By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Plenty of cats come running at the sound of a cheese wrapper. A small cube of plain cheddar is not poisonous, and for many cats it causes nothing worse than a soft stool. But cheese is a food cats are not built for, and some cheeses carry hidden extras, like onion, garlic or chives, that are genuinely risky for cats.
Key takeaways
- Cheese is not considered toxic to cats, but it is not a good regular treat.
- The ASPCA explains pets do not make much lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar, so dairy can cause diarrhoea and digestive upset.
- Cornell's Feline Health Center notes many cats are lactose intolerant and does not recommend dairy as a treat.
- Cheese is high in fat and often salty. Extra calories can contribute to weight gain.
- Cheeses flavoured with onion, garlic or chives are the main safety concern, because cats are especially sensitive to these.
- Related reading: vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Why dairy upsets so many cats
Kittens drink their mother's milk, so it is easy to assume dairy suits cats. Adult cats are a different story when it comes to lactose, the main sugar in milk. The ASPCA notes that pets do not have significant amounts of lactase, so milk and dairy products can cause diarrhoea or other digestive upset. Cornell's Feline Health Center says many cats are lactose intolerant and can develop gastrointestinal problems from dairy.
Some cats seem to cope with a tiny piece of cheese. Others react to even a small amount. There is no way to know until you see how your cat responds, which is why small and rare is the safest rule.
Which cheeses carry extra risk?
- Flavoured cheeses. Cheese with garlic, onion, chives or spring onion is a real concern. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes cats as the species most susceptible to onion and garlic toxicosis, and notes these can damage red blood cells days after they are eaten.
- Salty cheeses. Feta, haloumi and many processed cheeses are salty. The ASPCA notes that excess salt causes increased thirst, and that signs of salt toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and seizures. A nibble will not cause that, but salty cheese is a poor treat.
- Soft and rich cheeses. Brie, camembert and cream cheese are high in fat, and fatty foods can upset a cat's stomach.
- Cheese dips, sauces and spreads. These often contain onion, garlic, spices or a lot of salt.
- Mouldy leftovers. RSPCA Australia lists mouldy or spoiled foods among the things cats should not eat.
You may have read that blue cheese contains mould toxins that poison pets. The moulds used to make blue cheese are deliberate, and we could not find good evidence that a lick of blue cheese poisons cats. It is still rich and salty, so it is a cheese to skip.
Weight gain
Cheese packs a lot of calories into a small cube. Cornell's Feline Health Center notes that obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in pet cats and can aggravate conditions such as osteoarthritis and diabetes. Cornell recommends that treats make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories.
Signs cheese did not agree with your cat
- Diarrhoea or soft stools
- Vomiting
- Gas or a gurgly, uncomfortable belly
- Reduced appetite
After a flavoured cheese with onion or garlic, also watch over the next several days for:
- Pale or yellow gums
- Weakness or lethargy
- Faster breathing
- Red or brown urine
When to call a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day, if there is blood in the stool, or if your cat stops eating.
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) if your cat ate cheese flavoured with onion, garlic or chives, or a large amount of a salty cheese.
Seek urgent care for repeated vomiting, weakness, pale gums, tremors or collapse.
How vets help
For a mild tummy upset, your vet can advise on supportive care at home and what to look out for. If onion or garlic was involved, they may suggest blood tests over the following days. If your cat has ongoing digestive signs, your vet can look for other causes.
Better treats than cheese
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or fish
- Commercial cat treats
- A spoon of your cat's regular wet food
- Play, brushing or a food puzzle instead of food
If you use a bit of cheese to hide a tablet, check with your vet first. They may have a better option.
FAQ
Is lactose-free cheese safer?
It removes the lactose problem, but it is still fatty and salty. Keep it small and occasional.
Can kittens have cheese?
Kittens need a complete kitten diet. Cheese adds nothing they need and can cause diarrhoea.
Is cottage cheese okay?
It still contains lactose and some salt. It is not toxic, but it can upset sensitive cats.
My cat ate a piece of garlic and herb cheese. What should I do?
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline. Garlic is a concern for cats even in fairly small amounts.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has a sensitive stomach or got into a flavoured cheese, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide on next steps. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Obesity.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.