When it comes to cheese, cats appear to have a sixth sense. They’ll rush to get their hands on the delicious cube of dairy, whether it’s in the owner’s hand, on the dinner table, or on the kitchen countertop. However, should cats eat cottage cheese?
Have you ever noticed your cat paying you more attention than usual when the cheese is removed from the refrigerator? The unmistakable stare is your cat’s way of begging for a seat at the table and a slice of that delicious block of dairy you’re holding. Can cats eat cottage cheese as part of their regular diet? Is cheese harmful to cats? Continue reading to find out what to do if your pet is constantly asking for cheesy treats.
Can Cats Eat Cheese?
In general, cats can eat moderate amounts of cheese. Cheese is not toxic to cats, and most of them can enjoy it as a treat on occasion.
Another question is whether your cat needs to eat cheese. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require nutrients found only in animal meat. Felines lack the physiology required to consume plant-based matter (although they can consume mineral and vegetable substances for non-nutritional reasons). In other words, dairy is not a natural part of a cat’s diet, and cheese provides no nutritional value.
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A healthy cat diet should include commercial-grade food, with treats accounting for no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
When is Cheese Harmful to Cats?
While cats can eat cheese in small amounts, excessive consumption can result in gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, and flatulence. Pet parents should exercise extra caution in light of the following factors:
Lactose sensitivity
Many people believe that cats enjoy dairy, but this is one of the most persistent feline myths. In reality, most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy-based products such as cheese. After weaning, felines no longer produce lactase, an enzyme required for breaking down the sugars found naturally in milk (known as lactose).
Some cats are more sensitive to dairy than others, which is why they may rub up against your leg when they see a milk carton. If you’re wondering how to tell if your cat is lactose intolerant, they will exhibit noticeable diarrhea symptoms within eight to twelve hours of consumption.
Dairy allergies
While stomach upset caused by lactose intolerance is never pleasant, it is less likely to be severe than a dairy allergy, which impairs a cat’s ability to digest the proteins found in cheese, milk, and similar products. Dairy allergy in cats may be rare, affecting only 0.05 percent of the feline pet population. Even consuming a small amount of cheese can cause allergic reactions and digestive problems. An anaphylactic reaction, which has the potential to be fatal, can occur in rare cases. Always keep an eye on your pet after feeding them new food and look for signs of adverse reactions.
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High sodium content
If your pet suffers from a medical condition such as kidney disease or heart disease, your veterinarian may advise you to limit their salt intake. Diary contains a high amount of sodium, so some cats cannot consume it without jeopardizing their overall health. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet’s diet.
High fat and calorie content
Cheese is also high in caloric fat, so if your cat eats cheese** regularly, it may become overweight. A one-ounce cube of cheddar cheese served to an average ten-pound cat is the equivalent of a person eating two and one-half cheeseburgers in one sitting, according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition! Obesity can significantly reduce your cat’s life expectancy and cause several secondary health issues if weight gain leads to obesity.
Harmful additive ingredients
Some ingredients can cause the cheese to be toxic to cats, so choose carefully. Garlic, onions, and chives, which are frequently combined with cheesy spreads, are highly toxic to pets. These members of the allium family can cause anemia in animals by breaking down their red blood cells, so avoid them at all costs.
Can Kittens Eat Cheese?
Because kittens eat milk, you may be wondering if cheese is also bad for them. While it is true that a cat’s ability to produce the lactase enzyme is much better during kittenhood, allowing them to enjoy milky dinners, that ability is already gone by the time they can eat solids such as cheese. If you’re not sure what to feed a kitten, use our handy guide to find out.
Can Cats Eat Non-dairy Cheese?
If the dairy content of cheese is a concern, what about the non-dairy alternatives? It turns out that this isn’t such a good idea either. Another reason why cheese isn’t the best treat for cats has to do with the ingredients. Cheese, whether dairy or non-dairy, contains salt, fat, and even spices or additional ingredients such as onion or garlic, which can be toxic to cats.
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Make sure you read the label before giving your cat that much-desired cube of cheese. If your cat is determined to get its paws on any slice of cheese in sight, consult with your veterinarian about safer alternatives.
Can Cats Eat Cheese as a Treat?
Some owners give their cats a cheesy treat on occasion, and when it comes to giving your cat a pill, a lump of cheese comes in handy to help medication go down easier for the pet. If you haven’t noticed any reactions and your vet has given you the all-clear, you can give your dog cheese as a treat occasionally. Keep an eye out for any indications of discomfort. Don’t forget that there are plenty of meaty treats that cats will enjoy just as much, if not more, so the cheese can easily be replaced with feline-friendly alternatives that won’t cause intestinal issues.
Can Cats Eat Cottage Cheese?
Cats can only eat cottage cheese in small amounts and as a treat, not as a regular part of their diet. Fortunately, cottage cheese contains less lactose, making it easier for your cat to digest.
How Does Cottage Cheese Have Less Lactose?
Whey is removed from cottage cheese during the cheese-making process to make other types of cheeses. Because whey contains lactose, cottage cheese made from curdled milk will have a higher lactose content.
So, no, this isn’t a food you can feed your cat all day, and it’s certainly not a substitute for their regular food. But, once again, this is an excellent treat to share with your feline companion.
Is Cottage Cheese Safe for Cats to Eat?
Cottage cheese is a great source of calcium and protein for your pet. Cats require protein daily because their bodies require a large amount of protein to function properly. Cats require calcium regularly because it helps to strengthen their teeth and bones.
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While cottage cheese is not a complete meal for cats, it is certainly beneficial for your pet to consume it on occasion. You can also supplement their vitamin D intake by sprinkling some sunshine mix on top of the cottage cheese.
Because this isn’t a complete and balanced meal, you don’t want to add much. While your cat may enjoy cottage cheese, they may grow tired of it if you serve it too frequently.
How to Feed Cats Cheese
Taking everything into account, here are some guidelines for safely feeding cheese to cats after consulting with your veterinarian:
- Chop a piece of cheese into bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew and swallow.
- Look at the package label to see how many calories are in the cheese, adjusted for serving size. Keep in mind that it should not account for more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. Your veterinarian can advise you on how much to feed your pet based on their weight, age, and nutritional requirements.
- Before serving the cheese to your cat, check the label for any potentially harmful ingredients, such as garlic.
- Begin by feeding the cat a small amount of cheese so you can observe how your pet reacts to it. Stop feeding the cat cheese and contact your veterinarian if they show signs of digestive distress, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
- Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new human foods to your cat.
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Conclusion
A little cheese here and there shouldn’t be a problem but talk to your cat’s vet about whether it’s a healthy option for your kitty. If you do give your cats cottage cheese to eat, do so sparingly and in small amounts. That’ll give them a reason to smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my cat eats cheese?
Cheese can cause digestive issues in cats who are lactose intolerant, including diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. If your cat has ever had digestive issues after drinking milk, it’s best to avoid giving them cheese.
Can cats eat human cheese?
Because most cats cannot digest dairy products, consuming milk, cream, or cheese may result in diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. The explanation is related to the evolution of the feline digestive system.
Why do cats love cheese?
They can smell the fat and protein in dairy products and are drawn to them. Milk, cheese, and yogurt can contain a lot of fat and protein. Although there is less fat in milk now that we offer skimmed versions of everything, cats will still detect or smell the protein and fat that are present.
How much cheese can I give my cat?
Can cats eat cheese? Yes, experts say, but only in moderation. If you do give your cat cheese, give them a small piece about the size of a dice occasionally. For example, you could limit your cat’s cheese consumption to times when you need to hide a pill for them.
