Can cats eat cheese?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Why
Cheese can upset many cats and is not needed in their diet.
Can cats eat cheese, and why?
Cheese can upset many cats and is not needed in their diet. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
If your cat has eaten cheese, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
More foods cats might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat cheese?
Caution. Cheese can upset many cats and is not needed in their diet.
What happens if my cat eats cheese?
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. If your cat has eaten cheese, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is cheese poisonous to cats?
Caution. Cheese can upset many cats and is not needed in their diet.
Check cheese for another pet