Can cats eat cheese? Cats have an uncanny ability to smell cheese. They won’t waste any time trying to get their paws on the tasty cube of dairy, whether it’s in the owner’s hand, on the dinner table, or on the kitchen countertop. To what extent, though, are cheese-eating cats a good idea?
When the cheese comes out of the fridge, does your cat start paying you extra attention? Your cat is clearly begging for a piece of the delicious cheese you’re holding by giving you the death gaze. The question is whether or not cheese belongs in a cat’s regular diet. What if cats can’t eat cheese? If your pet is persistent in demanding more than their share of cheese-flavored goodies, read on to see what you should do.
Can Cats Have Cheese?
So, can cat eat cheese? It’s no surprise that the misconception that cats adore milk has persisted for so long, given the prevalence of such depictions in popular culture. However, most cats are lactose intolerant, so milk isn’t a good option for them.
In that case, is it possible to feed cheese to a cat? No, if your feline friend has lactose intolerance or an allergy to milk. Your pet should avoid cheese, or at least give it to them in small amounts.
Is Cheese Bad For Dogs?
So, can cats eat cream cheese? Dairy products, such as milk, cream, and cheese, can cause diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting in most cats.
The evolution of the feline digestive system is to blame for this phenomenon. Obligate carnivores, as cats are, require a diet high in meat in order to live long and healthy lives.
Because of this, their digestive tract may experience discomfort if dairy is on the menu. Cats have trouble digesting cheese because their bodies don’t manufacture enough enzymes to break down the milk.
Can Kittens Eat Cheese?
It may worry you that cheese is bad for kittens. This is because that is what they eat, and you know that kitten food is milk. Also, cats may generate the lactase enzyme more effectively when they are young. This allows them to enjoy milky dinners. However, this capacity is long gone by the time cats are able to eat solids like cheese.
Can Cats Eat Non-Dairy Cheese?
What about non-dairy alternatives if cheese’s dairy content is the issue? It seems this is not a great plan either. In addition to its lack of nutritional value, cheese isn’t the healthiest snack for cats. Cheese, whether it’s dairy or not, has a lot of salt, fat, spices, etc.
Also, it has other components like onion and garlic that are poisonous to cats. Don’t just give your cat a cube of cheese without first checking the ingredients. And if your cat wants to eat every piece of cheese in sight, talk to your vet. He/she will help you with some other, less risky options.
Also Read: CAN CATS EAT HOT DOGS?
Why Do Cats Like Cheese?
So, why do cats seem to have such a strong preference for cheese? Why do they do so if they have such a hard time digesting it?
Although we can’t expect an answer from our furry companion, cheese’s fat and protein levels may pique their interest, according to experts. Your cat probably does not have in cheese per se, but rather in the protein and fat, it provides.
Benefits Of Cheese For Cats?
Cats can only get the nutrition they need from animal products because they are obligate carnivores. “The easiest and most practical method to meet a cat’s nutrient requirements is to feed them with a comprehensive and balanced commercial food that a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an individual with a Ph.D. develops in animal nutrition.
Cat snacks like cheese don’t provide any nutritional value if your cat is already getting what he needs from his regular diet. Moreover, your cat’s primary source of calories needs to be high-quality foods designed to supply him with the nutrients he requires. It’s best to treat your dog occasionally and in moderation with human delicacies like cheese.
Feeding Your Cat Cheese Safely
While you shouldn’t let your cat roam wild among the charcuterie board, it’s fine to offer them a nibble every once in a while. If you want to give your cat cheese without worrying about him getting sick, consider the following tips. It’s best to check with your vet before feeding your cat any new meals, even if they’re labeled as “pet-safe.”
Find out how many calories your cat requires and what his ideal weight should be from your vet. You can use those figures to determine if and how much cheese will fit into your cat’s diet. Because you want to make sure that your cat’s treat intake doesn’t surpass 10% of his or her total daily caloric intake, you’ll need to know how many calories are in that slice of cheese to determine if it’s too high.
Before eating any cheese, be sure to read the calorie and serving size information provided on the container. If you haven’t already, this is a good opportunity to examine the label to make sure there are no potentially harmful ingredients.
Can Cats Have Cheese As A Treat?
Some pet owners provide their feline companions with cheese as a special treat, and others use a piece of cheese to help their feline friend swallow pills. Cheese can be used as a treat occasionally if you haven’t seen any adverse responses and your vet approves. Please observe for any signs of pain. Cheese may be readily replaced with feline-friendly alternatives that won’t create intestinal issues, and there are lots of meaty snacks cats will like just as much, if not more.
The question of whether or not felines can partake of the tasty treat is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. There is no need to worry about giving your cat cheese because it is not among the potentially dangerous meals for cats, but it also isn’t the healthiest option. Before giving your cat cheese, it’s best to ask your vet if it’s okay.
FAQs: Can Cats Eat Cheese?
What Happens If A Cat Eats Cheese?
Most cats can’t digest dairy products which means ingesting milk, cream or cheese could fast lead to digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. The evolution of the feline digestive system is to blame for this phenomenon.
Why Do Cats Love Cheese?
They’re attracted to the fatty and protein-rich aromas of dairy products. Milk, cheese, and yogurt can contain a high amount of fat and protein. Although we now have skimmed varieties of all popular drinks, cats will still be attracted to the milk they know has protein and fat even if the fat content is reduced.
What Kind Of Cheese Can Cats Eat?
Can cats eat cottage cheese? Cheeses including mozzarella, cottage cheese, parmesan, swiss, feta, and hard cheddar are all fair game. Furthermore, they contain less lactose, making them simpler for your cat to digest. Because of its low lactose content, goat cheese is the best option for your cat.
Can Cats Eat Mac And Cheese?
Try to refrain from giving your cat any cooked cheese, including cheese sauces. You can expect a lot of fat and carbs from eating mac and cheese. Your cat, an obligate carnivore, can obtain everything it needs from a meat-based diet that has been recommended by the vet.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
