Can Cats Eat Cheese? Which Types Are Safer and How Much
Cats and cheese are a pairing as old as cartoons, but in the real world the relationship is more complicated. Cheese is not poisonous to most cats, but it is not a natural fit for an obligate carnivore, and it comes with a few cautions.
Why cheese is not ideal
Cats are built to eat meat. Dairy is not part of their natural diet, and after weaning most cats produce little of the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose. Cheese contains less lactose than milk, because much of it is removed during processing, but the amount varies. Fresh, soft cheeses keep more lactose, while aged hard cheeses keep very little.
Cheese is also dense in fat, protein and sodium. A one-inch cube of cheddar can contain around 20 to 30 calories, which could be 10 percent or more of a small cat's daily needs. Too much fat can contribute to obesity and, in susceptible cats, to pancreatitis. Too much salt is a concern for cats with kidney or heart disease.
Quick reference
| Cheese | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan (aged, hard) | Lower lactose, tiny amounts only |
| Cottage cheese, plain | Lower in fat, small amounts |
| Mozzarella | Soft, higher lactose, rare |
| Cream cheese | High fat, avoid regularly |
| Blue cheese and moldy cheese | Avoid |
| Flavored cheese with garlic, onion, chives or herbs | Avoid |
| Processed cheese slices | High salt and additives, avoid |
Why blue cheese and mold matter
Blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, contain a compound called roquefortine C, produced by the mold. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and, in large amounts, seizures in pets. Other moldy foods can produce toxins as well. Never give a cat moldy cheese or cheese rinds with mold.
Hidden risks in flavored cheese
Cheese sold with added flavor, such as garlic and herb spreads, onion dips or chive cream cheese, can be harmful because garlic, onion and chives are toxic to cats. Read about the effects in are onions and garlic toxic to cats. Also be careful with cheese on pizza, which often comes with sauces and seasoning, and with cheese in sandwiches that include raisins or nuts.
How much is okay?
If you want to give your cat a taste, use a pea-sized crumb of plain hard cheese, and do it only once in a while. Keep treats to about 10 percent of daily calories in total. Our free cat food amount calculator helps you plan for that.
Using cheese to give medicine
Some owners hide pills in cheese. This works for certain cats, but the calories add up if you do it daily, and some cats learn to find the pill and reject the cheese. Ask your vet about pill pockets or whether the medication can be given in a more palatable form. If your cat has an ongoing medication, make sure any carrier food does not interfere with absorption.
Signs of a problem
Within a few hours of eating cheese, look for:
- Loose stool or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gas and bloating
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal pain, shown as a hunched posture or crying when touched
Mild upset usually passes in a day. If your cat is vomiting repeatedly, in pain or lethargic, call your vet, particularly if there is a risk of pancreatitis. Our emergency warning signs guide explains when to act quickly.
Cheese and special health conditions
Kidney disease. Cheese is high in sodium and phosphorus, both of which are usually restricted in cats with kidney problems. Skip it unless your vet says otherwise.
Heart disease and high blood pressure. Salt load matters. Avoid cheese.
Pancreatitis or sensitive stomach. The fat content makes cheese a poor choice.
Overweight cats. A few cubes of cheese a day can quietly add a pound or more over a year. Check your cat's body condition and portions, and see our cat nutrition guides.
Myths about cats and cheese
Many people assume that cats love cheese because of cartoons. In truth, many cats ignore it, and those that like it are usually attracted to the fat and smell. Like milk, cheese is not a nutritional need. It is simply a high-calorie treat that some cats will accept.
Cheese and kittens
Kittens have delicate digestive systems and are growing quickly on a precisely balanced diet. Cheese can cause diarrhea, and diarrhea in a kitten can quickly lead to dehydration. Leave it out of a kitten's diet. Our kitten care guides cover what to feed at each age.
Better treats
If your cat loves the taste and texture, some safer treats include a flake of plain cooked chicken or a small piece of cooked egg. Freeze-dried meat treats made for cats are another option.
For other foods, check the free cat food and plant safety checker. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Is cheese safe for cats?
In very small amounts, plain cheese is not poisonous. It is high in fat and salt, and some cats get an upset stomach from the lactose, so it should be a rare treat.
Which cheese is best for cats?
Small crumbs of hard cheeses such as cheddar or Swiss are lower in lactose. Cottage cheese is also relatively low in fat and lactose.
Can I hide pills in cheese?
Some owners do, but the calories add up, and some cats refuse pills once they find them. Ask your vet about pill pockets or other options.
What cheeses are dangerous for cats?
Blue cheeses can contain mold compounds that are toxic, and cheese with garlic, onion, chives or herbs can be harmful.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your petsWhich common kitchen foods are unsafe for dogs and cats.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic plants and foods lists, plus a 24-hour helpline.
- Pet Poison Helpline24-hour poison advice staffed by veterinary toxicologists.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.