Why?
As hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss or parmesan age, most of their lactose disappears, which is why cats tolerate them better than milk. The catch is that cheese is packed with fat and salt, neither of which your cat needs on top of their regular food. Some cats are also allergic to milk proteins.
How much?
A cube about the size of a pea, once or twice a week at most. Stick to plain hard cheese and skip the rind.
The risks
- Diarrhea or vomiting in lactose-sensitive cats
- Too much salt: intense thirst, stomach upset
- Weight gain if it becomes a daily thing
- Cheeses with garlic, onion or chives are toxic
- Itching or digestive trouble in allergic cats
Your cat ate some: what now?
A bite of cheese stolen from your plate is usually nothing to worry about. Watch for diarrhea, vomiting or unusual thirst over the next 24 to 48 hours. Call your vet if those signs appear, or if your cat ate a large amount or a cheese flavored with garlic.
Better options
As a reward, a bit of plain cooked chicken or turkey works just as well, without the salt and fat. Cheese-flavored cat treats are another option made for them.
Common questions
Can I use cheese to give my cat a pill?
Wrapping a pill in a tiny piece of hard cheese is fine once in a while. For daily medication, pill treats made for cats or a little wet food are a better habit, and some medications shouldn't be taken with dairy, so check with your vet.
Can cats eat cream cheese?
Only a tiny lick. Cream cheese is a fresh cheese, so it holds more lactose than aged cheese, and it's very fatty. Flavored versions with garlic, onion or chives are off-limits.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.