You're enjoying a cheese sandwich when your cat suddenly appears beside you, staring at every bite. Perhaps they even reach out a paw, hoping you'll share a little.
Sound familiar?
Cats can be surprisingly interested in cheese. Some seem to love the smell, while others will happily try to steal a piece when you're not looking.
But can cats actually eat cheese? Is it harmless to share a little, or could it upset their stomach?
The good news is that a tiny piece of plain cheese isn't usually dangerous for a healthy adult cat. However, that doesn't necessarily make cheese a good treat.
Here's what cat owners should know before sharing.
Why Are Some Cats So Interested in Cheese?
Cats are naturally curious about what we're eating, especially when something has a strong smell.
Cheese contains fat and protein, which may explain why some cats find it appealing. Its rich aroma can also attract their attention.
Of course, not every cat likes cheese. Some will sniff it and walk away without a second thought.
The important thing to remember is that cats don't always know what's good for them. Just because your cat enjoys something doesn't mean it belongs in their diet.
Can Cats Digest Cheese?
This is where things get interesting.
Many adult cats are lactose intolerant, which means their bodies have difficulty digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
When kittens are very young, they produce an enzyme called lactase that helps them digest their mother's milk.
As they grow older and begin eating solid food, their bodies generally produce less of this enzyme.
That's why a food that seems harmless to us can sometimes cause problems for our cats.
If your cat struggles to digest dairy, eating cheese could lead to:
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An upset stomach
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Diarrhoea
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Vomiting
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Bloating or excessive gas
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General digestive discomfort
Some cats can tolerate small amounts of certain cheeses without any obvious problems. Others may react even after eating a little.
Every cat is different.
Can Cats Eat Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is probably one of the most common cheeses found in Australian households.
Because aged cheddar generally contains relatively little lactose, some adult cats may tolerate a tiny piece.
However, cheddar can also be high in fat and salt.
So, even if your cat seems to enjoy it and doesn't experience any digestive problems, there's no real reason to make cheddar a regular treat.
An occasional tiny piece of plain cheddar may not cause problems for a healthy adult cat, but it's better to choose treats specifically made for cats.
What About Mozzarella?
Mozzarella might seem like a lighter option, but that doesn't automatically make it better for cats.
It generally contains more lactose than many aged hard cheeses, which could make it harder for lactose-intolerant cats to digest.
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, mozzarella is best avoided.
And if your cat is eyeing the cheese on your pizza, remember that pizza often contains other ingredients that are unsuitable for cats, including garlic and onion.
Can Kittens Eat Cheese?
It's easy to assume that because kittens drink milk, cheese should be fine for them too.
But there's an important difference between their mother's milk and cheese made for human consumption.
Kittens need carefully balanced nutrition to support their growth and development. Cheese doesn't provide that balance.
As kittens get older, their ability to digest lactose also decreases.
For these reasons, cheese isn't a recommended treat for kittens. A complete and balanced kitten food is a much better choice.
Are Some Cheeses Worse Than Others?
Not all cheeses are made the same way, and some are particularly unsuitable for cats.
Cream cheese: Its fat and lactose content may cause digestive discomfort, especially in cats with sensitive stomachs.
Feta: Often contains a considerable amount of salt, making it a poor choice for cats.
Blue cheese: Best avoided because of the mould cultures used in its production.
Flavoured cheese: This is one to be particularly careful with. Cheese containing garlic, onion or chives should never be offered to cats because these ingredients can be toxic.
Even lactose-free cheese isn't automatically a healthy option. It may still contain too much fat, salt or other unsuitable ingredients.
My Cat Ate Cheese. Should I Be Worried?
If your cat has managed to steal a tiny piece of plain cheese, there's usually no need to panic.
Many healthy adult cats won't experience any obvious problems after such a small amount.
Keep an eye on your cat over the following hours and watch for signs of digestive discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
Make sure fresh drinking water is available.
If your cat becomes unwell, contact your veterinarian.
You should also seek veterinary advice promptly if the cheese contained potentially toxic ingredients such as onion or garlic. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
If your cat has an existing medical condition, it's worth being extra cautious about offering human foods.
What Can I Give My Cat Instead of Cheese?
If your cat enjoys a little treat now and then, there are plenty of more suitable options.
A small piece of plain, thoroughly cooked chicken, without bones, skin or seasoning, may be a better choice for many cats.
You could also offer a cat treat formulated specifically for feline nutritional needs.
Some cats prefer crunchy treats, while others enjoy softer textures or creamy treats.
Whatever you choose, treats should only make up a small part of your cat's overall diet.
Their main food should provide the complete and balanced nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Discover Something Different for Your Cat
Every cat has its own preferences when it comes to food. Some love chicken, others can't resist fish, and some seem to change their minds every other day!
At RAZKIN, we understand that finding flavours your cat enjoys can sometimes take a little experimenting.
Our Deluxe wet food collection features two recipes: Tuna & Chicken and Tuna & Salmon, both offering a combination of flavours for cats to enjoy.
We also offer a selection of cat treats for those little moments when you want to give your feline companion something special.
Curious about RAZKIN? Take a closer look at our recipes, ingredients and product information to see whether RAZKIN might be something your cat would enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat cheese every day?
It's best not to give cats cheese every day. Many cats have difficulty digesting lactose, and cheese can be high in fat and salt. It also doesn't provide the balanced nutrition cats need.
Can cats eat a little bit of cheddar?
Some healthy adult cats may tolerate a tiny amount of plain cheddar occasionally. However, it's not a necessary part of their diet, and some cats may still experience digestive discomfort.
Why does my cat love cheese?
Your cat may be attracted to the smell, fat or protein in cheese. Some cats are also simply curious about whatever their owners are eating.
Can cats eat cheese pizza?
It's best not to share cheese pizza with your cat. Apart from the cheese itself, pizza can contain garlic, onion, excessive salt and seasonings that are unsuitable or potentially toxic to cats.
Is lactose-free cheese safe for cats?
Removing lactose doesn't automatically make cheese a healthy treat. Lactose-free cheese may still contain high levels of fat and salt, so it's generally better to choose treats intended for cats.
Final Thoughts
So, can cats eat cheese?
The answer is that a tiny amount of plain cheese may be tolerated by some healthy adult cats, but it's not something they need.
Many cats are lactose intolerant, and even a small piece could leave them with an upset stomach.
If your cat happens to steal a little cheddar from your plate, it isn't necessarily an emergency. But if you're choosing a treat to give them regularly, there are better options.
After all, our cats rely on us to make good food choices for them, even when they're convinced that whatever we're eating must be delicious!
Sources and Further Reading
The following animal welfare and veterinary resources provide additional information about cheese, dairy products and feline nutrition.
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Cats Protection – Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Guidance from a UK cat welfare charity about lactose intolerance and why cheese is generally not recommended as a regular treat for cats. -
PetMD – Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Veterinary-reviewed information about the possible digestive effects of cheese and the precautions cat owners should consider.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your cat's diet or health, consult your veterinarian.