Do you know the benefits of eating cheese? Let me explain some of them:
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Good for dental health
- Promotes healthy weight gain
- Provides essential calcium
- A wonderful source of protein
- May help prevent certain types of cancer
- Effective for pregnant woman
And there are many more! But what about cats? Can cats eat cheese? Or should your cat have cheese at all? If yes, how much is safe, and which type is best?
In this discussion, we will cover everything you need to know about cats and cheese. Some human foods can be safe for cats, while others might be dangerous. Let’s discuss cheese and whether it’s safe for your cat or not.
Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Yes, you can treat your cat with cheese, but moderation is key. It’s important to consult your vet about the appropriate amount of cheese for your cat. Your vet can suggest the best amount based on your cat’s specific situation and health.
If your cat is lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot properly digest milk and dairy products like cheese, you should avoid including cheese in their diet. If a lactose-intolerant cat eats cheese, they might experience diarrhea within eight to twelve hours. Other signs of lactose intolerance in cats may include:
- Excessive gas
- Itchy and/or red skin patches
- Hair loss
- Vomiting
- Constipation
The best way to prevent these issues is to keep cheese out of your cat’s reach. Cats are affectionate and often try to copy their owners, so if you eat cheese in front of your cat, they might want to try it too. To avoid this, it’s best not to eat foods that could be dangerous for your cat, like cheese, in their presence. Read more here
Can kittens eat cheese?
No, kittens shouldn’t eat cheese. It’s best to keep them on their mother’s milk. A kitten’s digestive system is very sensitive and can easily be upset by dairy products due to the presence of lactose. Read Also Is kidney disease killing your cat
If you give your kitten cheese, their digestive system won’t handle it well, leading to issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and itchiness. So, it’s best not to offer cheese to your kitten.
Is Cheese Bad for Cats?
The answer is both yes and no. Cheese can be bad for cats that are lactose intolerant, but it can be okay in small amounts for those that can tolerate lactose. Read is banana safe for cat
If your cat is lactose intolerant, they will show signs like the ones we’ve discussed above within 12 hours of eating cheese. On the other hand, if your cat can handle cheese, limit it to no more than a dice-sized square per week. Always consult your vet for the exact amount that is safe, depending on your cat’s age and breed.
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Benefits of Cheese for Cats
Cheese can serve as a low-carb treat for cats and a high-value reward for training due to its appealing taste. It can also be useful for administering medication by hiding pills. However, cheese provides minimal nutritional benefits and may lead to digestive issues, especially in lactose-intolerant cats.
What are the downsides of providing cheese to my cat?
Let’s discuss some downsides of giving cheese to your cat without consulting your vet. First, as mentioned before, many adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies lack sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose (the sugar found in dairy products like cheese). This intolerance can lead to unpleasant digestive problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting, if cats consume cheese. Read Also can cats eat peas
Cheese is also high in fat. While a small amount of fat is essential in a cat’s diet, excess fat can lead to obesity and other health problems. Additionally, cheese is high in sodium and minerals, which can be harmful in large amounts. Cats with kidney or heart issues need to maintain a low-sodium diet to stay healthy; even a small piece of cheese could push them over their daily sodium limit.
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Lastly, there is a risk of allergies. Some cats may be allergic to dairy, leading to skin issues like itching and redness or digestive problems such as an upset stomach. While dairy allergies in cats are not extremely common, they can occur and cause significant discomfort for your pet.
Which Cheeses Are Best for Cats, And Which Ones Should Be Avoided?
No cheese is suitable for cats. However, if your cat is not lactose intolerant, there are several safer cheese options that can be used in moderation. Some of these include:
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Provolone
- Swiss
- Parmesan
Cheeses to avoid are:
- Processed cheeses
- Cream cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Mozzarella
- American cheese
- Brie
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is not recommended for cats because it contains lactose, fat, and calories. Consuming cream cheese can lead to various health issues in cats, such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and obesity. Moreover, the high fat and calorie content can contribute to other health problems.
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Processed cheeses
Processed cheese should also be avoided due to its high sodium and fat content. The sodium in processed cheese can lead to salt poisoning in cats. Signs of salt poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Excessive thirst
In severe cases, salt poisoning may cause:
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Blue cheeses
Blue cheeses contain an ingredient known as “mold,” which is toxic to cats. If your cat eats blue cheese, the mold can cause problems such as gastrointestinal and digestive issues. You may notice changes in your cat’s stool, episodes of vomiting, and a loss of appetite. To keep your cat safe, it’s best to avoid blue cheeses altogether.
Cheez-Its
It is also not recommended at all. In addition to cheese, harmful ingredients like salt and wheat flour make them unsuitable for cats. The high salt content can be toxic, and consuming a large amount of it can lead to salt poisoning, which may cause kidney disease or other health problems, such as a loss of appetite.
Wheat flour, another ingredient in Cheez-Its, can also be difficult for cats to digest, potentially leading to digestive issues.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is not good for cats because it is high in sugar, which can lead to obesity, dental problems, and other health issues.
The crust in cheesecake is also problematic, as cats cannot digest it properly, leading to potential digestive issues. Additionally, some common toppings, such as nuts or chocolate, are toxic to cats and can pose serious health risks.
Cottage Cheese and String Cheese
Cottage cheese and string cheese are high in lactose, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress in cats. Cottage cheese should be avoided entirely, while string cheese, though sometimes better tolerated in small amounts, still poses a risk to sensitive stomachs.
Why are Cheddar and Swiss cheeses safe for cats?
Cheddar and Swiss cheeses are considered safer options for cats because they contain lower amounts of sodium, lactose, and fat, while being high in protein.
However, “safe” means that these cheeses can be given as occasional treats and only in small quantities, according to your vet’s recommendation. Even though they are safer options, feeding large amounts of Cheddar or Swiss cheese can still lead to digestive problems for your cat.
My Cat Ate Cheese. What Should I Do?
If your cat has medical problems like heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, kidney disease, or other digestive problems, then go to the vet immediately. If possible, inform your vet about how much cheese your cat has ingested, how much time has passed, and the type of cheese your cat has eaten. Read is milk good for cats
If you find your cat eating Cheddar or Swiss cheese and it has no digestive problems after 12 hours, then don’t worry about your cat’s health. However, if your cat has problems with cheese, you can take some immediate steps before visiting the vet. Try to clean your cat’s mouth to prevent further ingestion, and don’t use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting at home because it’s not a safe option nowadays.
Questions About “Can Cats Eat Cheese?”
Can cats have cheese?
Yes, cats can have cheese but in moderation, and it contains some ingredients like protein and calcium that can help strengthen your cat’s bones. However, some cats are allergic to dairy products. If your cat has a dairy allergy, it’s best to avoid giving them cheese and stick to cat foods instead.
Can all cats eat cheese?
No, not all cats can eat cheese. Cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, liver disease, or pancreatitis should avoid cheese.
Do cats like cheese?
Yes, cats like cheese because its aroma attracts them. However, just because they like it doesn’t mean you should give it to them regularly. Always consult your vet before offering cheese to your cat.
How much and how often can I provide cheese to my cat?
It’s not always clear-cut, but many vets recommend giving only a dice-sized square of cheese once or twice per week.
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