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Can cats eat cheese?

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

Cheese is only for small amounts, or in certain forms, for cats. The ASPCA says a small piece of cheese is okay sparingly, but too much can upset digestion. A VCA kitten page says most cats are lactose intolerant and dairy can upset their stomachs. A tiny piece, only now and then.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

Small amountsOnly a little, and only the way described below.

Why

The ASPCA says a small piece of cheese is okay sparingly, but too much can upset digestion. A VCA kitten page says most cats are lactose intolerant and dairy can upset their stomachs.

How to serve it

A tiny piece, only now and then.

Good to know

VCA says to skip moldy cheese, and says cheese is a high-fat, high-calorie treat best saved for special times.

Watch for: Cheese spreads, dips and cheese with onion or garlic add fat or ingredients that are not safe.

Already ate it?

If your pet ate a lot, or you are worried, call your vet. Say what was eaten, how much and when, and have your pet's weight ready.

Poison emergency? Call now

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.

For the children

"Cheese is only a tiny treat for cats, and only a grown-up decides how much."

A job: Be the label reader. Before a grown-up shares any food with the cat, check this page, and ask a grown-up if the food is not on it.

This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Your own vet knows your cat. Cats differ.

Sources