Can cats eat cheese? Learn if cheese is safe for cats, signs of lactose intolerance, and healthy dairy-free treat options for your feline friend.

Can Cats Eat Cheese? A Cat Lover’s Guide

If your cat has ever eyed a cheese plate or you offered a nibble of cheddar, you might wonder: can cats eat cheese? Cheese itself isn’t poisonous to cats, and it’s high in protein and calcium. However, most adult cats lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest milk sugar (lactose) efficiently. In this guide we’ll answer the big questions (like “Is cheese bad for cats?”) and give practical tips about cheese and other treats for your feline friend.

Is Cheese Bad for Cats?

Cheese isn’t toxic, but it can be a rich, fatty treat that many cats can’t handle well. Because cats are obligate carnivores, their digestive system isn’t designed for much dairy. Cheese is high in fat and calories, too. PetMD notes that one ounce of cheddar has as many calories for a cat as eating 2½ cheeseburgers would for a person. Many cats are lactose-intolerant, meaning that even a little cheese can give them gas, diarrhea or vomiting.

According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, “milk is not recommended as a treat for cats, as many cats are lactose-intolerant and can develop gastrointestinal problems if fed dairy products. In other words, if you’re asking, “can cats eat cheese?”, the risks are real for some cats.

• Tip: Always give your cat very tiny portions of any new food. A teeny cube of cheese once or twice a week is plenty if you choose to share. Larger amounts are likely to cause weight gain or stomach upset.

Lactose Intolerance in Cats

Many cats simply can’t digest lactose in cheese or milk. If a lactose-intolerant cat eats dairy, she can get an upset stomach, just like people who are lactose intolerant. Signs to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, excess gas, or even itchy skin patches. Some cats can tolerate a bit of cheese or milk, but it’s safest not to count on it. If your cat ate cheese and seems okay (normal appetite, no lethargy), just monitor her closely. If she has any bad reaction—especially repeated vomiting or very loose stool—call your veterinarian right away.

Safe Dairy Options for Cats

In short, if you ask ‘can cats eat cheese’, the safest answer is to choose lactose-free alternatives. There are cat-specific dairy treats made for sensitive stomachs. For example, PetAg Cat-Sip Real Milk Treat is made from 99% lactose-free Grade A milk, which is easier for cats to digest. These can be given occasionally as a treat.

• Only give lactose-free products: Don’t offer regular cow’s milk or sweetened dairy desserts. Instead, look for special cat milk or plain goat milk (in very small amounts) that’s easier on the tummy.
• Treats should be limited: Keep all treats (cheese or others) to no more than about 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Treats should be just a small snack, with the rest of calories from complete cat food.
• Choose firm cheeses: If you do share cheese, pick a tiny piece of plain hard cheese (cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan) since these have less lactose. Avoid soft, high-lactose cheeses like cottage or cream cheese. Even hard cheese should only be an occasional bite.

What If My Cat Eats Cheese?

If your cat manages to steal a bite of your sandwich or laps up some cheese you dropped, don’t panic. Most healthy cats will be fine with just mild belly discomfort. Here’s what to do:

• Monitor her: If she acts normal (playing or purring, eating dinner), she’s likely okay. Most cats digest a small cheese bite without problems.
• Provide water: Cheese can be salty, so make sure your cat has fresh water to drink.
• Watch for symptoms: If your cat shows vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, stop giving any more cheese and call your veterinarian. These could be signs of lactose intolerance or another issue.
• No overfeeding: Don’t give more cheese to “make her feel better.” Instead, try a tiny bit of plain boiled chicken or a cat-safe treat if her stomach is upset.

Many cat owners use a little cheese to hide a pill. A teensy dot of soft cheese (like cream cheese) can help a finicky cat take medication. That’s okay occasionally, but don’t use it regularly as a treat on its own.

Tips for Treat Time

• Alternate treats: If you’re asking, ‘can cats eat cheese,’ try giving tiny bits of cooked chicken, fish, or plain cat treats instead. Offering healthy variety can be better than relying on cheese.
• Play and pounce: Keep your kitty entertained with toys instead of giving high-calorie snacks. Interactive play (with laser pointers or feather wands) is a great reward. Check out our posts on interactive cat toys for indoor cats and best cat toys for bored cats for fun ideas.

Recommended Products for Sensitive Stomachs

Here are some helpful products you might consider (Amazon affiliate links):

• PetAg Cat-Sip Real Milk Treat – 8 oz (Lactose-Free) – A ready-to-feed milk snack for cats and kittens, made from Grade A low-fat milk that’s 99% lactose-free. Great for hydration and contains added taurine for heart health.
• NaturVet Digestive Enzymes + Probiotics – 120 Soft Chews – Soft chews that help support healthy digestion. Includes enzymes and probiotics to aid a sensitive cat’s tummy.
• Greenies Feline Dental Cat Treats – 9.75oz, Chicken Flavor – Crunchy cat treats that help clean teeth and freshen breath. These chicken-flavored treats are a low-calorie daily reward cats enjoy.

Always consult your vet if you have concerns. Every cat is different, so what works for one may not work for another.

Conclusion

So, can cats eat cheese? The short answer is yes, but only as a very occasional treat. Cheese itself isn’t poisonous, but due to lactose intolerance and high fat/calories, it shouldn’t be a regular part of your cat’s diet. If you do share a tiny piece of cheese with your cat, keep it plain (no spices or onions) and watch her reaction. Most cats will simply handle it like a special treat; others may show mild upset tummy. As a final reminder, the question ‘can cats eat cheese’ is answered by remembering that cheese should be only a very rare treat, not a staple of meals.

In general, focus on a balanced cat food diet and healthy treats (treat snacks, even cheese, should stay at about 10% of daily calories). For more pet care tips, visit our blog and give your feline friend plenty of love, water, and playtime.