The first question many people ask is, “Can cats eat cheese?” The answer depends on your cat’s nutritional requirements and the type of cheese you’re feeding them. The protein content in cheese is higher than the amount your cat needs, but it’s also high in fat, which can cause weight problems. If you’re worried your cat might get too fat, look for non-dairy vegan varieties of cheese. Here are some other things you should know before you feed cheese to your cat.
Lactose intolerance
If your cat shows any signs of lactose intolerance, you may be able to feed it a small amount of cheese. However, your cat may have some unpleasant side effects, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. It is best to begin by offering small amounts and monitor any distressing behavior. If you notice any symptoms after giving your cat a small amount of cheese, it is probably too high in lactose. You should consult your veterinarian before introducing a new food to your cat.
Moldy cheeses
The answer to the question of whether or not moldy cheeses are safe for your cat depends on what kind of mold you have. Semi-soft and hard cheeses, such as cheddar and colby, are not affected by mold. If you happen to have a moldy cheese in your refrigerator, simply cut it off. It is important to keep your knife out of the mold before cutting it. However, if you can’t find a knife, you should throw it away.
Non-dairy vegan cheeses
While non-dairy vegan cheeses for cats do not contain lactose, it is still not a good idea to feed your cat cheese. The high salt and fat content of these cheeses are not suitable for your cat’s digestive system. You should limit your cat’s cheese consumption to small portions. Ideally, you should try to avoid giving cheese to your cat if he has an allergy to dairy products.
Obesity in cats
Most felines are obligate carnivores, and cheese is a rich source of protein, but not a food your cat needs. Because cheese can upset your cat’s digestive system, it is best to limit your cat’s intake of cheese to a few treats each day. If you want to reduce your cat’s risk of developing obesity, keep these tips in mind. Here are some ways to reduce your cat’s cheese intake:
Toxicity of blue cheese
Although cats have a fondness for cheese, some types are toxic to them. Not only do some types contain mold, which can lead to anemia, but others contain high amounts of fat. While non-dairy and vegan cheeses are generally safer, their high fat content can still be detrimental to your cat’s metabolism. Therefore, be sure to check with your veterinarian if you suspect your cat may be ingesting cheese.
Dangers of non-dairy vegan cheese
Although non-dairy vegan cheese is lactose-free and made with vegetable-based ingredients, it can still be harmful to your cat. It contains a high amount of salt and fat and may even be toxic for them. Cats are obligate carnivores and are allergic to soy. However, they can tolerate small amounts of cheese. If your cat loves cheese, go for a goat-based cheese.
