Try feeding your cat fresh cucumbers, spinach, steamed broccoli and asparagus, or some mashed potatoes. You’ve given too much. Being the crotchety old man that I am, I attribute that belief to some brand new veterinarian trying to become an animal guru in a hurry. The information found on ExcitedCats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. They have a bunch of vitamins, fiber, and water that can keep your cat in tip-top shape. Because they need to nurse, a kitten’s body produces a higher amount of the enzyme used for lactose digestion. I googled if it was ok and found your site. I have a slew scattered around the house, so when my cats get bored, even if I’m busy or not even home, my furries are able to actively play. On the other end, some American cheeses, processed ones especially, seem like they could be very bad picks. HELLO About the blog: More on. … Ever had lactose intolerance yourself? Is It Okay to Feed PB as a Snack? So thanks for your thoughts on cheese – very helpful , No problem! There are two problems with giving your cat raw eggs. A 1 ounce (28.35 gram) slice of cheddar cheese contains <0.1 grams of lactose compared to milk which contains 12-13 grams. Some kitties are more sensitive than others and shouldn’t have cheese at all, even in small amounts. Oh my god I need to see the “cheese please face.” That sounds tooooo cute for words <3 I love the nickname "cheese monster," too. It’s a very effective, highly non-toxic home remedy for helping cats pass hairballs, and should work like a charm for getting cats to swallow medications and pills as well. They get the same gas issues, the same runs, and the same upset tummy we would were we to mix lactose intolerance + too much dairy. Thanks, Linda! If not, know someone who’s had it? There’s a lot of information about helping your cat lose weight–much of it contradictory–but not as much on fostering weight gain. Let’s go over why cheese shouldn’t be in your feline’s food bowl every day. Fond of my fluffies? You should get him a mug that reads, “Overprotective Cat Dad” for Christmas and fill it with kibble , Your email address will not be published. But how much cheese can you give without it being too much? There are also some fruits that are safe for cats to eat. When researching the safety and dangers of cheese for cats, while cheese is not considered toxic or dangerous, it is not necessarily good for … While this is typically hard to do, toys like these that allow cats to play by themselves make the job one heck of a lot easier. It should help her eat at least half if not wholly something else; if you’d prefer her being on another cat food. Can Cats Eat Cheese? What cheeses should cats not eat? Can Cats Eat Dairy-Free Cheeses?. So start with a lot of the one she loves and teensy bits of the new food, then keep increasing the amount of new food and decreasing the amount of the kibble she’s hooked on. Cats can definitely not live off of eggs alone, so you can’t just give your cat eggs and cheese for supper, but a small egg and cheese snack is perfectly fine to be delving over if your cat eyes it on your plate and meows for a nibble. There are cats who are not very lactose intolerant and hence may like to eat cheese often. Will definitely keep them coming. Obviously, the exact lactose percentage varies from cheese to cheese, but based on the list, Camembert looks like a kickass option no matter how high the lactose percentage gets. She’s the most demanding cat I’ve ever met, it’s honestly adorable. I have tried to get her to eat wet food but she says absolutely not! Scolding you over sneaking them a little kibble from time to time – that’s too funny; actually snickered out loud reading that. The answer to that question is technically yes, most cats can safely eat small, infrequent servings of cheese. The answer is yes, cats can eat cheese, occasionally. Can cats eat cheese is one of the most popular questions siding up with can cats eat chocolate and what are the safe essential oils for cats?.. Speaking of cats; the comment “because they’re pretty much all lactose intolerant” astonishes me. The hits in my household are ridiculously affordable: cat springs, ball track toys, & kick sticks. Cheese is fattening for cats and feeding cheese can lead to the cat becoming overweight and even obese. We have three cats and its our eldest who is known as the ‘cheese monster’. Their bodies are made to digest it. Their mothers produce it specifically for their offspring to develop the way they’re meant to. Sorry, Tabby, no cheese for you. Cats are carnivores, so they don’t benefit from anything other than animal-based protein in their diet. A cat’s reaction to eating cheese can range from mild to severe. Give your the amount of cheese you feel would be appropriate, then be diligent about checking for symptoms of lactose intolerance for the next few hours up to a day (again, the symptoms are: upset stomach, gas, and/or diarrhea). Some products, designed for lactose-intolerant humans, will have their lactose removed or be supplemented with the right enzymes to help lactose-intolerant stomachs break it down. Not all cats like vegetables, and even fewer like fruits (felines can't taste sweet flavors). Any cats + cheese related thoughts and stories – please post in the comments down below! There’s always more to the story even if your intuitions right off the bat are spot on. As a Main Diet? Animal protein and water are the only things your cat needs to survive. I’ve done a few of these “can cats eat x” articles already, and of the ones I’ve done, lettuce and eggs were the top two “human” foods to feed cats as snacks. In fact, some commercial cat treats are cheese flavored, although they have been made specifically for cats. Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet Why? So glad I did, can’t wait to read more of your articles, keep em coming, Linda. Usually, dairy products are a no-no to animals, especially cats. Salt and fat content will vary from cheese to cheese. October 2, 2018 by Elise Xavier | Updated: July 7, 2020 - 12 Comments. Again – here’s the ever so insightful list of lactose percentages of dairy products in case you want to figure out which cheeses to look into buying to make sure your cat has the least lactose even though he or she wants cheese a little more regularly than the average cat. Snacks are like junk food and take out dinners – absolutely fine in small doses, but if they take up too much of a cat’s diet, the cat will either gain weight or have a diet that’s not nutritionally complete. You can decide. Of course, if your cat has a small taste, you probably won’t even notice a difference. Now, we’re talking about regular plain ‘ol cheese here with no extra ingredients besides the typical “milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes” combo. Since your cat probably salivates over every meat on your plate as much as you do, it’s natural to think they can enjoy cheese the same. I am 92 years old, and as far back as I can remember, which admittedly is sometimes not far, the traditional saucer of milk has been the basic intake for the family house cat, the barn cat and the cat waiting by the milking pail for a squirt of milk directly from the cows teat. What are these? So, what foods can Fluffy eat safely off of the table? Cheese is a dairy product that contains lactose. The median is something like 2 or 3 per cent, so that feels entirely mad! this interesting list of lactose percentages of dairy products, 100% petroleum jelly – the non-scented kind, the ever so insightful list of lactose percentages of dairy products, cats can eat cooked eggs safely (both egg whites and egg yolks), toys like these that allow cats to play by themselves. I ended up cohabitating with an entire family of street cats (in a poorer part of Asia) and in addition to milk they’ll eat cheese, tofu, pumpkin, and even rice. Obsessed with cats. →, Kitten Food vs Cat Food: What’s the Difference? Cat Barbering: Why Cats Excessively Lick & Over-Groom ‘Til They Bald, 5 Surefire Ways to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water. Salt itself is considered toxic to pets. She had been there since she was a kitten. When buying cat treats, a good rule of thumb is to look for low-fat content made with low-fat content and not contain any artificial flavorings, colors, or salt. Nowadays, The Hubby monitors their food closely, and it’s only canned food, and I got yelled at yesterday when I suggested that I sneak some kibble to them once in a blue moon! Sure, kittens need their mother’s milk for survival. Some kitties are more sensitive than others and shouldn’t have cheese at all, even in small amounts. I’m trying to put weight back on a 16-year-old cat, J.B. We cleared up the cause of the weight-loss (worms, ick) and he had a clean senior blood panel at the vet, so now it’s just building back the lost weight. I got 12 of them from Amazon and can get him to start eating it if I put a little tuna on top but I was thinking of adding some grated hard cheese so he likes the taste better. Cats are naturally lactose-intolerant, which means their liver doesn’t have the enzymes to break down cow’s milk. You'll get notified each time there's a new post on the blog. Eggs because they’re damn close to being nutritionally complete, and lettuce because of the fiber content, because eating lettuce can help your cat stay hydrated, and actually quite a slew of other perks, so look into that article in case you’re interested in trying to offer your cat lettuce. If you’re going to give them either, the softer, lighter cheeses are better. Most cats are said to be lactose intolerant. Cat owners should not choose to feed cheese to cats on a regular basis because it’s not healthy for cats, but cheese itself is not toxic or poisonous to cats. Such symptoms are not worth the risk. For example, some cats can eat hard cheeses and yogurt, though other milk-based dairy products may be a problem. Since cats can eat cheese once in a while, let us now find out which are the best kinds of cheese for your feline pet: Those soft-white cheeses that are flavored with herbs like chives and garlic are a no-no for your cat. You are correct. Roland has been an animal lover all his life, with cats holding a special place in his heart. See more of this duo on my personal blog, E&T. My Cat Eats Too Fast! I know that’s not something you likely wanted to hear because if you’re reading this section, you probably wanted a definite answer to the question “How much cheese is too much?” But don’t worry; I have a simple little test that will help you see whether your cheesy generosity is simply too much for your cat. Adding extra fillers too frequently can create unwanted side effects, especially in the long-term. Aged cheeses have lower lactose than younger cheeses; goat cheeses have less lactose than cheeses made from cow’s milk. So, unless you’re making cheese made of cat’s milk, it’s still not going to have any real nutritional benefit to your cats. I’ll admit to being a cat owner who freely offered her cat a little bit of cheese as a snack long before looking up whether or not it was actually safe for cats to ingest. Sorry to say – it depends on the cat. Cats can eat cheese but their systems can't digest it, leading to vomiting and diarrhea - so we are told. Eating a tiny piece of cheese might not cause any serious harm to your cat’s health, but it … Many cats are lactose intolerant, however, so be mindful of this before you feed your cat any dairy products. Also, your cat’s diet should mainly consist of meat protein and not any dairy products. Cheese for cats is addictive sometimes, especially when they like the taste of cheese. Dr. Tawnia Shaw, DVM, the vet behind The Happy Pet Vet, pointed out in an interview with PetMD that “some medicines do not do well if taken with high calcium foods. Mangoes, bananas, apples, apricots, blueberries, and cranberries are all safe fruits for cats to … Is It Safe to Feed to Cats? Just remember that your cat’s dietary health should always come first. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) even gives quick homemade treat ideas to satisfy your cheese-loving feline’s appetite. You shouldn’t offer any treat too often since most cats will overeat and veg out if you let them. Check out all the other blogs I pen & photograph. Cheeses such as Camembert and Gouda are generally okay for cats. But a smidgen of cheese for a cat can be useful in one particular instance, Dr. LeVora says. Ultimately, it dehydrates your cat, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and increased thirstâif eaten in excess. Just fill in the form below and hit "Subscribe"! While your cat may seem to enjoy cheese slices, it will only end up with explosive diarrhea, vomiting, and an emergency visit to the vet. Need an easy way to get pets to take their medication that’s not harmful at all? If you have any questions or concerns, rely on your veterinarian to give you top-notch advice. But can cats eat cheese, too? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; learn more here. It’s not very comfortable, and it won’t be comfortable for your cat either. A large number of cats are actually lactose intolerant which means consuming milk or cheese can result in … You can also try specially made cat treats that come with holes in them for you to insert medicine tablets or capsules, like Greenies Pill Pockets, as I mentioned in my article about whether peanut butter was safe for cats. Cooked Scrambled? You may find that … It's amazing. “Cheese is not a natural food for cats, simply because they are carnivores and have no need for it.” And that means any cheese, whether basic supermarket slices or pricier Havarti, Monterey Jack or crumbly Bleu. Notice a slightly runny loo visit or the unpleasant smell of a kitty cat farting? Still, these treats should only serve as a delicacy for your cat. If something isn’t so beneficial for them, it may be best to skip cheesy treat time altogether. But if you do decide to give in, go light. However, there are many exceptions, so it is very important that you consult your veterinarian before sharing cheese -- or any human foods -- with your cat. What’s the test you ask? And for all the good reasons because cheese is one of the most common foods in domestic households. This is a marvellous article. Kittens have precise dietary requirements. Doxycycline, an antibiotic, for example, gets bound to the calcium and then does not get absorbed.”. However, it is advised that the amount should be small and harder in texture. Correct me if I’m wrong, but these should all be fine for a cat to eat in small amounts. To reiterate: cheese that lists milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes as the only ingredients are the cheeses we’re talking about. So can cats eat cheese, but is it safe for them? Apparently some American processed pasteurized cheeses are up to 14.2% lactose?? I’ve never seen a cat eat any fruit but otherwise they’re curious about most anything. Welcome to KittyClysm - a blog for cat lovers & kitty keepers. I’ve offered healthy human food but nope. While cheese is entirely non-toxic for cats, you should limit their intake. Some may show no sign of a problem but watch their behavior and bathroom habits after eating it. Do you do it? Every morning he gets an after-breakfast cheese snack of aged sharp cheddar. If you like the posts on KittyClysm, please take a moment to subscribe to the email newsletter! No, because it contains lactose that felines can’t digest. There’s no going wrong with giving two healthy foods – one as a main meal and one as a snack/treat! Cheese is made from cow’s milk which can cause upset in your cat’s digestive system. Any extra ingredients please look up separately as those may not be safe for cats. The dietary needs of a cat are not the same as the dietary needs of a human. When deciding whether it is safe for a cat to eat a particular food, you should first consider your pet’s dietary needs and think about whether the food fits into a healthy balanced diet for your cat. There is a giant disconnect here somewhere. Check out this interesting list of lactose percentages of dairy products. Cats. Facts about cats, training tips, odd behaviours, pet care advice - I talk as much as I can about it all here! If you’re thinking of buying your cat cheesy treats, there are many options on the market. Kitten Food vs Cat Food: What’s the Difference. A lot of websites insist repeatedly that cats shouldn’t be ingesting cheese because they’re all pretty much lactose intolerant, and you know what, while that’s obviously true, it doesn’t mean you need to keep your cat off the yummy dairies entirely. Cats with a dairy allergy can exhibit any of the symptoms above and may also develop red patches on the skin or hair loss. While cheese is entirely non-toxic for cats, you should limit their intake. The answer to the question “Can cats eat cheese?” is definitely no. →, Male vs Female Cats: Is There a Difference in Personality? Avoid giving your cat too much cheese. Veggies. But because cats are carnivores, they don’t benefit from soy or other plant-related additives you’ll find in vegan cheeses. He is owned by three felines: Wheely, KitzKitz, and Nugget (all rescues) who bring all the laughter and mischievousness one can expect from the feline master race. →, 20 Simple Ways to Keep Cats Off Your Car →. Has your cat ever had an averse reaction to the lactose in cheese? Yup, yup, yup. Apart from this, you need to understand that some cats are lactose intolerant. Too much salt in your cat’s diet can cause abnormal urination and increased thirst. Cheeses come in different kinds, from soft to hard and strong-tasting cheese. Cheese When you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. It depends. Recently she’s started going absolutely nuts over my cottage cheese, so I’ll definitely try giving her a chunk next time! Have two pet cats, Avery & Bjorn, whom I love to bits. They won’t die when you try to feed them this type of food. Can Cats Eat Dog Food? It’s probably fine for a cat to have a little piece now and again, but regularly eating it can cause obesity, digestive issues, and unwanted side effects. A Cat Blog for Cat Lovers & Kitty Keepers. 10 Table Foods Pets Shouldn’t Eat. Join me & my furries in our little corner of the feline-obsessed world. Cheese includes things that may not be so great for your cat, but it is possibly okay to share it with them in moderation. She has what I call her ‘cheese please face’ on the rare occasion we are eating cheese ourselves and we always give her a little bit which she loves. Wanted to use cheese to hide medicine pills you need to convince your cat to eat? No matter what snack or snacks you end up offering your cat, you’ll need to make sure that all snack foods combined (and yes, that includes those addictive dental treats you picked up for Fluffy last week!) Cheese is not in the risky category of toxic or severely harmful foods for cats, but it’s not the healthiest option either, and can cause digestive problems. Every cat will have varying tolerance to lactose. Now, we’re talking about regular plain ‘ol cheese here with no extra ingredients besides the typical “milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes” combo. Required fields are marked *. Can Cats Eat Eggs & Egg Yolks? Kitties + Boxes? Let’s go over why cheese shouldn’t be in your feline’s food bowl every day. Can Cats Eat Lettuce? How frequently would you offer cheese? As the creator of ExcitedCats, his mission is to assist in the search for the best gear to help improve the health and wellbeing of cats everywhere. I started him up gradually, but no signs of intestinal distress. We do our best to help you better understand your cats; however, the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Good on you for not overdoing it; it can be hella hard to say "no more" to those adorable faces they pull! Dig KittyClysm? Can cats eat cheese? They broke into a cheese factory and ate so much cheese that couldn’t even move. I find that statement very difficult to accept. Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. While humans and other omnivores naturally produce a lactase enzyme to help break down lactose and other nutrients from dairy products, cats simply don't have these enzymes. Is It Safe: 1. But this is strictly for feline milk and not for any other animals. Some cheeses like mozzarella and Neufchatel have less fat and sodium. Keep in mind that some cats react differently than others. As a tip – you may want to try “transitioning” her to another food (like a wet food or another kibble if you prefer), by mixing the kibble she loves with the new food. Over time it can also lead to more complications such as kidney problems, hypertension plus much more. Cats face problems after eating cheese such as indigestion, upset stomach and bowel problems. But more sensitive felines may have a harsher reaction. Cheese has a pretty high amount of fat and saltâno matter what kind it is. My cat is 13 years old and constantly begs for human food, whatever it is! In any case, remember to give them cheese on occasion and not as an everyday snack. To keep things into perspective, you should consider the nutritional content in cheese to make the best decision for your furry pal. Vegan cheese won’t do much harm in small portions, but it’s not healthy for them, either. Being vegan, we have no cheese in the house, but years ago, Chuck and Angel would get a bit of cheddar or yogurt. Cats can’t eat cheese because they’re lactose intolerant, which raises the question – can they eat non-dairy cheese? Can Cats Eat Cheese? Cats are often offered a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese. It all started with “Cheese chasers” in 1951. How much do you give? If you give your cat cheese at all, just give them a small piece once in a while, about the size of a dice. Enter your email address and hit "Go" to be notified each time a new post is published on KittyClysm. Male vs Female Cats: Is There a Difference in Personality? Some Cats Can’t Eat Cheese Because They Are Lactose Intolerant. Even though there’s no chance of poisoning your cat with cheese, that doesn’t mean it’s really that good for them to snack on. The first is the possibility of food … If you’re wondering whether a specific cheese you had in mind that has some extra ingredients in it is safe for cats to eat, you’re going to have to look up those ingredients one at a time. As a new cat owner, I knew not to offer up just any foods to my furry feline, as I knew many “human” foods that appeared harmless could possibly be extremely dangerous for pets to ingest, but in the back of my mind cheese was always a safe bet to give so long as I didn’t offer too much of it. So, the same sentiment extendsâa few bites are okay, but they shouldn’t eat a lot in one sitting or every day. He’ll eat up to a full slice–90 calories!–without digestive issues but that much cuts into his consumption of his regular food. Because most cats are lactose intolerant, which means eating cheese and other dairy products could cause adverse side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, soft stool, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. There are quite a few veggies that cats can eat that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Watch Kitten Cam On APL!VE. However, as soon as they reach adulthood, cats become lactose intolerant. But I pretty much just mean basic no-extra-ingredients cheese when I’m talking about cheese here, so keep that in mind. She will only eat purina pro plan chicken kibble. A Match Made in Heaven: Cat Toy Boxes & Cubed Cat Things. Good luck with getting him to eat the cat food , A month ago I addopted a 3yr old cat from a local shelter. Raw Eggs. Your email address will not be published. 2. Cheese compliments meat in almost every situation. Always consult with your veterinarian before feeding your cat cheese in this manner, but with most cats you can hide a pill in a small amount of cheese. The answer to whether cats can have cheese is not a straightforward yes or no. Also, it depends on the cheese. A healthy cat without a history of a dairy allergy might suffer from diarrhea, constipation, inflammation, and/or vomiting. Anytime you give in and let her have a little snack, she’ll spend the rest of the day trying to crawl into your lap and purr all over you! Yes, cats can eat cheese. My Cat Likes Lettuce! Most cats can eat a small amount of cheddar cheese as cheese starter cultures, which are primarily made up of lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus lactis) break down most of the lactose. The main characters of the cartoon were a cat and a mouse. don’t exceed 10% of your cat’s overall diet. What are your thoughts on giving a cat cheese as a snack? According to experts, yes — but only in moderation. KittyClysm* is a reader-supported site. So what about specifically these types of cheeses –. But let’s get into why cheese could be an issue in the next section…. So I did a little digging, and here’s what I found out about the cats + cheese combination. Starting from here, cats are not that they cannot eat cheese, it is that they do not need it . Left Raw? But, while small amounts of cheese are safe for cats, it will pose an unnecessary risk of digestive issues for your furry friend. Depending upon factors such as ingredients, variety, salt content, and texture, your cat can safely consume cheese. You giving your feline man of the household a quarter block of cheese for dinner because you forgot to buy kibble on your way home, obviously not okay. How Can I Get Kitty to Slow Down Eating? Since cats are lactose intolerant, giving your cat too much cheese leads to some pretty unpleasant results. Learn more here. Well, like humans, some foods are healthier than others for your cat. High Fat Content: Eating too much can cause heart disease, obesity, and diabetes just like in humans. Figured I might as well blog about 'em. So, the answer to your question “Can Cats Eat Cheese” is not a direct one. Hard Boiled? If you have an extra-sensitive kitty, you may notice things like: If your cat has a not-so-good reaction, it’s best to steer clear of cheese altogether. Or honestly, skip the cheese altogether if your cat happens to be on medication – just to be on the safe side. It’s also a good idea to check if the medication your cat is going to be on will have any other food related conflicts. Cheese is a dairy product. No ill effects to report and she’s 5 years old but we make sure we don’t over do it! Aside from the unhealthy ingredients, cheese is a good source of proteinâwhich is something your cat needs a lot of in their diet. While this is an upside, they already get an adequate amount of protein from their dry kibble diet. Also, it is important to know that if they are lactose intolerant, they could get diarrhea if they eat it. Their bodies aren’t designed to digest anything but meat. Not only is it true that cats can eat cooked eggs safely (both egg whites and egg yolks) – eggs are actually very healthy snacks for cats and have been deemed one of the most nutritionally complete sources of protein for both humans and animals – which is awesome! Can cats eat cheese? Different cheeses have varying amounts of lactose in them. Cats can and do eat many things that people would not expect if they are accustomed to it. One of the most frustrating problems I’ve had to deal with as a pet parent is staying on top of my cats’ desire to play. Kittens have precise dietary requirements that they can only get through the mother’s specially-tailored formula. Let me know if your intuitions were also right about this subject. If you’re wondering whether a specific cheese you had in mind that has some extra ingredients in it is safe for cats to eat, you’re going to have to look up those ingredients one at a time. Did you know there was so much variance in lactose percentages from one cheese to the next? I was sittig here munching on sharp chedder cheese and she actually ate a few small pieces. Can cats eat cheese? Curious about how much variance there can be from cheese to cheese? Cats, however, should not eat cheese all the time. So, even though it won’t directly harm them, it can be hard on their digestive system. Plus, it can cause a few bathroom problems that you’ll have to clean up later. Occasionally? So watch those rations, or instead use my favourite cat snack trick: buying a second nutritionally complete cat food that’s made of a different protein source (like salmon if I’m giving my cat chicken-based kibble as a main meal) to use as a “treat” instead of human foods and cat treat biscuits. I am trying to get one of my cats to eat some Dave’s chicken canned food (which actually smells like chicken!). Hi, I'm Elise! Adding too much cheese to a cat's diet can cause weight gain, which can lead to many health issues down the road such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and joint problems.