, it can certainly cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
Beyond lactose, another factor to consider is cheese’s calorie density. Cheese is relatively high in calories and fat. A small cube of cheddar, seemingly insignificant to us, can be calorically impactful for a cat. To put it in perspective, for a cat, a small piece of cheddar might be akin to a human indulging in several cheeseburgers. Overfeeding cheese, even if tolerated digestion-wise, can contribute to weight gain and obesity in cats, which carries its own set of health risks.
Lactose Intolerance: The Feline Digestive Factor
Lactose intolerance is a common condition in adult cats. As kittens, they produce lactase to digest their mother’s milk. However, as they mature and transition to solid food, lactase production often decreases. This reduced ability to digest lactose is why many adult cats struggle with dairy products, leading to digestive upset when they consume lactose-containing foods like many cheeses.
Calorie Concerns: Moderation is Key
Due to its high calorie content, cheese should always be offered to cats sparingly. Treats, including cheese, should only constitute a small percentage of a cat’s daily caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. Overindulging in high-calorie treats like cheese can quickly lead to weight gain and associated health problems.
What Types of Cheese Can Cats Eat? Choosing Wisely
If you’re considering sharing a tiny cheese morsel with your cat, and you’re confident they aren’t lactose intolerant or dairy-sensitive, opting for certain types of cheese is safer than others. The best choices are typically firm, plain cheeses without added flavorings or ingredients.
Cheeses to Favor: Lower Lactose Options
Consider these firmer cheeses, which generally contain less lactose:
- Cheddar: A popular and relatively well-tolerated option in small amounts.
- Swiss: Another firm cheese that is often lower in lactose.
- Parmesan: Known for its hard texture and lower lactose content.
- Provolone: Similar to mozzarella but generally firmer and potentially lower in lactose.
- Gouda: A semi-hard cheese that can be offered in moderation.
- Goat Cheese: While technically lower in lactose, goat cheese is richer in fat and lower in vitamin D compared to some cow’s milk cheeses, so offer it sparingly.
Cheeses to Avoid: High Lactose and Processed Varieties
It’s best to steer clear of softer cheeses and highly processed cheese products, as these tend to be higher in lactose or contain unhealthy additives:
- Cottage Cheese: Despite its seemingly healthy image, cottage cheese is relatively high in lactose and can cause digestive issues.
- Cream Cheese: As a soft cheese, cream cheese is also higher in lactose and likely to trigger stomach upset.
- Mozzarella: Another soft cheese variety that is high in lactose, whether fresh or cooked (like on pizza).
- Brie and Camembert: These soft, creamy cheeses are high in lactose and fat.
- Blue Cheese: Beyond lactose, blue cheeses can contain molds that might be harmful to cats.
- American Cheese: This is a highly processed cheese product, often loaded with carbohydrates and additives, making it unsuitable for cats.
Specific Cheeses and Cats: A Closer Look
Let’s delve deeper into some specific cheese types and their suitability for cats:
Cream Cheese: A Definite No
Cream cheese falls squarely into the “avoid” category. Its soft texture indicates a higher lactose content, increasing the likelihood of digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, in cats.
Cottage Cheese: Best to Skip
Similar to cream cheese, cottage cheese’s higher lactose level makes it a less than ideal treat for felines. While it might be tempting to let your cat lick the container, it’s best to avoid sharing cottage cheese altogether.
String Cheese: Proceed with Caution
String cheese is often made from mozzarella, a soft cheese, sometimes combined with provolone. Mozzarella’s high lactose content makes string cheese potentially problematic. Provolone is generally better tolerated, but moderation is crucial. If you must share a tiny piece of string cheese, keep it exceptionally small.
Cheesecake: Absolutely Not for Cats
Cheesecake is not a safe treat for cats. It typically contains soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta, which are high in lactose. Furthermore, cheesecake includes sugar, fats, and other ingredients that can be detrimental to feline health, and potentially even toxic in some cases (depending on ingredients like chocolate or certain nuts).
Cheese Crackers (e.g., Cheez-Its): Unhealthy and Unnecessary
Cheese crackers like Cheez-Its are also on the “do not feed” list. These processed snacks are packed with unhealthy fats, excessive salt, and artificial ingredients that offer no nutritional value to cats. They are essentially “empty calories” and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
My Cat Ate Cheese – What Should I Do?
If your cat has managed to sneak a bite or two of cheese, don’t panic. For most healthy cats who consume a small amount of cheese, especially a lower-lactose variety, the situation is likely manageable at home. Simply monitor your cat for any signs of gastrointestinal upset.
However, if your cat starts exhibiting symptoms like reduced appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating cheese, it’s advisable to contact your veterinarian.
For cats with pre-existing health conditions, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If your cat has eaten cheese and has underlying health issues, contact your vet proactively, even before symptoms develop. This is particularly important for cats with:
- Known dairy allergies or lactose intolerance: They are more likely to have a reaction.
- Sensitive stomachs or digestive issues: Cheese can exacerbate existing problems.
- Kidney disease: The salt content in some cheeses could be a concern.
- Pancreatitis: The high fat content in cheese could trigger a flare-up.
How to Offer Cheese Safely to Your Cat (If You Choose To)
If you’re certain your cat isn’t dairy-sensitive and you want to offer cheese as a very occasional treat, stick to hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss. Cut a tiny cube, no larger than a dice, and break it into even smaller pieces to prevent gulping.
Remember, moderation is paramount. Cheese should be an infrequent treat, offered only once or twice per week at most, and always in minuscule portions.
After offering cheese, observe your cat for a few days to ensure no digestive issues arise. If you notice any signs of vomiting or diarrhea, discontinue offering cheese and consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist.
WRITTEN BY
Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP
Veterinarian
Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…
