Dairy Safety For Cats: Can Cats Eat Goat Cheese?

Can cats eat goat cheese? This question bothered me for a while, and I knew I needed to find the answer!

While cats like eating cheese, I’ve always known that not all cheese is good for them. Many cause cats to experience diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting. I’ve given my cats goat milk before, but when I wanted to give them some goat cheese, I was unsure if another ingredient in it could cause any harm.

So I set out to find the truth, and in this article, I’ll share it with you!

Can Cats Eat Goat Cheese?

Yes! In fact, goat cheese is the best cheese to offer your cat. 

Cats don’t have the lactase enzymes needed to efficiently digest dairy products, so when you feed them dairy, it should be the type that digests quickly. Because goat cheese has the least lactose, it fits this box perfectly!

Do Cats Need Diary?

Cats love a little bit of milk every now and then, but the truth is, they don’t need it. Cats are carnivores, and dairy doesn’t form part of their typical diet. 

If you want to include goat cheese in your cat’s diet, you should only serve it as an occasional treat. 

The Benefits Of Goat Cheese For Cats

Goat cheese can improve the health of your cat in several ways. Not only will it add essential vitamins and minerals to their body, but it will also improve their bodily function. These are some reasons why you should include goat cheese in your cat’s diet:

Improves digestion and gut health

Goat milk contains less lactose than others, making it easier to digest. While most cheese can upset your cats’ tummy, goat cheese will quickly move through their digestive system, and because it also contains high levels of probiotics, it can help relieve constipation. 

The same probiotics also improve immune system function, making your cat less vulnerable to illness. 

High in calcium

Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone, organ, and teeth health, and goat cheese is loaded with it! If you give your cat goat cheese, you can help prevent many bone disorders like osteoporosis. 

Prevents obesity

Many cats can become obese when they consume too much dairy. If your cat loves the taste of cheese, you should replace what they’re currently eating with goat cheese to reduce weight gain. 

Goat cheese contains fatty acids that metabolize fast. This means that your cat will feel full after a smaller portion. 

Packed with minerals and vitamins

Goat cheese is full of minerals and vitamins that your cat’s body will love! These include:

• Copper: Produces red blood cells and aids in iron absorption.
• Selenium: Aids in the breakdown of DNA-damaging peroxides to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid disease development. 
• Vitamin B2: Aids in the production and functioning of new cells. 

It’s also high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. 

Goat Cheese Alternatives For Cats

Goat cheese really is the best choice for your cat, but if you can’t find any or your fuzzball doesn’t seem to like it, you can try one of these low-lactose alternatives:

• Cottage Cheese
• Feta Cheese
• Cream Cheese
• Cheddars
• Gouda
• Mozzarella
• Swiss Cheese
• String Cheese
• Parmesan

Vegan Cheese: The Truth

You may think that vegan cheese is safe for your cat, but unfortunately, it’s not. While it doesn’t contain any lactose, it’s filled with salt and fat content, which can be detrimental to your cat’s health. 

Lactose Intolerance In Cats

It’s pretty easy to spot lactose intolerance in your cat after you’ve given them some goat cheese to eat. Watch out for these signs:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Bloating and abdominal pain
• Excessive gas
• Dehydration or an increased thirst
• Dry gums
• Increased heart rate

The digestive-related signs should subside within a day, but if they don’t, a visit to your vet will help. If you notice any of the last three mentioned symptoms, you should immediately take your cat for a check-up. 

Fun Ideas To Include Goat Cheese In Your Cat’s Diet

Here are some fun ways to give your cat cheese:

1. If you have a cat tunnel, you can lay the cheese in it for your cat to sniff out.
2. If you’re trying to teach your cat a trick or house train them, you can use goat cheese cubes as a treat.
3. If your cat is a little unfit, you can place cheese cubes up high for them to search out.

Alternatively, you can grate some goat cheese and mix it with their dry or wet food, use it to add extra flavor to other foods like fried fish or homemade meatballs, or create a salad meal with cheese, some greens, and meat. 

In Conclusion

Goat cheese is the best cheese to give to cats. Other cheeses are fine as well, but your cat’s risk of being intolerant to them is higher. If you want to add dairy to your cat’s diet, goat milk or cheese is your safest option.

You should still keep portion sizes small and only give goat cheese as a treat. It should never be so much that it replaces a meal. It’s essential for you to keep in mind that the more cheese you feed your cat, the higher their chance of developing an intolerance is.

Let me know in the comments when you include goat cheese in your cat’s diet. I’m sure yours will love it as much as mine does!

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