Cats are curious creatures with equally unique dietary needs. They rely mostly on protein, which means their diet is highly specific. As a cat owner, you might have thought about adding new foods to spice up your cat's diet. One of them might be cheese. But 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. 

Just remember that since cats are obligate carnivores, their diets should focus mainly on proteins to get the best out of their nutritional needs.

Nutritional Benefits of Cheese for Cats

If given in the right amounts, cheese can be beneficial for cats. In other words, shorter is better. Here are the benefits cats can get from cheese:

Protein

Cheese is high in protein, which is essential for cats. Protein supports muscle development and energy levels. Cats require a high-protein diet to be able to grow properly into strong adults.  

Additionally, protein is a crucial component for maintaining a healthy immune system, which protects the body from infections and diseases. Protein is also essential for keeping the skin and coat in good condition.

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.

• 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.

• Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for a cat's nervous system and red blood cell production. It’s also a good component for metabolism and energy production. Plus, good amounts of vitamin B12 can improve digestion.

• Vitamin D. Vitamin D promotes good bone health by helping in the absorption of calcium. It also promotes good muscle and nerve function while strengthening the immune system.

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.

• Calcium. Cats can get calcium from cheese, which is an important mineral for keeping their bones strong. Aside from this, calcium also promotes good muscle, nerve, and hormone function. Plus, it can also help in blood clotting and metabolic functions.

• Phosphorus. Phosphorus in cheese works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. It’s also good for cellular function, energy production, and the metabolism of proteins and fats. Additionally, phosphorus helps support normal muscle and nerve function. 

When Is Cheese Bad for Cats?

While cheese has some benefits, there are several risks to take note of when cats eat it. Here are the main concerns of cheese you should know about: 

Lactose Intolerance

Many adult cats are lactose intolerant, which means they can’t process lactose properly. This is because their bodies don’t have enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down the lactose in dairy. 

When cats eat cheese, the undigested lactose ferments in the gut. As a result, this will lead to digestive problems like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Even small amounts can be too much for cats with sensitive digestive systems. 

High-Fat Content

Cheese is high in fat, and not the good kind. The high levels of saturated fat in cheese will be harmful for cats, especially when too much is eaten. This can result in a higher chance of obesity, which can lead to a multitude of health issues. Plus, it can increase a cat’s risk of pancreatitis. 

Salt and Other Harmful Ingredients

Many types of cheese come with high amounts of salt. Salt is generally bad for cats, especially when it’s in large amounts. This can lead to sodium ion poisoning, which can cause excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, lethargy, and muscle tremors.  

Other types of cheese also have garlic and onions in them, which are highly toxic ingredients for cats. When ingested, these ingredients can lead to gastrointestinal issues and hemolytic anemia.