Cat Health
Can Cats Eat Cheese UK?
By Kaiser Khan, EditorPublished Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
A tiny piece of plain cheese is not toxic to most cats — but many cats are lactose intolerant, so cheese can trigger vomiting or diarrhoea. Cheese is also high in fat and salt. Avoid blue and flavoured cheeses entirely, and never hide a tablet in cheese without checking with your vet first.
Key takeaways
- A tiny piece of plain cheese is not toxic to most cats — but many cats are lactose intolerant and get vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Cheese is high in fat and salt, so it is a poor treat choice for cats.
- Never use cheese to hide tablets without checking with your vet first — and avoid blue and flavoured cheeses entirely.
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Can cats eat cheese?
According to the PDSA and Cats Protection, cheese is not poisonous to cats — but that does not make it a good treat. Many cats love the taste; many digestive systems disagree with it.
Cats are obligate carnivores. Complete cat food provides the taurine and balanced nutrition they need — cheese adds fat and salt without anything useful, so it should be a rare lick at most, not a habit.
Why cheese so often upsets cats
Most adult cats produce little lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Dairy then ferments in the gut, causing:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or soft stools
- Wind and abdominal discomfort
If your cat reacts this way to cheese, stop dairy altogether and choose a meat-based treat instead.
Cheese by type — what is the risk?
| Cheese | Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain hard cheese (e.g. cheddar) | Low in tiny amounts | Still high in fat and salt |
| Soft and cream cheese | Higher | More lactose — more likely to upset the stomach |
| Blue and mould-ripened cheese | Avoid | Mould can produce toxins |
| Flavoured cheese (onion, garlic, chive) | Never | Onion and garlic are toxic to cats |
| Processed cheese slices and spreads | Avoid | High salt and additives |
Onion, garlic and chive flavourings are a genuine poisoning risk — see onion and garlic poisoning in pets.
Hiding tablets in cheese — ask first
A small cube of cheese can disguise a tablet for a cat that refuses pills — but check with your vet first. Some medicines must be given on an empty stomach, and some interact with dairy. If your vet agrees, use the smallest amount that works.
Better treats for cats
Cats do best on meat-based treats — a small piece of plain cooked chicken, or a commercial cat treat, suits their digestion far better than dairy. As with tuna, rich human foods should never replace complete cat food, and treats matter for cats with weight problems.
When to call your vet
Phone your vet if your cat:
- Vomits repeatedly or has diarrhoea that does not settle after eating cheese
- Ate cheese flavoured with onion, garlic or chives — treat this as urgent
- Seems lethargic, off food, or uncomfortable after dairy
- Needs regular medication and you are relying on cheese to give it — ask about safer options
Sources & further reading
This guide draws on the publicly available UK advice listed below. Follow the links for the relevant guidance or the organisation's broader care resources.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Editorial sources and further reading (last updated 2026-07-18).
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Also see symptoms, symptom checker, and poison guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can cats eat cheese?
- A tiny piece of plain cheese is not toxic to most cats, but many cats are lactose intolerant and develop vomiting or diarrhoea after dairy. Cheese is also high in fat and salt, so it is best avoided or kept to a rare lick.
- Are cats lactose intolerant?
- Many adult cats produce little lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar. Cheese, milk and cream can therefore cause wind, vomiting and diarrhoea — even in cats that enjoy the taste.
- Can cats eat blue cheese or flavoured cheese?
- No — avoid mould-ripened blue cheeses, and any cheese flavoured with onion, garlic or chives, which are toxic to cats. Stick to a tiny amount of plain hard cheese at most.
- Can I hide my cat's tablet in cheese?
- Only if your vet agrees — some medicines must be given on an empty stomach or interact with dairy. Ask your vet or vet nurse first, and use the smallest amount that works.
- Can kittens eat cheese?
- Kittens need complete kitten food for growth. Cheese offers nothing they need and can upset their digestion — skip it and ask your vet before offering any human food.