Hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss are lower in lactose, so they may be a safer (though not risk-free) pick. Soft cheeses like Brie, mozzarella, and cottage cheese contain higher amounts of lactose and fat, making them less-than-ideal treats for your kitty. Cheese often has added ingredients that are toxic to cats.
Cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they can only get necessary nutrients from meat. But even though cheese is also high in protein, it can upset a cat's delicate digestive system. The reason for this is that cats don't tolerate dairy very well.
Can cats eat cheese? According to experts, yes — but only in moderation. If you give your cat cheese at all, just give them a small piece once in a while, about the size of a dice. For example, you might opt to limit your kitty's cheese intake to times when you need to hide a pill for them.
Can cats eat cheese? According to experts, yes — but only in moderation. If you give your cat cheese at all, just give them a small piece once in a while, about the size of a dice. For example, you might opt to limit your kitty's cheese intake to times when you need to hide a pill for them.
However, cats don't have the digestive enzymes necessary to break dairy down into something nutritious. So while a small piece of cheese probably won't hurt your kitty, cats are lactose intolerant and shouldn't eat cheese in any amount larger than a small complementary piece given occasionally.
Why is cheese bad for cats? Most cats can't digest dairy products which means eating milk, cream or cheese could quickly lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation or vomiting. The explanation has to do with how the feline digestive system evolved.
However, cheeses like hard cheddars, gouda, cream cheese, mozzarella, swiss, string cheese, feta, cottage cheese, and parmesan are acceptable cheeses. They also have less lactose, making them easier for your cat to digest. Goat cheese has the least amount of lactose, so is the safest for your kitty.
Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Eating cheese over a prolonged period can also lead to obesity. Cats are obligate carnivores and get all their nutrients from meat.
Most cats can't digest dairy products which means eating milk, cream or cheese could quickly lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation or vomiting. The explanation has to do with how the feline digestive system evolved.
They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Eating cheese over a prolonged period can also lead to obesity. Cats are obligate carnivores and get all their nutrients from meat.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine emphasizes that many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting, if they consume dairy. Cats with a dairy allergy may also react poorly to even a small bite of cheese.
Many cats love cheese, and it's no surprise. The high protein and fat content as well as the delicious taste of cheese means your kitty will likely gobble it up.
Most cats are naturally lactose intolerant, meaning that cow's milk and dairy products made from it – like cheese or cream – can upset their stomachs, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.