Cheese is such a fantastic food item because there are so many different varieties – from mozzarella to gouda, cheddar to gorgonzola, cheese is made around the world from a variety of milk types.
It is so fun when you can have friends and family over to share a meal, hang outside on the patio, or get together for a party.
Although it is not a food staple at parties, cheese and crackers are an easy way to add to the menu, especially if you have a lot of people that enjoy different types of food.
The funny thing is, not only do people like cheese but so do some cats and dogs!
It is always so funny to watch cats try to eat cheese, especially when it gets stuck either on the floor or on the roof of their mouth. It is a common thought that we see tiny kittens drinking milk, so why would they not want to eat cheese too?
But can cats actually eat cheese? Should they eat cheese? Let’s check it out!
Can Cats Eat Cheese?
What is cheese and how is it made?
Cheese, for the most part, is made by purposefully curdling the milk, which causes lumps to form.
Milk is the main ingredient and bacteria is added to create the curdling.
People have been making cheese for hundreds of years, with all different kinds of milk products and seasonings, and because of this, there are hundreds of types of cheese.
Because cheese can be so different, some people react poorly to some types of cheese and not others.
But cats, now cats are a different story.
Because cats are not humans (although we all know that they can act human at times) we need to look at the benefits and dangers of cheese for cats and can they eat cheese?
What benefits do cats get from eating cheese?
Contrary to popular belief and many cute pictures of tiny kittens drinking milk, unless that is the milk from a mother cat, it probably is not going to make them feel good.
Cats are carnivores, which means that they are meat-eaters, and get their primary nutrition from meat.
Essentially what this means is that your cat can eat cheese, but it really is not going to add to their nutritional support.
What dangers are there if a cat eats cheese?
Unlike some other treats, like chocolate, that can truly be dangerous to your cat, a little bit of cheese now and then probably will not hurt them.
Remember, because cats are obligate carnivores, their nutrition comes from meat.
Cats do not have the same type of digestion as other animals, so their stomach does not break down milk proteins well.
So even though they may want to eat cheese, more than a small, occasional treat could make them sick.
A cat that really gets into a bunch of cheese can truly make themselves so sick that they vomit or have diarrhea.
If your cat is one of those that demands some of your treat, be sure that the cheese you offer them is a natural cheese, and not one that is processed.
Any additional chemicals or processing can really make them ill, so a small bit of natural cheese would be the best bet.
Bottom Line
In the big picture, yes, cats can eat cheese occasionally and it will probably not do much harm. Knowing your cat well, and how they react to different types of treats, including cheese, will ensure that they do not become sick or overweight.
Finding cat treats that are specifically made for cats may be a better answer, but if you want to share your cheese with your friend, go ahead!
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