Can Cats Eat Cheese?

Is It Generally Considered Safe for Cats?

Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it is not recommended as a regular food. Most adult cats have reduced levels of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, and are considered lactose intolerant to some degree. Veterinary sources are consistent in framing cheese as a food to avoid or strictly limit rather than a treat worth reaching for — this isn't a food with a comfortable "yes," even in small amounts, for most cats.

How It May Be Served, If Appropriate

If cheese is offered at all, it should be a very small amount of a lower-lactose variety, given infrequently, while watching closely for any digestive upset. Many cat-specific sources go further and recommend skipping dairy altogether, given how easily better treat options are available.

Relevant Nutritional Context

Cheese doesn't supply any nutrient that a cat's balanced diet doesn't already provide, and as obligate carnivores, cats have no dietary need for dairy in the first place. Cornell's Feline Health Center states that dairy and milk are "not generally recommended since many cats are lactose-intolerant and can develop gastrointestinal problems if fed dairy products." The ASPCA explains the underlying mechanism: pets don't possess significant amounts of lactase, so milk and other dairy-based products can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset.

What Parts or Preparations to Avoid

Large amounts of any cheese should be avoided, as should cheeses with added flavorings that might include onion, garlic, or chives. Raw or unpasteurized dairy carries an additional contamination risk and should be skipped entirely.

When Caution May Be Appropriate

Kittens around the age when lactase activity naturally declines, cats with known sensitive digestion, and any cat that has previously reacted poorly to dairy should avoid cheese altogether rather than being offered even a small taste.

What to Do If There Is a Concern

If a cat develops vomiting or diarrhea after eating dairy, withhold further dairy and monitor closely. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms are significant or persistent, especially in a kitten or senior cat.