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Here are some of the important things that you must have to do if the cats really like to eat cottage cheese. Also, keep in mind that these foods should be served to your cat plain. Hard cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan are the safest. This leads to an upset stomach and diarrhea. If youre not sure what to feed a kitten, find out with our handy guide. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that all of the nutrients they require to stay healthy come from meat. If your cat is getting all of his required nutrients from his diet, treats like cheese don't have nutritional benefits. Dr. Kate Boatright, VMD, works as a small animal general practitioner, freelance speaker, and author in western Pennsylvania. Nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. By allowing notifications, you will receive tips, tricks, and fun facts about cats. When an adult cat consumes anything with lactose, instead of being digested, the lactose is fermented in the intestines. Cheese, for example, is a popular human food that can be way too high in calories. But can cats eat cheese? You are also in for a treat (literally) as I will recommend better treats and snacks for your favorite little fur child. Beans may be a good source of protein and fiber for humans, but is this human food a safe and healthy snack for kitties to consume? Written by Heres a look at a few common options: Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. The size of your cat's kibble can give you a good idea of what to aim for. Home Cat Nutrition Can Cats Eat Cheese? While we picture cats happily lapping up a bowl of milk, cats arent meant to ingest dairy once weaned off of their mothers milk. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. But does that mean they can and should eat cheese? Soft cheeses like Brie, mozzarella, and cottage cheese contain higher amounts of lactose and fat, making them less-than-ideal treats for your kitty. Our house cats' ancestors dined on raw meats for survival, but is this a safe, healthy option for your pet cat? Can Cats Eat Cheese? What You Need to Know | Hepper It is okay for them to eat cheese during these eight weeks. Examples include cheddar, swiss, and parmesan. Others are even allergic to milk. When they are sick, they will also be less able to absorb nutrients and make use of other supplements that can help them feel better. Laurie Kaiser, Medically reviewed by Dr. Dwight Alleyne, Everything we create is factually accurate and biased toward science meet our team of experts. We know what you're thinking. It's Complicated, 9 Human Foods That Are Safe for Kitty to Snack On, Can Cats Eat Eggs? While cats can eat cheese in small amounts, eating too much of it can cause gastrointestinal (GI) problems, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, and flatulence. Can Cats Eat Cheese? Everything You Need to Know | BeChewy Felines lack the necessary physiology to consume plant-based matter (although they can consume mineral and vegetable substances for non-nutritional reasons). Its important to realize that cheese is not a natural part of a cats diet. Despite what many people think, cats dont need milk in their diet. Be sure to also check the label for any potentially. Can Cats Have Cheese? | All To Do With Cats Give your cat sufficient amount of fresh water. Cats are lactose intolerant and many develop digestive issues (e.g. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar cheese and Swiss, have less lactose. Avoid cheeses with garlic and onion, spices that can be toxic for felines. If your pet has a health condition, such as kidney disease or heart disease, your vet may advise you to monitor their salt intake. When kittens are first born, they have the proper enzymes to digest these sugars as they live off their mothers milk for the first few months of their life. The effects of the dairy product depend on how much was consumed and if any other foods were eaten before or after the cheese. This means that most adult cats cant actually digest lactose. While the University of Missouri Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service in Columbia, Mo., lists cheese as a safe food for cats, there are caveats. What one cat tolerates well might cause problems for another cat. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. I'm not sure why you would want them to, but if that's what you're into, more power to you. 2019;16(4):853-856, doi:10.13005/bbra/2803. Free access to our in-house team of vets, behaviourists and advisors. Additionally, cats are carnivores, and their digestive system . One trick experienced cat owners have is to give cheese to their cats when they have to take a pill. Learn more. It's name comes from the spots of Penicillium, a type of fungus that grows on aging food and can be toxic to pets. Test the way your cat will react to cheese, and only then can you decide if you want to proceed with giving them cheese. Another reason why cheese isnt the best treat for cats has to do with ingredients. Protein: 28 g. Carbs: 6 g. Fat: 2.3 g. This food is also high in sodium, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. Cut up the portion of cheese into cat-bite-sized pieces that are easy for your pet to manage. Cheese, like many other people foods, can encourage unhealthy weight gain. An Investigation Into Feline Dietary Habits. With a master's degree in human health communication, she's particularly interested in the ways in which human and animal health overlap. And some pet owners don't mind sharing a bit of what they're eating with their feline companions. Cottage cheese can offer the following health benefits: Bone . The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Plain popcorn is mostly okay, but there are a few things cat owners should know. If they have a strict diet, youll need to be careful. Apple flesh is safe for feline consumption, but apple seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats and must be removed before serving. By the time they are old enough to eat solids, lactase production has stopped. If your cat's health is good, a teeny cube of cheese (about the size of a die) makes for a fine, fun snack. Or is cheese actually bad for cats? Experts Say Stick to the Kibble, Can Cats Eat Whipped Cream? So make sure to choose the best pet insurance plan for your furry friend. Sorry! In fact, it's so commonplace, some pet owners may use it to hide pet medications in. Is Milk Actually Healthy for Cats to Drink? "The simplest and most convenient way to meet the nutrient requirements of a cat," the Clinical Nutrition Service explains, "is to provide them with a complete and balanced commercial diet formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist or an individual with a PhD in animal nutrition.". Therefore, cats require a meat-centric diet, as their bodies are designed to break . Sign up to receive personalized offers, games, competitions and advice from Purina; it's fun, we promise!See our privacy notice. It is thought that the fat and protein content of cheese is why cats love a little (or a lot!) Your cat may also be allergic to dairy, so even a small amount of cheese is harmful to them. So, they can digest cheese too, right? Besides lactose intolerance, cheese can also lead to weight gain in your cat, thanks to its high-fat content. of it rather than the diary contained in it being the magnet. Can Cats Eat Cheese? What cheese is safe for cats? - ThePets Cats are known as obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet based mostly on meat to thrive and remain healthy. Can kittens eat cheese? Casein is a protein found in milk and cheese. Treats should be less than 10%-15% of a cats daily caloric intake. 106 Suppl 1 (2011): S35-48. The answer to that question is technically yes, most cats can safely eat small, infrequent servings of cheese. When it comes to succulents and cats, you can never be too careful. As obligate carnivores, their digestive system processes meat perfectly but has difficulty processing other animal dairy products like milk and cheese. So, despite the yummy taste, cheese may disagree with your feline babys digestive system. Kittens produce lactase during their first eight weeks of life so that they can digest their mother's milk. Cheese also contains varying amounts of lactose, which may not trigger cat allergies or gastrointestinal problems. Eating cheese could end up giving your cat diarrhea and a stomach upset. The best vitamins and supplements for senior dogs, 8 experts share their best dog training tips, Here's how to give special dogs a special home, The best pet insurance companies reviewed, 10 ways to encourage your cat to drink water, The cost of a cat, from adoption to emergencies, A comprehensive list of foods that are toxic to cats. Here Are 20 Options, Can Cats Eat Bananas? Cats do not produce enough lactase enzymes in their body, which is why cheese can be harmful to them. . Unfortunately, most cat owners learn their cats are allergic to dairy once they give them some milk or cheese. By the time the kitten can eat solid food, the lactase enzyme production is significantly reduced. Taking everything into consideration, here are some tips on how to feed cats cheese safely if you decide to do so after consulting with your veterinarian: Pro Tip: Does your cat have a habit of getting into things theyre not supposed to? Without enough lactase enzymes, your cats body will not be able to properly digest the milk and cheese content in these foods. She also helps owners with their pets' nutritional needs and how to choose a commercial wellness diet. If you do sneak your cat a cheesy treat, certain varieties may be better than others: Feeding your cat a bit of cheese here and there shouldn't be a problem, but speak to your cat's vet about whether or not it's a healthy option for your kitty. For example, you might want to limit their cheese intake to times when you need to hide a pill for them. Many human foods are dangerous to cats. As always, you must ask your vet before sharing these foods with felines and take your cats overall nutritional needs into consideration. Always avoid cheeses containing onions, garlic, and chives. An Investigation Into Feline Dietary Habits, The Symptoms Cats can Experience after Consuming Cheese. VCA Animal Hospitals. If you want to find out more about cats and milk, weve dispelled the most common milk myths in our feeding guide. If your cat is a picky eater, try sprinkling a little cheese on their food to encourage them to eat. Can Cats Eat Cheese? Is Cheese Safe For Cats? - CatTime Youve probably heard that you should never give a dog chocolate. As always, check with your vet before using cheese as a treat for your cat. Some are more lactose intolerant than others. Since kittens meals consist of milk you may be wondering whether cheese is bad for kittens too. Not all types of cheeses are safe for cats, and you should know which types your cat could safely eat. They are a safer choice than soft cheeses such as mozzarella, brie, and feta, which have high lactose levels. With all of that in mind, here are a few foods that can make safer treats for kitties than cheese in moderation: Do you ever feed your cat cheese? In addition, non-dairy cheeses may contain more oils and fats than standard dairy cheese would. Cheese, like all dairy products, contains the milk sugar lactose. Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. Some cats should not eat cheese at all, and many other human foods can be better, safer choices to share with your cat. Furthermore, cheese contains an abundance of calories and cholesterol, and both of these together can contribute to weight gain. If you do feed your cat cheese, only give it to them once in a while and in small amounts. Cheese is also high in fat, which can lead to health issues in some cats. Can Kittens Eat Cheese? Another ingredient found in high amounts of cheese is fat. Cheese is also very high in caloric fat, so if your cat eats cheese** on a regular basis, they could quickly become overweight. There are owners who let their cats have an occasional cheesy treat and when it comes to giving yourcat a pill, a lump of cheese comes in handy to help medication go down easier for the pet. For example, a low-sodium cheese has fewer health risks than a high-sodium cheese. Give your pet the support they need. Cookie Consent Tool. "That way you can more easily and quickly identify trouble if it arises." A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. As eating a plant based diet becomes more popular in human culture, there are more and more cheese alternatives available on the market. With so many different varieties out there, it might seem like cats should be able to enjoy some of these choices as well. Featured Image Credit: Lysikova Irina, Shutterstock. Read our. Our Lysine supplement provides essential amino acids to help support a strong immune system. World Cat Finder lets you find expert advice regarding cat breeds, cat care, and the latest news from the cats world. Cheese is not toxic to cats, so don't panic if your cat eats cheese. That doesn't mean they only eat meat, though. You need to keep the cheesy portions small and not let your cat stuff its face on cheese. The best way to avoid the possibility of your cat developing a dairy allergy is to keep them on a strictly meat-based diet. Can Cats Eat Cheese? | PetGuide But, while many cats can tolerate small portions of cheese, if your kitty is lactose intolerant or has a milk allergy, even a small amount of cheese could wreak havoc on their digestive system. Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats. If cheese is to be given as an occasional treat, then the harder varieties are better suited as they contain less lactose, although the salt and fat content are still high. A 28-gram slice of cheddar cheese will give 113 calories. You could however use the occasional piece of cheese as a bribe. One of the main differences in consuming cheese and dairy is the production of the necessary enzyme that allows cats or kittens to digest lactose. That might be true, but many cats are lactose intolerant. Blueberries. Risks of cheese. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills due to illness or injury, including accidental poisoning. NopeKeep Your Kitty Away From This Toxic Veggie, Can Cats Eat Chocolate? Is cheese good for kittens? Therefore, its the protein and fat your cat is actually craving, not the cheese itself. Cornell School of Veterinary Medicine. The vet will also provide you with a list of foods to avoid so that you can keep your home free of any dangerous triggers for your cat. Before you feed her a piece, you should know if cats can eat cheese. Small amounts of cheese are okay for cats. In fact, there are so many potential problems that it may be easier to avoid cheese altogether. Veterinary school. All types of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and camembert are a favorite of a great many people. However, keep servings small and monitor your cat for allergies. Also, avoid blue cheese. Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. Because dark chocolate has a higher concentration of cacao, it poses the biggest threat. However, there are many exceptions, so it is very important that you consult your veterinarian before sharing cheese or any human foods with your cat. Sarah Mouton Dowdy writes for both pet parents and veterinary professionals and is passionate about meeting the needs of both to the benefit of all involvedespecially the pets. The slight crinkle of a cheese wrapper can send cats flying into the kitchen in search of the salty treat, but can cats eat cheese? Not exactly Kittens do produce a larger amount of the lactase enzyme which allows them to consume and digest their mother's milk. Pasteurized and processed American cheese, however, has just between 0.5 and four grams. While non-dairy cheese may not contain lactose, it can have high levels of sodium and fat, which can cause health problems in cats if they get too much. Cats can eat cheese in small amounts, but beware of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies that could cause adverse reactions. Extra spices, salt, sauces, or flavoring could be toxic to your cat. Most cats cant digest dairy products which means eating milk, cream or cheese could quickly lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation or vomiting. A lactose-intolerant cat will endure digestive upsets. Cheese should only be given sparingly to your cat. Can cats eat cheese? You probably ask this if your cat sneaks some cheese off the table, if you want to share a snack with your kitty, or if you try to slip your cat a pill in a chunk of cheddar. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your pets diet plan, especially when it comes to adding new foods. So, while some cats can tolerate cheese, they should only consume it in small amounts. Another thing to keep in mind is that cheese is a very calorie-dense food, and just a small amount can end up meeting your cat's calorie requirement for the entire day! Other foods to avoid feeding your cat include: Pet insurance is a great way to protect your animals health. A cats tummy is built for a protein-rich diet. In the meantime, heres what you should know about cats and cheese. Some kitties might enjoy eating a piece of cheese. Get in touch with us directly any time, any way. But even so, these cheeses still contain salt and preservatives that lead to serious conditions. Were reader-supported. Blue cheese is also high in calories, which can have a negative impact on the health of cats. Some cheeses are safer than others. According to experts, yes, but only in moderation or as a rare treat. If you want to share your human food with your cat, or if you want a safer treat to slip them medication, there are plenty of options. Here, Welcoming a litter of kittens into the world is a rare and wonderful experience. In fact, one study showed that domestic cats, have a daily diet consisting of 52 percent protein, 36 percent fat, and only 12 percent coming from carbohydrates. Can Cats Eat Cheese? - Everything You Need To Know | Hill's Pet Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pets diet. If you know or suspect that your cat has eaten any of the toxic foods above, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) as soon as possible. In addition to cheese, if your kitty is on a low-sodium meal plan they should absolutely stay away from deli meat, fast food, potato chips and bread. Give them a good rinse and remove any stems before sharing with your cat. Cheese is bad for cats because the lactose in cheese is not easy to digest. Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth? Make sure you keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort. 4120 W Windmill Lane, #106, Las Vegas, NV 89139. Other people foods that can cause health problems in cats include: If a cat is lactose intolerant, they can experience bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you give your cat cheese at all, just give them a small piece once in a while, about the size of a dice. So they certainly dont ever need cheese. Trusted Source Cats have great difficulty digesting dairy products due to the presence of lactose (a type of sugar found in milk). And if your feline seems bent on getting their paws on any slice of cheese in sight, discuss with your vet to find safer alternatives. Learn more. If your cat somehow manages to get its paws on some cheese, chances are its digestive system will get very upset. Have you noticed that your cat is coughing, sneezing, and having rapid breathing? Can cats eat cheese? - Betterpet Be sure to remove the peel first, as it can be difficult for your cat to digest. We believe people and pets are 'Better Together'. Whether its dairy or non-dairy, cheese comes packed with salt, fat and even spices or additional ingredients such as onion or garlic which can be toxic for felines. Order now to get 300 one-scoop servings or 150 two-scoop servings and dont worry about expiry! For this reason, many veterinarians recommend against feeding cats any form of dairy as a regular diet item. As obligate carnivores, cats wont gain nutritional benefits from dairy products like cheese, and eating these products too often could lead to weight gain. Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats.