Can cats eat cheese?
!Only in small amounts
Cats can eat a tiny piece of cheese, but it isn't a good regular treat. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, and cheese is high in fat and salt. A pea-sized bit of hard cheese, like cheddar, is unlikely to cause harm and works well for hiding a pill. Skip soft, blue and flavored cheeses.
Is cheese good for cats?
Kittens make the enzyme lactase to digest their mother's milk, but most cats make much less of it after weaning. Undigested lactose ferments in the gut and causes gas, cramping and diarrhea. Aged hard cheeses have far less lactose than fresh ones, which is why a sliver of cheddar or Swiss often goes down fine. The other concerns are salt and fat in a very small body, and added ingredients like garlic, chives or onion, which are toxic to cats.
Benefits
- Protein and calcium
- Strong smell makes it handy for hiding pills
- Hard cheeses are low in lactose
Risks
- Lactose can cause diarrhea, gas and vomiting
- High in fat and calories for a small animal
- High in sodium
- Herbed cheeses may contain garlic, onion or chives, which are toxic
- Regular cheese treats can lead to weight gain
Cheese: which parts and forms are OK?
| Part / form | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar, Swiss and other hard cheeses | Caution | Lowest in lactose. A small piece is the safest way to give cheese. |
| Parmesan | Caution | Very low lactose but salty. A light sprinkle at most. |
| Cream cheese | Caution | Soft, fatty and higher in lactose. A small dab can cause diarrhea. |
| Cottage cheese | Caution | Fresh cheese with more lactose. Only a tiny amount, if your cat tolerates dairy. |
| Blue cheese | Caution | The molds in blue cheese can produce roquefortine C, which may cause stomach upset or worse in pets. Avoid it. |
| Cheese with garlic, onion or chives | Avoid | Allium herbs damage cats' red blood cells. Never share these. |
| String cheese and cheese slices | Caution | Mild, but processed slices add salt and emulsifiers. Tear off a small piece only. |
How to give cheese to your cat
- Choose a plain, aged hard cheese such as cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan
- Cut a pea-sized piece
- Use it to wrap a pill, or offer it as an occasional reward
- Watch for loose stools over the next day
- Don't give it more than once or twice a week
How much cheese can cats have?
| Cat | Max per day (as a treat) |
|---|---|
| Average adult cat (8–10 lb) | A pea-sized piece (about 1/4 inch cube) |
| Kitten | Best skipped |
Cats and cheese: common questions
Why does my cat love cheese?
Cheese is high in fat and protein and has a strong smell, which appeals to a carnivore. Cats don't taste the sweetness of milk sugar, it's the fat and savory taste they're after.
Can cheese give my cat diarrhea?
Yes. Lactose in cheese is the usual cause. Hard aged cheeses cause fewer problems than soft fresh ones.
Is cheese a good way to give my cat a pill?
A pea-sized piece of hard cheese works for many cats. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, ask your vet about pill pockets made for cats.
Can cats eat cheese puffs or cheese crackers?
No. These are salty, starchy snacks, and many contain onion or garlic powder in the seasoning.
Can kittens eat cheese?
It's better to skip it. Kittens have sensitive stomachs, and dairy can cause diarrhea that dehydrates them quickly.
Sources
- People foods to avoid feeding your pets (milk and dairy), ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Feeding your cat, Cornell Feline Health Center
- Moldy food toxicity, Pet Poison Helpline
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different, so ask your vet before changing your pet's diet. See our editorial policy.