Why only in moderation for cats
Cottage cheese is high in protein, so it looks like a fitting food for a carnivorous cat. But it is a fresh dairy product, with more lactose than hard cheese. An adult cat digests lactose poorly, so cottage cheese can lead to diarrhoea or bloating.
Only plain, unsweetened and unsalted cottage cheese is fine to give. Sweet curd snacks, especially chocolate-coated ones, are not suitable for a cat: they are full of sugar and fat, and chocolate is dangerous to cats.
How to give it
- Choose plain cottage cheese with no sugar, salt or additions.
- Give only a little.
- 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, bloating or vomiting.
- Chocolate-coated curd snacks contain chocolate, which is dangerous to cats.
- Sweetened or flavoured cottage cheese adds sugar and calories.
- Full-fat cottage cheese can upset digestion and contribute to weight gain.
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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