Cats have a thing for human food, often showing interest in the food we consume on our sofas, dining tables, and bedrooms. While we may sometimes give in and slip them a piece of the treat, is it really safe for them? Take yogurt, for example, can cats eat yogurt? 

The short answer is yes, cats can have yogurt. Plus, it can be a healthy treat. However, because a cat’s digestive system is sensitive, there are some things to consider before giving your cat some yogurt.

Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Yogurt?

Many treats are safe for cats, and yogurt is one of them. This treat provides plenty of benefits for a cat’s health.

Protein

Yogurt is a good source of protein. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means protein is one of the most important nutrients they need due to their reliance on this nutrient for energy, muscle production, tissue building, and other enzymatic functions. 

Yogurt does not contain a huge amount of protein, but it has a good amount that can be added to a diet to give a little boost of protein.

Probiotics

Another benefit of yogurt is that it’s a probiotic good for cats. This can be a big help for your cat’s digestive system, helping their gut microbiome. Yogurt is also good for helping ease your cat’s stomach, making bowel movements and overall digestion better. 

Probiotics make it easier for your cat to digest and absorb nutrients from food.

Vitamins

Yogurt has vitamins that support certain functions of your cat’s daily lifestyle. 

• Vitamin A. This vitamin supports eye, skin, and coat health. It’s also a huge help for maintaining the immune system. 

• Vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to tissue growth and repair in cats. It also helps in the production of collagen and the health of bones.

• Vitamin B2. Riboflavin is a good vitamin for breaking down the nutrients your cat consumes. These carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down to produce energy for your cat. 

• Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for keeping your cat’s digestive system up and running. It is also essential for the maintenance of cognitive function and the immune system while reducing the risk of anemia.

• Vitamin D. Calcium and phosphorus are crucial minerals for your cat’s health, and Vitamin D helps retain these crucial minerals. It also helps in your cat’s bone, nerve, and muscle functions.

Minerals

Yogurt contains essential minerals to help maintain the bodily functions of cats. These minerals also constitute a balanced diet for cats, which helps in bone growth and enzyme formation. 

• Calcium. Calcium is a good nutrient for securing bone and teeth health. It also plays a role in blood coagulation, which prevents excessive bleeding when injured.

• Potassium. Potassium plays a balanced role in maintaining several bodily functions, including the processes of muscles, nerves, and the heart. 

• Magnesium. Magnesium keeps your cat’s overall health balanced by helping it absorb nutrients. This balanced role helps your cat produce proteins, grow healthy bones, and regulate the functions of its enzymes.

Water

Yogurt has water as its most abundant ingredient. Cats need water to regulate their organ functions and help eliminate waste from the body. It also contributes to nutrient absorption while regulating body temperature. 

However, even if yogurt has water content, it’s better to focus on providing fresh water for hydration. 

Is Greek Yogurt Good for Cats?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be safe for cats in very small amounts. It’s often better than regular yogurt because it contains less lactose and more protein. This makes it easier for cats to digest, while also being healthier.