Dairy & eggs
Can cats eat cheese?
A little. Many adult cats are lactose intolerant; a tiny amount of hard cheese is usually tolerated.
Why Lactose and fat
If your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Gas
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
How much, how often
A pea-sized piece.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Choose low-fat, low-salt cheese such as mozzarella or cottage cheese
- Avoid blue cheeses and any with garlic, onion or herbs
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Yes, a little. Most dogs tolerate small amounts of cheese and love it as a training treat, but it is fatty and salty.
How much: A small cube a few times a week.
Can dogs eat cheese?Cats In moderation
A little. Many adult cats are lactose intolerant; a tiny amount of hard cheese is usually tolerated.
How much: A pea-sized piece.
The details
Blue cheeses such as Stilton contain roquefortine C, which can cause tremors in dogs. Dogs prone to pancreatitis should not have cheese at all.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat cheese?
A little. Many adult cats are lactose intolerant; a tiny amount of hard cheese is usually tolerated.
How much cheese can a cat have?
A pea-sized piece.
What makes cheese risky for cats?
Lactose and fat.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
gas, diarrhoea, vomiting.
What should I do if my cat ate cheese?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is cheese safe for dogs too?
Yes, a little. Most dogs tolerate small amounts of cheese and love it as a training treat, but it is fatty and salty.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for cats
Yogurt
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Cottage cheese
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Butter
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Milk
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation