Before sharing a bite of cheddar with your feline friend, you might want to think twice.
While cheese is generally considered safe for cats in small amounts, it comes with several potential drawbacks. Many cats struggle to digest dairy, and cheese doesn’t provide essential nutrients for a balanced feline diet. Because of these factors, it may be best to skip cheese altogether. However, if your cat is curious or you want to use cheese as an occasional treat, here’s what you need to know to do so safely.
Can Cats Safely Eat Cheese?
The University of Missouri Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service lists cheese as safe for cats, but with important caveats.
- Only for Healthy Cats: If your cat has a health condition like heart or kidney disease and requires a low-sodium diet, cheese should be avoided.
- Lactose Intolerance: Most cats are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation after eating dairy. Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss contain less lactose, making them a slightly better choice than soft cheeses like mozzarella, Brie, or cottage cheese, which have higher lactose and fat content.
- Toxic Ingredients: Some cheeses contain additives that are harmful to cats. Always avoid cheeses with onions, garlic, chives, or mold (such as blue cheese, which contains Penicillium fungus and can be toxic).
If you suspect your cat has eaten toxic ingredients, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Does Cheese Provide Any Nutritional Benefits for Cats?
Not really.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found in animal products. The best way to meet their nutritional needs is with a balanced commercial cat food formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. While cheese contains protein and fat, it does not provide any essential nutrients that your cat isn’t already getting from their diet.
Since treats should make up no more than 10% of a cat’s daily calories, cheese should only be offered in moderation—if at all.
How to Feed Your Cat Cheese Safely
If you decide to give your cat a small taste of cheese, follow these guidelines to minimize risk:
✅ Ask Your Vet: Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food to your cat’s diet.
✅ Calculate Calories: Treats should not exceed 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Check the cheese’s nutrition label to determine an appropriate portion.
✅ Check Ingredients: Make sure the cheese contains no toxic additives like garlic, onions, or chives.
✅ Cut Into Small Pieces: Offer cheese in tiny, bite-sized portions—about the size of your cat’s kibble—to prevent choking.
✅ Monitor for Reactions: Only introduce one new treat at a time and watch for signs of stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea). If any issues arise, discontinue cheese immediately and consult your vet.
The Bottom Line
While a small nibble of cheese won’t harm most cats, it’s not a necessary or particularly beneficial treat. Given the potential digestive issues and risks associated with certain ingredients, it may be best to skip the cheese and stick to cat-friendly treats instead.
Source: Daily Paws
