Disclaimer: Always check with your vet on what “human foods” your cat can and cannot eat as information may vary based on their dietary needs and health conditions.
Many cats may seem to be drawn to cheese because of its rich smell and taste due to its fat content, which can be appealing to cats, especially since they are obligate carnivores who naturally crave fatty foods. While some cats might beg for cheese, others might sniff it and walk away. Cats have individual preferences, and some aren’t fans of dairy at all.
Read on to learn more about whether cheese is actually good for cats, how much should they be eating and more.
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Is cheese good for cats?
The good news is that cheese isn’t deathly bad for cats.
The realistic news is that cats can eat cheese in small amounts, but it’s not ideal for their diet as many adult cats can’t digest lactose. This would potentially lead to stomach upset, diarrhoea or gas.
If you really MUST give your cats the experience of trying cheese, opt for cheeses that have lower lactose levels (eg: Hard Cheeses like Cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss) or are lactose-free if your cat tolerates dairy.
Is cheese bad for cats?
Cheese is not inherently good for cats and doesn’t provide any significant nutritional benefits to them.
Here’s why:
Which is why at Petchef, we ensure that all the ingredients that go into your cat’s meal is made for obligate carnivores! All the meals tailored for cats contain:
It’s completely free of preservatives, additives, fillers and grains! If you’d love for your cat to eat the food they were born to eat, come have a chat with our friendly pet nutritionist to find the ideal meal for your pet
Cheeses that are high in lactose, salt, fat and additives can be harmful to cats, such as:
How much cheese can a cat eat?
A small piece (pea-sized or smaller) given as an occasional treat or to hide medication in (with your vet’s advice of course). If your cat doesn’t seem to tolerate it well, skip the cheese entirely and stick to feline-friendly treats.
How to tell when a cat has had too much cheese?
If your cat has had too much cheese, it might show signs of discomfort due to lactose intolerance or digestive upset. Here are the common symptoms to watch out for:
- Digestive upset: one of the most common reactions to cheese (especially if your cat is lactose intolerant) is diarrhoea.
- Vomiting: if the cheese upsets your cat’s stomach, they might vomit shortly after eating it.
- Gas or bloating: a bloated belly or excessive gas might indicate that the cat is having trouble digesting the cheese.
- Lethargy: if your cat feels unwell after eating cheese, they might become more tired than usual or avoid their normal activities.
- Stomach discomfort: Cats may also exhibit signs of stomach pain, such as excessive grooming, meowing, or trying to hide.
If your cat shows any of these signs, keep them hydrated and avoid offering any more dairy or treats for a day or two. If symptoms are severe or don’t resolve within 24 hours, it’s best to consult your vet for advice.
How often can cats eat cheese?
A pea-sized or smaller piece of cheddar or parmesan, no more than once a week.
How to keep my cat AWAY from cheese?
Cats are naturally curious, so keeping them away from your cheese can be a challenge. Here are some practical tips to keep your curious cat from stealing your cheese:
1.
Store cheese out of reach
2.
Use positive reinforcement
3.
Create a "No-access" zone
4.
Use deterrents
5.
Maintain a balanced diet
6.
Training
By setting boundaries and providing alternatives, your cat will hopefully be less interested in snacking on cheese!
