Can cats eat yogurt?

Updated 20/09/2023

A cheeky spoonful of yogurt, or a sneaky lick of the lid - it’s a true (and slightly bizarre) fact of life that cats seem to love yogurt. But, contrary to popular belief, milk is actually pretty bad for cats - in fact, most cats are lactose intolerant. So where does yogurt fit into all this - can cats eat yogurt, and is yogurt safe for cats? Let’s take a look…

Can cats eat yogurt?

Technically yes, cats can eat yogurt provided it’s plain and unsweetened - but, there is a ‘but’.

Most adult cats are intolerant to lactose and don’t possess the enzyme that’s needed to digest lactose. Surprising, right? While we’re all pretty familiar with the picture of a cute little kitten drinking from a saucer of milk, cats shouldn’t drink milk as in reality, doing so can cause GI upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Not fun.  

While yogurt tends to be easier to digest than your standard glass of milk (thanks to the live bacteria it contains), and not all cats will be lactose intolerant, in our books, it's just not worth the risk. Who wants to see their feline friend struggling with an upset tum? 

Can kittens eat yogurt?

If cats shouldn’t eat yogurt, kittens definitely shouldn’t. That’s because kittens have a far more sensitive stomach, which means they're likely to react badly to eating yogurt (or any dairy product that isn't their mother's milk, for that matter).

Is yogurt bad for cats?

There's a difference between something being toxic and having an intolerance to something. So, is yogurt poisonous to cats? 

Well, no - yogurt isn’t poisonous, but it's likely that it could cause your kitty to suffer from an upset tummy. If your cat has reacted badly to dairy in the past, it's pretty likely they have an intolerance, and they should avoid milk, cheese, yogurt - you name it - at all costs. Likewise, kittens will do well to do the same.

That said, even if your feline friend seems to be okay with dairy products, they shouldn't have much of it. That's because dairy products tend to be high in fat, which could lead to wealth gain and other health problems such as pancreatitis or diabetes. 

It’s worth keeping in mind that if you do feed your cat yogurt, it must be plain and unsweetened. Many yogurts - particularly low-fat or low-calorie yogurts - may contain added ingredients that could be harmful to cats, like xylitol. You should also be aware of yogurts with added ingredients or flavorings - such as cherries, plums, or chocolate - which are toxic to cats. 

Why do cats like dairy?

So, there’s an inkling of truth behind all those cartoon cats lapping from a saucer of milk. But why do cats love dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt? The truth is, cats love anything that is rich in protein and fat. But, as we've explored, dairy isn't exactly ideal for feline tummies. So, instead of sliding across your morning yogurt lid to share with Fluffy, consider treating your kitty to a tasty, cat-safe yogurt alternative like a Lick-e-Lix, or some cat-safe yogurt drops instead. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are not safe for cats

Pet parents should always be in the know when it comes to what cats can and can’t eat. For example, did you know that the following foods aren’t safe for cats? 

• Onion
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Oranges and other citrus fruits 
• Raw fish, meat and eggs
• Cherries
• Chocolate