Can cats eat cheese? The answer depends on your cat. While many cats eat cheese without immediate problems, it’s not always a good idea. Most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products like cheese can cause digestive issues.

Cats don’t have a nutritional need for cheese. As obligate carnivores, they require protein from meat, not milk. That said, if your feline friend loves cheese, a small bit as an occasional treat might be fine — depending on the type and how your cat reacts.

Why Many Cats Can’t Handle Cheese

Lactose intolerance is the main reason cheese might be bad for cats. Most cats do not produce enough lactase (the enzyme needed to digest lactose), which makes milk, cream, and cheese difficult to digest.

Feeding cheese can lead to vomiting, gas, or diarrhea in lactose

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