We often imagine cats indulging in milk or cheese, thanks to popular culture. As part of an experienced cat care team (and fellow cat parents), we know how the crinkle of a cheese wrapper can send a kitty running into the kitchen. But can cats eat cheese, really?
The short answer is that cheese is not toxic to cats, but it’s not recommended as a regular part of their diet. Some cats can tolerate a small nibble on occasion, while many others cannot digest it well.
In fact, if your cat is lactose intolerant or has a milk allergy, even a tiny piece of cheese could wreak havoc on their sensitive digestive system.
In this article, we’ll explore why cheese isn’t an ideal treat for most felines and how to make informed decisions about sharing this snack. Our goal is to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy with expert-backed advice
Lactose Intolerance and Dairy Allergies in Cats
It’s a myth that cats thrive on saucers of milk or bits of cheese – in reality, most adult cats have trouble digesting dairy. Cats are lactose intolerant by nature once they mature.
As kittens, they produce the enzyme lactase to digest their mother’s milk, but after weaning, their bodies produce much less of this enzyme. The result is that many cats cannot properly break down the lactose (milk sugar) in cheese or milk.
When a lactose-intolerant cat eats dairy, the lactose ferments in the gut, leading to gas, cramping, and watery diarrhea in many cases. Vomiting is another common sign of gastrointestinal upset.
Cornell University’s veterinary experts note that numerous cats will develop inflammation, diarrhea, or even constipation if they consume dairy products. In other words, their digestive system simply wasn’t built to handle the sugars in cow’s milk.
Apart from lactose intolerance, some cats can also have a true dairy allergy – an immune response to proteins in milk or cheese.
In general, any cat showing vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or other unusual symptoms after eating cheese should be checked by a vet. These signs strongly suggest lactose intolerance or an allergy, and continuing to feed dairy will only cause further distress.
Nutritional Mismatch: Cheese vs. Feline Dietary Needs
Even if your cat tolerates dairy without immediate illness, cheese simply isn’t a healthy fit for their nutritional needs.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies evolved to survive on meat – they require a high protein, high moisture, and low-carbohydrate diet with specific animal-based nutrients.
Cheese, on the other hand, is a dairy product from milk and is not part of a cat’s natural menu. It does contain protein and fat, but it lacks certain essential nutrients that cats get from a meat-based diet (for example, the amino acid taurine and appropriate levels of vitamins).
In fact, cats have no dietary requirement for carbohydrates at all, yet lactose in cheese is essentially a milk sugar (a carb) that can cause trouble.
Another issue is the calorie and fat density of cheese. A small piece of cheddar cheese packs a lot of calories relative to a cat’s daily needs. Veterinary nutritionists recommend that no more than about 10% of a pet’s daily calories come from treats or “people foods”.
Moreover, cheese is typically high in saturated fat and salt – two things cats don’t need extra of in their diet.
Regular cheese snacks could nudge your cat toward an upset stomach or even pancreatitis due to the rich fat content, and too much salt can be harmful over time (especially for cats with heart or kidney issues).
In short, cheese offers a lot of calories and salt, but none of the unique nutrients a cat truly needs. Your feline friend will be better off getting their calories from balanced cat food and approved carnivore-friendly treats, rather than filling up on cheese.
Behavior Insight: Why Cats Seem to Like Cheese
A curious kitten is eager to reach a plate of cheese on the table, drawn by the enticing smell of fat and protein. If cheese isn’t particularly good for cats, then why do so many cats want it?
Anyone who’s opened a string cheese or left out a cheesy snack knows that many cats come running to investigate. We suspect it’s not the cheese itself that cats are fixated on, but the rich fat and protein it contains.
Cats have a highly tuned sense of smell and are drawn to the scent of fats and proteins from animal sources.
Cheese, being made from milk, has plenty of both – which can make it smell and taste intriguing to a carnivore. Experts believe it’s the fat and protein content in cheese that cats are craving, not the dairy sugar.
In other words, your kitty isn’t yearning for cheddar specifically; they’re sensing the dense, greasy calories in it that would have been valuable in the wild.
Additionally, cats have far fewer taste receptors for sweetness than we do, but they can appreciate umami (savory) flavors. Cheese offers a salty, savory punch that might appeal to their palate. The texture of cheese – whether creamy or chewy – can also be interesting to a cat.
Of course, every cat is an individual: some might beg for cheese while others won’t show any interest at all. If your cat is one of those cheese-loving felines, remember that their enthusiasm doesn’t equal dietary approval.
We have to be the responsible ones and limit access, no matter how convincing those pleading meows or adorable paw taps on the cheese drawer might be.
It helps to know that the attraction is mostly about the fatty, meaty aroma and flavor that cats naturally relish, rather than any need for cheese itself.
Types of Cheese: Recommended vs. Not Recommended
Not all cheeses are equal when it comes to feeding cats. If you absolutely insist on sharing a tiny bit of cheese with your kitty (and you know they aren’t intolerant or allergic), some types are safer than others.
Below is a quick chart of some common cheeses and whether they are (occasionally) okay for cats or a firm “no.”
| Cheese Type | OK in Tiny Amounts? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | Yes – in moderation | Hard, aged cheese; contains very little lactose (less risk of upset). High in fat, so use sparingly. |
| Swiss | Yes – in moderation | Firm, aged cheese with low lactose content. Lower salt than many cheeses, but still rich – only small bits. |
| Parmesan | Yes – rarely | Very aged (fermented), virtually no lactose. However, extremely high in salt, so only the tiniest pinch as a rare treat. |
| Brie | No | Soft, high-fat cheese made with raw milk. Can harbor bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria that could make cats sick. |
| Blue Cheese (e.g. Stilton) | No | Moldy cheese containing Penicillium cultures, which are toxic to pets. Never let cats eat blue or moldy cheeses. |
| Cream Cheese | No | Soft fresh cheese with a high lactose content. Very likely to cause vomiting or diarrhea in cats. |
| Plant-Based “Cheese” (Vegan) | No | Dairy-free doesn’t mean safe – these products often contain oils, salt, and spices (like onion/garlic powder) that are harmful to cats. Not a healthy choice. |
| Processed Cheese (American slices) | No | Highly processed and salty, with emulsifiers/additives. Offers no nutritional value for cats (and often contains too much sodium). |
Important: Even the “recommended” cheeses above should only be given in very small quantities and only occasionally. A safe rule is a dice-sized cube at most, only once or twice per week – and only if your cat tolerates it well. And remember: many cats won’t tolerate any cheese at all. When in doubt, it’s perfectly fine (even preferable) to skip the cheese treat altogether.
Safe Ways to Give Cheese to a Cat (Rarely)
By now, it’s clear that cheese is not something cats need in their diet. But are there any scenarios when a bit of cheese might be useful or okay?
In our experience, there are two main situations cat owners might use cheese intentionally:
(1) to hide a pill or medication, and (2) as a very occasional treat or reward.
In both cases, the emphasis is on small quantities and close monitoring. And if your cat has any health conditions – such as a known dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, obesity, heart disease, or sensitive stomach issues – it’s best to avoid cheese altogether.
Using Cheese to Give Pills
Some cats are notoriously difficult when it comes to taking medicine. A pill hidden in a soft bit of cheese can sometimes be a trick to get a stubborn cat to swallow it.
If your veterinarian gives the okay, you can use a tiny dab of cheese to coat a pill or as a wrapper around a pill (many cats will spit out a pill unless it’s disguised).
Make sure the portion of cheese is just big enough to hide the pill – about the size of a pea. This way, your cat is less likely to chew and detect the medicine.
Many pet parents find this method helpful because the strong flavor of cheese can mask the bitterness of some pills.
If you see vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior after giving a cheese-coated pill, inform your vet; you may need to use a different pill-hiding strategy next time (such as vet-approved pill treats).
Occasional Treats and Rewards
Perhaps your cat comes begging during your snack time, and you want to share a tiny taste. If your feline friend has shown they can handle a little cheese without incident, it’s still important to keep portions extremely small and infrequent.
We stick to the guideline that any people-food treat (like cheese) should be no more than a pea- or dice-sized bite, given no more than once or twice a week.
Think of cheese as a special occasion treat, not a regular part of the menu. A good practice is to break that small cube into even smaller crumbs, so your cat isn’t gulping a whole piece at once.
Offer it as a one-time reward and then stop – don’t let cheese turn into an everyday habit.
Whenever you introduce any new food like cheese, do so gradually and in moderation. Consult your veterinarian first if you’re unsure, especially if your cat has dietary sensitivities or is on a prescription diet.
Conclusion
As devoted cat lovers, we completely understand the urge to spoil our feline family members – and that often means wanting to share tasty human foods like cheese. However, when it comes to “Can cats eat cheese?”, the safest approach is caution.
Cheese isn’t poisonous to cats, but it also isn’t doing them any favors nutritionally.
Remember, your cat doesn’t know they’re “missing out” on cheese – that’s a human perspective! Cats care about being loved and having their needs met, not about fancy cheeses.
You can show your love with safer alternatives: a lean meat treat, a fun play session, or some extra cuddles are all great ways to reward your kitty without the dietary risks.
By staying informed (as you are by reading this article) and consulting your veterinarian about any people food you’re unsure of, you’re doing the right thing for your pet.
We’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences, join our cozy community of cat lovers at SnuggleSouls. Together, let’s celebrate every precious, whiskered moment.
FAQ
Can kittens eat cheese?
No, kittens lose the ability to digest lactose soon after weaning. Cheese can cause digestive upset, and it’s not nutritionally necessary for kittens. Stick to vet-approved kitten diets.
What should I do if my cat eats too much cheese?
Monitor your cat for 24–48 hours. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, contact your vet immediately. For most healthy cats, mild symptoms may pass, but it’s best to avoid future incidents.
Is goat cheese safe for cats?
Goat cheese still contains lactose and has high fat content. It may seem milder but is not recommended for regular feeding. Use only a pea-sized amount occasionally—if your cat tolerates dairy.
What kind of cheese can cats eat?
Hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan are lower in lactose and safer in small quantities. Avoid soft, moldy, or flavored cheeses (e.g., blue cheese, Brie, cream cheese, or vegan cheese).
Why do cats like cheese if it’s bad for them?
Cats are attracted to the fat and protein in cheese—not the cheese itself. Their carnivore instincts draw them to umami-rich, high-fat foods, even if they can’t digest them properly.
Can cheese help give a cat a pill?
Yes, some cats will swallow a pill hidden in cheese. This is okay only if your cat isn’t lactose intolerant or allergic. Always ask your vet before using cheese as a pill disguise.
References
Case, L. P. (2011). The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition and Health. Wiley-Blackwell.
Laflamme, D. P. (2008). Understanding and managing obesity in cats. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 38(6), 1289–1305. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195561608001319?via%3Dihub
Zoran, D. L. (2002). The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 221(11), 1559–1567. https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/221/11/javma.2002.221.1559.xml
Freeman, L. M., & Michel, K. E. (2001). Evaluation of raw food diets for dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 218(5), 705–709. https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/218/5/javma.2001.218.705.xml
National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. The National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
Veterinary Partner. (2021). Lactose Intolerance in Cats and Dogs. VIN. Retrieved from https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951452
Tufts University Cummings Veterinary Medical Center. (2020). Feeding Your Pet – Treat Guidelines. Retrieved from https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2020/06/pet-treat-guidelines