Dairy
Can cats eat cheese?
Most adult cats are lactose-intolerant; hard, low-lactose cheese is tolerated in tiny amounts.
Portion: One pea-sized cube, occasionally. Useful for hiding pills.
The short answer
A small cube of hard cheese is usually fine as a rare treat, but cheese isn't a natural cat food. Most adult cats lose much of their ability to digest lactose, and cheese is rich in fat and salt. Hard, aged cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan) contain less lactose than soft ones. Avoid cheeses with garlic, onion or chives.
Why the verdict
After weaning, cats produce much less lactase, the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar. Undigested lactose draws water into the gut and ferments, causing diarrhoea and gas. Ageing reduces lactose, which is why hard cheeses tend to be better tolerated. Salt and fat add calories and can aggravate kidney or pancreatic issues.
How to prepare it
- Choose hard, aged, plain cheese.
- No flavoured cheese with garlic, onion, chives or herbs.
- Avoid blue cheeses — some moulds can be harmful.
- A pea-sized cube is a portion.
Signs of trouble
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Gas and abdominal discomfort
Cheese & cats: FAQ
Can kittens eat cheese?
Not recommended as food. A tiny taste is unlikely to cause harm, but it offers nothing growing kittens need.
Can cats eat cream cheese?
It's soft and higher in lactose and fat. A lick is fine; don't make a habit of it.
Which cheese is best for cats?
Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar or Swiss have the least lactose — still in tiny amounts only.
Related foods
See every food that’s toxic to cats →
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat (accessed 2026-09-29)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (accessed 2026-09-29)
Last updated 2026-09-29. We are not veterinarians: this guide summarises published veterinary references and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. See our methodology and disclaimer.