Cats are curious creatures with unique dietary needs. As a pet owner, you might wonder about adding different foods to your cat's diet, and one common question that arises is about cheese. Many cats seem to love the smell and taste of cheese, but is it actually good for them?
Before diving into the details, it's important to understand a bit more about a cat's natural diet and how various human foods might fit into it.
Can Cats Eat Cheese
Yes, cats can eat cheese, but it's not that simple. While cheese is not toxic to cats, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a good addition to their diet. Cheese can be a treat for your cat, but it should be given in moderation, and the type of cheese should be safe for your cat.
Cats, because they are obligate carnivores, should focus mainly on proteins to get the best out of their nutritional needs.
Nutritional Benefits of Cheese for Cats
Cheese contains various nutrients that could potentially benefit cats. But since they mostly rely on meat for their diet, cats can only absorb so many nutrients from cheese. It is also important to only serve very small amounts if you want to give your cat cheese. In this case, fewer is better. However, here are the nutritional benefits cats get when they eat small amounts of cheese:
Protein
Cheese is high in protein, which is essential for cats. Protein supports muscle development, immune function, and energy levels. Cats require a high-protein diet to be able to grow and develop properly.
Protein helps build and repair muscles, produces antibodies and enzymes for the immune system, and provides a secondary source of energy. While cheese provides protein, it's not the best source compared to meat-based foods.
Fats
Another important nutrient in cheese is fat, which provides a concentrated energy source and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Cheese contains fats that can be beneficial for your cat's energy and overall health. However, a high level of fat can lead to lots of alarming health issues.
Small amounts of cheese can provide a tasty source of fat, but it should not replace your cat's regular diet. While cats primarily get their energy from fats, a small amount of protein from cheese can supplement their diet, contributing to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Vitamins
Cheese contains several vitamins that could be beneficial for cats. Each vitamin has a unique purpose when helping to develop your cat's health. But since they are obligate carnivores, they only get so few vitamins from other sources that aren’t fully protein-based. But still, they do get small amounts.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an important vitamin for maintaining a healthy immune system and great vision, especially for your cat’s nightly escapades. The vitamin also aids in helping your cat develop great skin and coat. Cheese contains some vitamin A, but cats mainly get this vitamin from liver and fish oils.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is important for a cat's nervous system and blood formation. Vitamins are also important for brain function and regulating your cat’s energy levels. Cheese has some vitamin B12, but meat and fish are better sources.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D promotes good bone health by helping in the absorption of calcium. This vitamin also serves another purpose: to help out your cat’s muscle and nerve functions. While cheese has some vitamin D, cats usually get this vitamin from sunlight and fish.
Minerals
Cheese has some good minerals that can help keep your cat healthy. These minerals play important roles in keeping your cat's body functioning well. While your cat gets most of its minerals from regular food, cheese can provide an extra boost.
However, it's important to give cheese in small amounts to avoid any health issues since cheese only provides very few minerals to cats. Here's a closer look at what these minerals do:
Calcium
Calcium in cheese is great for keeping your cat's bones and teeth strong. It helps bones stay sturdy so your cat can move around easily and chew food properly. Calcium also helps muscles work well and makes sure nerves send messages from the brain to the rest of the body.
But be careful since too much calcium can also lead to a multitude of problems, like kidney stones. So, give cheese to your cat only in small amounts.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus in cheese works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. It’s also good for keeping your cat's body clean and healthy by helping your kidneys filter out the waste.
Phosphorus turns the food your cat eats into energy, making sure they stay active and playful. Just remember, too much phosphorus can throw off your cat's diet balance, so don't overdo it with the cheese.
By knowing what these minerals do, you can better decide how to include cheese in your cat's diet. Always check with our vets whenever you want to give new foods to make sure they're safe and healthy for them.
Risks When Cats Eat Cheese
While cheese has some benefits, there are several risks associated with feeding it to cats. Cheese can be a good treat that fits right in a cat's diet, but it can be dangerous if you give it too often. It's important to be aware of these risks to keep your cat safe and healthy. Here are the main concerns you should know about:
Lactose Intolerance
Many cats are lactose intolerant, which means they can’t process lactose properly. This happens because they don't have enough lactase, an enzyme, to break down the lactose.
If you feed cheese to a lactose-intolerant cat, you can expect your cat to have diarrhea and stomach cramps. Always watch your cat for any signs of discomfort after eating cheese.
High-Fat Content
Cheese is high in fat, and while a little fat is good for energy, too much can be harmful. Feeding your cat a lot of cheese brings in a full set of problems, starting with obesity. This includes diabetes and joint issues. Additionally, too much fat can cause pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition. So, it's best to keep cheese as an occasional treat.
Salt Content
Cheese often has a lot of salt, which isn't good for cats. Too much salt is always bad for anyone. Cats that eat lots of salt get thirsty very quickly, and this can lead to excessive urination. Over time, high salt intake can cause more serious problems, like kidney issues.
It's important to limit the amount of salty foods like cheese that you give to your cat. Knowing these risks can help you make better choices about feeding cheese to your cat. Always ask our vets for advice when you want to add new food to your cat's diet.
How to Prepare Cheese for Cats
If you decide to give your cat cheese as a treat, it's important to do it properly. Feeding cheese the right way can help avoid potential health issues and ensure your cat enjoys it safely. Make sure to choose the appropriate type of cheese and serve it in small amounts.
Cheese should only make up about 5% or less of your cat's diet, given occasionally and not as a regular food item. Here are some steps to follow:
Choose the Right Type of Cheese
Choose low-lactose cheeses like cheddar or Swiss. These types of cheese are easier for cats to digest, which means they cause significantly fewer digestive issues. Avoid blue cheese or cheeses with added flavors and herbs, as these can be harmful to your cat.
It's best to stick with plain, natural cheeses to ensure your cat's safety and health. Always check the ingredients to make sure there are no added spices or harmful substances.
Small Portions
Only give your cat a tiny piece of cheese to start with. Cats have small stomachs, and a tiny amount of cheese is enough for a treat. Starting with a small portion helps you monitor how your cat reacts to the cheese without overwhelming their digestive system. Gradually, you can increase the portion slightly if there are no adverse reactions.
Occasional Treat
Cheese should not be a part of your cat's diet. Giving cheese too often can lead to health problems like obesity and digestive issues. If you want to give cheese as a treat, make sure this does not interfere with your cat’s normal diet. It's best to reserve cheese for special occasions to keep your cat's diet balanced and healthy.
Observe Your Cat
Watch your cat closely after feeding them cheese to ensure they don't have any digestive issues. Look for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort, which can indicate that the cheese doesn't agree with them.
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop giving cheese immediately and consult us right away. Visit the clinic and our vets will give your cat expert care and treatment.
Conclusion
While cats can eat cheese, it should be given in moderation and with care. While cheese offers some nutritional benefits, like protein and fats that support muscle development and energy, it's not essential to a cat's diet.
There are risks associated with feeding cheese to cats. Many cats are lactose intolerant, and since cheese contains milk, it can cause digestive problems for your cat. Additionally, cheese can lead to obesity, kidney issues, and other health problems due to its high fat content.
When offering cheese to your cat, remember to keep cheese as an occasional treat. Always focus on their health first, and anything else should come second.
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