Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Yes… but it’s not a good idea.
Cheese is not toxic to cats, but most cats are lactose intolerant, which means their stomachs cannot properly digest dairy. So while a tiny bite of cheese once in a while probably won’t harm a healthy adult cat, cheese should not become a regular treat.
In this article, we’ll talk about why cheese causes problems, how much is safe, when it becomes dangerous, what types are better or worse, and healthier alternatives your cat will actually enjoy.
Let’s make this simple and realistic—just like you’re getting advice from another cat parent.
Also Read: Can Cats Drink Coconut Milk? Vet-Approved Safety Guide for 2026
Why Most Cats Shouldn’t Eat Cheese?
Many cat owners assume cats can eat dairy because movies show them drinking milk. But the truth is:
1. Cats are lactose intolerant
Kittens produce the enzyme lactase, which helps digest their mother’s milk.
But after weaning, lactase levels drop dramatically.
So when cats eat dairy products like cheese, the lactose can cause:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
If your cat has ever had loose stool after cheese, this is why.
2. Cheese is high in fat
Cats don’t need heavy, fatty foods.
Too much fat can lead to:
- Obesity
- Pancreatitis
- Upset stomach
Even small cubes of cheese contain more fat than most cat treats.
3. Cheese contains salt
Many cheeses are loaded with sodium—not good for cats.
High salt intake can cause:
- Dehydration
- High blood pressure
- Sodium poisoning (in large amounts)
Cats require very low salt in their diets because their kidneys are sensitive.
4. Cheese offers no nutritional benefit to cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means:
- Their diet must be mostly meat
- They cannot digest plant-based ingredients well
- Dairy does not provide anything they actually need
So cheese is more of a “fun novelty” food, not a healthy snack.
Can Cats Eat Small Amounts of Cheese?
If your cat stole a tiny piece of cheese, don’t panic. Most likely, they will be fine.
A safe occasional serving looks like this:
- A piece about the size of your fingernail
- Once every 1–2 weeks
- Only if your cat tolerates dairy well
But if your cat has digestive issues, allergies, or a sensitive stomach, skip cheese completely.
Which Cats Should Never Eat Cheese?
Even small amounts are unsafe for:
1. Cats with diarrhea or vomiting
Cheese will make it worse.
2. Cats with kidney disease
They cannot handle the sodium.
3. Cats with pancreatitis
High-fat foods trigger flare-ups.
4. Cats with IBS or sensitive stomachs
Lactose can cause irritation.
5. Kittens
Their stomachs are too delicate for dairy.
When in doubt—avoid cheese.
Types of Cheese: Which Are Safer or Worse?
1. Hard cheeses (cheddar, parmesan)
These have less lactose, so they are somewhat easier on the stomach.
Still high in fat and salt, so feed very sparingly.
2. Soft cheeses (mozzarella, brie, cream cheese)
These contain more lactose and fat.
Higher chance of stomach upset.
3. Processed cheese (slices, cheese spreads)
Avoid completely because they contain:
- Artificial flavors
- Preservatives
- High sodium
- Food coloring
These are the worst for cats.
4. Cottage cheese & ricotta
These have lower lactose but still contain salt.
Offer extremely small quantities, and only rarely.
5. Lactose-free cheese
Still high in fat and sodium—but easier for some cats to digest.
Not a healthy option, only slightly “less bad.”
Can Cheese Ever Be Useful for Cats?
Actually, yes.
Some cat owners use a tiny amount of cheese to hide medicine, especially pills.
If your cat refuses medication, placing a small pill inside:
- A pea-sized piece of cheddar
- A small dollop of cream cheese
…can make the whole process much easier.
Just don’t make this a daily habit.
Signs Your Cat Didn’t Tolerate Cheese Well
Watch for symptoms within 12 hours:
- Loose stool or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gas or bloating
- Drooling
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy
If symptoms continue beyond 24 hours, speak to your vet.
How Much Cheese Is Safe for Cats?
If you decide to allow cheese as an occasional treat:
- Limit to 1–2 tiny bites
- No more than once every 1–2 weeks
- Choose hard cheese over soft cheese
- Avoid all seasonings, herbs, garlic, or spicy cheese
Cheese should make up less than 1% of your cat’s diet.
Is Cheese Toxic to Cats?
No, cheese is not toxic, but it is:
- Hard to digest
- High in fat
- High in salt
This makes it a poor choice as a regular treat.
Healthier Alternatives to Cheese
If you want to treat your cat without upsetting their stomach, choose:
- Small pieces of cooked chicken
- Cooked turkey
- Freeze-dried salmon
- Tuna flakes (unsalted)
- Egg yolk (boiled, small amount)
- Store-bought cat treats
- Catnip or cat grass
These options are healthier, safer, and closer to a cat’s natural diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
The smell of fat and protein attracts them. It’s not the lactose—they cannot taste sweetness.
Yes, because even if they tolerate it once, repeated exposure can cause problems.
No. Their digestive systems are too sensitive.
Yes. These treats are formulated for cats and contain no harmful lactose.
Slightly lower lactose, but still high in fat. Not recommended.
Final Verdict: Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Yes—cats can eat cheese in very small amounts, but no—it should never be a regular treat.
Cheese is not toxic, but it doesn’t benefit cats nutritionally and often causes stomach issues due to lactose and high fat content. If your cat loves cheese, offer only tiny bites occasionally. But healthier, cat-safe treats are always the better choice.
Cheese is okay as a rare indulgence, not a staple.