Can cats eat cheese?

Updated 12/05/2023

Whether you like it melty and golden, sharp and tangy or downright stinky, one thing we can all agree on is that cheese is one of the most popular foods in the human world. With many cultures having their own form of the stuff, is it safe for other species to chow down on? Specifically, can cats eat cheese? Or is cheese bad for cats? Let’s find out…

Can cats eat cheese?

Technically yes, cats can have cheese, but it comes with a whole load of caveats. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, which is why (despite what popular culture tells us) milk is actually pretty bad for most of our feline friends. Their lack of the correct enzymes means cheese can cause digestive upsets such as diarrhea or vomiting. So, you might be wondering how even the smallest amount of cheese is safe. Well cheese has lower amounts of lactose than other dairy products like milk, so a small amount might not do them any harm. If however, your kitty has a known lactose intolerance, you should steer clear of all dairy products altogether - afterall, why take the risk?

Is cheese bad for cats?

So, now we know that cats can eat a little cheese, is cheese safe for cats if it’s fed in high quantities, or worse, is cheese poisonous to cats in that case? Plain cheese is not toxic to cats, but should never be fed to cats in high quantities. Cheese with anything added to it should be totally avoided as some of these flavorings and additives are toxic to cats - like onions and garlic, for example.

 If you don’t think your kitty has an intolerance to lactose, then you can treat them with a small nibble of cheese every now and then, taking the ‘in moderation’ advice truly seriously! But if your cat has had a reaction to milk in the past, steer clear of cheese altogether. And even if your kitty seems to be able to handle dairy products, they should never be fed in high quantities. Why? Well, cats are obligate carnivores, designed to get the nutrients they need from meat. Cheese is seriously high in fat, so can cause health problems such as obesity, without actually providing much meaningful nutrition. And even if you think your cat has consumed the right amount of calories (cheese included), then it’s unlikely they’re able to get all the other nutrients they need alongside a diet that regularly includes dairy without eating far too much.

Do cats like cheese?

Popular culture tells us that cats yearn for dairy products, but is it true? Well, cats will go mad for anything that they can sense is rich in protein and fat, which is why they’re attracted to cheese despite its lack of feline nutritional benefit. 

So, we can safely say that our feline friends should be instead given a diet based around commercially available cat food that’s been specifically designed for their age, breed and any health conditions. That way, you know your cat is getting all the nutrients they need to lead a happy, healthy life.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

Foods that are safe for cats

While cheese isn’t the best food for your feline to be nibbling on, there are quite a few human foods that are safer for cats to eat. Like any responsible pet parent, be sure to get clued-up on what your cat can and can’t eat. To get you started, here are a few foods that are safe for kitties…

• Cooked fish
• Cooked chicken
• Eggs
• Pears