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Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Please read the risks below before offering any.
Is cheese safe for cats?
Cheese is a dairy food made from curdled milk, from soft cottage cheese to hard cheddar. Cheese is not toxic to cats, but most adult cats are lactose intolerant and cheese is fatty, so it is best limited to a rare tiny bite at most. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need cheese. If you offer it at all, treat it as a rare, tiny extra.
How to reduce the risks if you offer cheese
- Choose plain, low-fat cheese such as mozzarella or cottage cheese
- Cut it into tiny pieces
- Offer a small cube first and watch for gas or diarrhea
What to avoid
- Blue cheese, which can contain a mold toxin called roquefortine C
- Cheese with garlic, onion, chives, herbs or raisins
- Cheese for cats with pancreatitis or weight problems
How much cheese can my cat have?
If you decide to offer cheese despite the cautions above, give just one tiny taste and check with your vet first, especially if your cat has any health condition. When in doubt, skip it.
Signs your cat may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your cat has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat cheese?
Because cheese needs extra caution for adult cats, it is best to avoid it for kittens.
What if my cat ate too much cheese?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your cat ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
Should cheese be a regular part of my cat's diet?
No. We recommend not making cheese a regular part of your cat's diet.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Cheese?