Can Cats Eat Cheese? Get The Latest Facts About Cats and Cheese 2023
Is it possible for cats to eat cheese? Yes, but only in moderation, according to experts. If you feed your cat cheese, give them a tiny piece around the size of dice now and then. You might, for example, restrict your cat’s cheese consumption to times when you need to conceal a medication for them. However, although many cats can handle tiny amounts of cheese, if your cat is lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, even a little quantity of cheese may cause intestinal problems.
Is Cheese Safe for Cats to Eat?
- Cheese is thought to be safe for cats in good health. This basic guideline does not apply if your cat has a health issue such as heart or renal illness and requires a low-sodium diet.
- The bulk of the calories in your cat’s diet should come from foods that have been specifically designed to provide him with the nutrients he needs. Cheese is a human food that should be provided only on rare occasions and in moderation.
- Many cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming dairy products may cause digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting). Cheddar and Swiss cheeses are lower in lactose, making them a safer (but not risk-free) choice. Lactose levels are greater in soft cheeses like Brie, mozzarella, and cottage cheese.
- Added substances in cheese are often harmful to cats. Cheeses with onions, garlic, or chives should be avoided. Moldy cheeses, such as blue cheese, should also be avoided.
Which cheeses are bad for cats?
Blue cheese:
Feeding blue cheese to your cat is not a smart idea. Although 100g of blue cheese only contains 0-0.5g of lactose, it is rich in fat and includes mold, which is harmful to cats.
Cheddar:
Lactose content varies between 0.1 and 0.5 grams per 100 grams of cheddar cheese. Please give a small amount of cheese to your cat. A stomach upset from too much cheddar cheese may occur, and eating cheese for an extended time can result in weight gain.
Cottage cheese:
Do not give Cottage cheese to your cat. Cheese contains around 3.3 grams of lactose per 100 grams, which may cause diarrhea and stomach discomfort if consumed.
Feta:
Feta cheese has a lower lactose content than other cheeses, but your cat should still avoid it. It’s rich in salt and fat, which may wreak havoc on your cat’s digestive system and cause long-term health issues if consumed regularly.
Goat’s cheese:
Although goat’s cheese is low in lactose, you should avoid giving it to your cat since it is rich in calories, salt, and saturated fat.
Keep in mind that cats can obtain all of the nutrients they need by eating just meat. Looking for cat-friendly goodies to use as a reward for your cat’s good behavior? Consult your daily veterinarian to see what they suggest.
Say Cheese
If you feed your cat cheese, do it in tiny amounts and just once in a while. That’ll bring a grin to their faces! It shouldn’t be a problem to feed your cat a little cheese now and then, but consult your cat’s veterinarian to see whether it’s a good choice for your kitty.
