Why only in moderation for cats
Cheese is not toxic to cats. Hard, long-matured cheeses have little lactose left, so a cat may digest a small piece better than milk. Soft and fresh cheeses contain more lactose.
A cat is a carnivore, and its body needs meat, not dairy. Cheese is high in fat and salt, so it is suitable only as a small, occasional treat. All treats together should make up only a small part of what a cat eats in a day.
How to give it
- Choose a plain hard cheese with nothing added.
- Give only a small piece.
- The first time, give very little and watch for diarrhoea.
- Give it only now and then, not as part of the meal.
What to watch out for
- Lactose can cause diarrhoea or vomiting, especially after soft or fresh cheese.
- A lot of salt and fat: take care with an overweight cat or one with a health problem that limits salt.
- Cheese with garlic, onion or herbs is not suitable, because onion and garlic are dangerous to cats.
- Blue and other mould-ripened cheeses are not suitable for a cat.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Hard cheese
In moderationA small piece of plain hard cheese is fine as an occasional treat.
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Mould-ripened cheese
Not safeIt is better not to give a cat mould-ripened cheese, because the mould can harm it.
What to give instead
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe
- Eggs Yes, a well-cooked egg, boiled or cooked without fat, is fine for a cat, but it is better not to give a raw egg. Safe
- Beef Yes, well-cooked lean beef without seasoning is a good treat for a cat; just trim off the fat and take out any bones. Safe
Looking for a treat?
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