Can Cats Eat Yogurt? Lactose, Probiotics and Safe Amounts
Many people picture cats lapping up a saucer of cream, and some offer yogurt as a healthier dairy treat. Yogurt can look like a gentle food for cats, but the answer is more nuanced. A little plain yogurt is typically fine, but it is not something cats need.
Is yogurt safe for cats?
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is not poisonous to cats. It contains protein and calcium, and the live cultures are bacteria that people use for gut health. However, cats are obligate carnivores, and their diet is built around meat. Dairy is not part of it. See can cats drink milk.
Lactose and digestion
Kittens produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar, while nursing. After weaning, many cats produce much less. Lactose that is not digested can ferment in the gut and cause gas, bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Fermentation in yogurt reduces lactose, so yogurt is often easier to tolerate than milk, but some cats still react. See diarrhea in cats.
Do probiotics in yogurt help cats?
The bacteria in yogurt are chosen for human use, and may not survive a cat's stomach acid or colonize its gut. Cat-specific probiotics exist, and vets sometimes recommend them for certain digestive problems. If your cat has an upset stomach, ask your vet rather than offering yogurt. See cat vomiting causes.
Yogurts to avoid
- Sweetened or flavored yogurt. Sugar is not good for cats, and flavors may include harmful ingredients.
- Yogurt with xylitol. This sweetener is dangerous to dogs and may be a risk to cats. See is xylitol toxic to cats.
- Chocolate or raisin yogurts. Both are toxic. See is chocolate toxic to cats and are grapes and raisins toxic to cats.
- Yogurt with nuts or granola. See can cats eat nuts.
- Frozen yogurt with added sugar.
- Yogurt with artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols.
How much is safe?
If your cat is healthy and tolerates dairy, a lick or a teaspoon once in a while is plenty. Treats should be under about ten percent of daily calories. See how much should I feed my cat. Begin with a very small amount and watch for diarrhea, vomiting or gas for the next day.
Which cats should avoid yogurt?
- Cats with a history of dairy intolerance or sensitive stomachs. See cat food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
- Overweight cats. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.
- Cats with pancreatitis or other digestive disease. See pancreatitis in cats.
- Cats with kidney disease, unless a vet says otherwise.
- Kittens, who need milk replacers, not yogurt.
Allergy and dairy
True milk protein allergy is less common than lactose intolerance, but it exists. Signs include itching, vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat reacts, stop dairy.
Better treats
Cats enjoy small pieces of cooked chicken, plain cooked egg or commercial treats made for cats. See healthy cat treats, can cats eat chicken and can cats eat eggs.
Using yogurt for medication
Some owners hide pills in yogurt, but it can upset the stomach, and many cats smell the medicine. Ask your vet for better options. See how to give a cat a pill.
How to test your cat's tolerance
If you decide to offer yogurt, begin with a quarter teaspoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt and wait a full day. Cats that show no gas, soft stool or vomiting may tolerate a little more, but there is still no nutritional reason to feed it regularly. If any signs appear, stop completely, and do not try again with a larger amount.
Yogurt, antibiotics and the gut
Owners often reach for yogurt when a cat is on antibiotics, hoping to protect the gut. The live cultures in human yogurt are unlikely to do that reliably, and dairy may make diarrhea worse. Ask your vet whether a cat-specific probiotic is appropriate, and give it at the recommended times.
Lactose-free options
Lactose-free milk and cat milk products are sold for pets. They are not necessary, since a healthy cat gets enough fluid from water and wet food, but they are a safer way to give a rare dairy treat. Even these are calorie-rich, so count them toward the daily treat allowance.
When to see a vet
Contact your vet if your cat has diarrhea lasting more than a day, vomits, or seems unwell after eating dairy. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is yogurt good for cats?
Not needed. A tiny amount of plain yogurt is generally safe, but it has little benefit.
Can yogurt help my cat's upset stomach?
Not reliably. See a vet for diarrhea or vomiting.
Is Greek yogurt okay?
Plain Greek yogurt has less lactose, but the same cautions apply.
Can kittens have yogurt?
No. Kittens should have kitten milk replacer or their mother's milk.
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.