Can Cats Eat Cheese? Lactose Facts
If milk is bad for cats (as we learned in our Milk Myth Article), surely cheese is bad too? Not necessarily. Cheese is fermented, which reduces the lactose content significantly. Many cats can tolerate small pieces of cheese without issue.
The "Good" Cheeses (Low Lactose)
If you want to use cheese to hide a pill or give a high-value reward, stick to aged, hard cheeses.
- Cheddar: The harder/older, the better.
- Swiss: Very low lactose.
- Parmesan: Intense flavor cats love, very low lactose.
The "Bad" Cheeses (High Lactose/Risk)
Avoid these soft, fresh cheeses which are closer to milk in composition:
- Mozzarella: Too soft, higher lactose.
- Cottage Cheese: Often recommended for sick dogs, but can be risky for lactose-intolerant cats.
- Cream Cheese: The high fat content causes diarrhea faster than the lactose does.
- Blue Cheese: Contains mold (Penicillium) which can be toxic to pets. Avoid completely.
The Salt Problem
Actually, for older cats, the biggest risk isn't lactose—it's Sodium. Process cheese (like American slices) is packed with salt. Excess salt can stress the kidneys, and since Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the #1 killer of senior cats, we want to minimize sodium load.
How to Feed Safely
- Size: A cube the size of a dice.
- Frequency: Once a week, not daily.
- Purpose: Best used for Pill Pockets. Mold a bit of cheddar around a tablet to mask the taste.
Warning Signs
If your cat eats cheese and shows these signs, stop immediately:
- Gas/Rumbling tummy.
- Soft stool the next day.
- Vomiting.
Conclusion
Cheese is a "Yellow Light" treat. Proceed with caution. Stick to hard cheddar, keep pieces tiny, and never give it to a cat with kidney issues.