Can cats eat cream cheese?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Can cause stomach upset; flavoured types may contain toxic onion or garlic.
Why
Cream cheese is fatty and many cats cannot digest the lactose, so it is best avoided.
Can cats eat cream cheese, and why?
Cream cheese is fatty and many cats cannot digest the lactose, so it is best avoided. Can cause stomach upset; flavoured types may contain toxic onion or garlic.
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
Can cause stomach upset; flavoured types may contain toxic onion or garlic.
If your cat has eaten cream 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.
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Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat cream cheese?
Caution. Cream cheese is fatty and many cats cannot digest the lactose, so it is best avoided.
What happens if my cat eats cream cheese?
Can cause stomach upset; flavoured types may contain toxic onion or garlic. If your cat has eaten cream cheese, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is cream cheese poisonous to cats?
Caution. Cream cheese is fatty and many cats cannot digest the lactose, so it is best avoided.
Check cream cheese for another pet