Can Cats Eat Cheese?
One thing that is the biggest question about pet owners is what is safe for my pet? Just an important, all pet parents need to know what foods are not safe for cats.
Some foods like chocolate and grapes are well-known unsafe foods for both cats, but what about cheese?
Can cats have cheese?
Are Cats Allowed To Have Cheese?
Yes, cheese is safe to give to cats in moderation.
Like dogs, cheese is fine to give cats as a disguise for medication.
However, depending on the cat, it might not be a good idea. Fun fact! Most cats are lactose intolerant.
Once cats are weaned from drinking their mother’s milk, the body’s production of lactose significantly decreases. Which basically means, after a kitten no longer needs mother’s milk they struggle to digest dairy.
Since their bodies have a hard time digesting cheese and eating a lot of dairy can cause a gastrointestinal upset. If your cat is lactose intolerant and ingests dairy, your cat could experience gas, diarrhea, and stomach aches.
Is Cheese Harmful To Cats?
For cats that are lactose intolerant, extended exposure to dairy can put strain on your cat’s digestive system.
But, what if my cat isn’t lactose intolerant?
If your cat isn’t lactose intolerant, it’s still best to give cheese in moderation because cheese is very high in fat and sodium.
Like almonds, 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.
The high sodium in cheese can also cause increased thirst and abnormal urination, and if a high-salt diet is continued, it can lead to hypertension and kidney problems.
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Why Do Cats Love Cheese?
Let’s be honest, your feline friend loves cheese because of their human. Cats love what we are eating.
Most of the time, cats simply want human food. Especially when we are trying to eat that food, or if they have already gotten a taste of it.
Can Cats Eat Cheese that’s not made from Cow’s Milk?
So if cats should have cheese, what about non-dairy products? While non-dairy cheese made from plant-based milks may be gentler on your cat’s digestive system, it still goes back to the ingredients involved.
Remember that even though the cheese may be non-dairy it is probably still high in sodium and fat, which does not make an ideal treat.
Can Cats Have Cheese As a Treat?
Yes, cats can have cheese as a treat. But because most cats are lactose intolerant, you want to make sure it doesn’t harm your cats more than be helpful.
Treats, moderation, and special events are complete safe times for cats to have cheese. Just be prepared for a potentially gassy kitty afterwards.
What Happens if Cats Eat Too Much Cheese?
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.
The high sodium in cheese can also cause increased thirst and abnormal urination, and if a high-salt diet is continued, it can lead to hypertension and kidney problems.
Final Verdict: Can Cats Have Cheese?
Ultimately, cats are carnivores and have no real need for cheese, but some may find it tasty because of the fat and protein content in cheese.
If you do decide to give your cat cheese, make sure to do so in moderation and keep an eye on them in case the cheese doesn’t sit well with their digestive system.
