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 are curious about yogurt due to its creamy texture and mild flavor. However, whether they like it or not varies from cat to cat. Some may enjoy it, while others might not be interested. So if you find your cat being naturally curious when you’re having some yogurt, they might be finding the light, dairy-like smell attractive.
Read on to learn more about whether yogurt is good for cats, how much should they be eating and more.
Table of Contents
Is yogurt good for cats?
It’s totally fine if your curious cat stole a lick or two of your yogurt while you weren’t looking because cats can eat small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt occasionally. This is when a small amount of yogurt us safe for your cat:
- Plain and unsweetened: plain yogurt without added sugars, artificial sweeteners (like xylitol, which is toxic to cats), or flavorings is the only safe option. Note that most Malaysians like their yogurt sweetened, which is not safe for cats
- Lactose content: yogurt contains less lactose than milk because the fermentation process breaks it down. This makes it easier for some cats to tolerate in small amounts.
- Probiotics: certain plain yogurts contain probiotics that could benefit a cat’s digestion, but they’re not necessary if your cat already has a balanced diet.
If your cat seems interested in yogurt, offer a tiny taste of plain, unsweetened yogurt to see their reaction. But if they turn their nose up at it, don’t worry—it’s not essential to their diet!
Is yogurt bad for cats?
Yogurt is not inherently bad for cats if given in small amounts and under the right conditions. However, it can become problematic if certain guidelines aren’t followed. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Flavoured or sweetened yogurt: yogurt with added sugars, fruit, or artificial sweeteners (like xylitol, which is toxic to cats) is dangerous.
- Lactose intolerance: cats are unable to produce enough of the enzyme lactase to digest lactose. Even though yogurt has less lactose, some cats may still experience diarrhea, vomiting and stomach upset.
- Overfeeding: feeding too much yogurt, even plain, can lead to digestive upset or imbalanced nutrition.
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
How much yogurt can a cat eat?
If you decide to give your cat a small taste of yogurt, only offer a very small amount – a teaspoon or less, as a rare treat. Make sure you observe your cat for any signs of discomfort, such as diarrhea or vomiting, which could indicate lactose intolerance.
How to tell when a cat has had too much yogurt?
If a cat eats too much yogurt or consumes yogurt that doesn’t agree with them (e.g., flavored or sweetened types), they may show signs of digestive distress or other issues. Here’s how to tell if your cat has overindulged in yogurt:
- Digestive upset: diarrhea, loose stools or vomiting
- Lethargy: your cat seems more tired than usual if their stomach is bothering them
- Reduced appetite: they might avoid food (even their favourite treats) if they’re feeling bloated or nauseous
- Frequent bathroom trips: they might go to the litter box more often, indicating diarrhea or an upset stomach
- Increased thirst: diarrhea can lead to dehydration, causing your cat to drink more water than usual
- Abdominal pain or discomfort: Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: cats may show signs of discomfort, such as excessive grooming, hiding, or crying when their stomach hurts. They might also tense up or lick their belly more than usual.
- Flatulence: excessive gas can be a sign that their digestive system is struggling to process the yogurt.
If your cat shows any of these signs, keep them hydrated and avoid offering any more yogurt 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 yogurt?
Cats can eat yogurt occasionally, but it should be treated as a rare treat rather than a regular part of their diet. Here’s a guide on frequency and portion size:
While it’s unnecessary for cat nutrition, if your cat seems to tolerate yogurt well, giving them a small amount occasionally is a nice way to add variety—just remember to keep the portions small and infrequent.
How to feed your cat yogurt?
If you must feed your obligate carnivore yogurt, here’s how to do it safely:
Ensure there are no harmful ingredients, such as chocolate, xylitol (toxic to cats), or artificial flavors. Homemade yogurt would be a safer choice (add a tablespoon of yogurt into a small jar of milk, leave to stand overnight in room temp and you’ll have homemade yogurt!)
Try about 1 teaspoon or less to see how your cat reacts.. Cats are obligate carnivores, so their digestive system isn’t designed for lactose. Allow the yogurt to reach room temperature if it’s been refrigerated; some cats dislike cold foods.
After offering a little bit of yogurt, watch for any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. This will help you gauge whether lactose agrees with your cat.
Don’t mix yogurt into your cat’s regular food unless recommended by your veterinarian.
