Cat Health
Can Cats Eat Cheese UK?
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.
The full picture
Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete 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.
Reviewed 2026-07-18 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.