Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
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The slight crinkle of a cheese wrapper can send cats flying into the kitchen in search of the salty treat, but can cats eat cheese? Here's the scoop on whether cats and cheese are a good combination.
Can cats eat cheese? According to experts, yes — but only in moderation. If you give your cat cheese at all, just give them a small piece once in a while, about the size of a dice. For example, you might opt to limit your kitty's cheese intake to times when you need to hide a pill for them.
But, while many cats can tolerate small portions of cheese, if your kitty is lactose intolerant or has a milk allergy, even a small amount of cheese could wreak havoc on their digestive system.
Despite the long-standing myth that cats love nothing better than a bowl of milk or cream, most cats can't digest dairy. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine emphasizes that many cats are lactose intolerant and can experience gastrointestinal problems, including inflammation, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting, if they consume dairy.
Cats with a dairy allergy may also react poorly to even a small bite of cheese. (Generally, cats don't have a lot of food allergies, but dairy, as well as fish and red meat, are the more common ones.) Like kitties with lactose intolerance, if your cat has a dairy allergy, eating cheese could lead to digestive issues and might even affect their immune system.
Common signs your cat has a dairy allergy include the following after consuming lactose products:
If your cat shows these or any other unusual signs, contact their veterinarian as soon as possible to schedule a check-up.
According to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, you should avoid giving your cat cheese if they need to lower their salt intake and/or if they have a heart condition. In addition to cheese, if your kitty is on a low-sodium meal plan they should absolutely stay away from deli meat, fast food, potato chips and bread.
No more than 8 to 10 percent of a pet's daily calorie allotment should come from treats or food that wasn't recommended by a veterinarian. Cheese, for example, is a popular human food that can be way too high in calories. In fact, giving a 1-ounce cube of cheddar cheese to a 10-pound cat is equal to a person scarfing two and a half cheeseburgers, all at once.
The best approach for cat parents? Avoid the extra snacks and substitute extra love instead.
If you do sneak your cat a cheesy treat, certain varieties may be better than others:
Feeding your cat a bit of cheese here and there shouldn't be a problem, but speak to your cat's vet about whether or not it's a healthy option for your kitty. If you do feed your cat cheese, only give it to them once in a while and in small amounts. That'll give them something to smile about!
Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.