Dairy & eggs · updated 2026-09-12
Can cats eat cheese?
A crumb is fine; most adult cats are lactose-intolerant.
Why
Cats lose the enzyme for lactose after weaning, so cheese often means diarrhoea. Hard cheeses have less lactose. It's high in fat and salt for a cat.
How to serve it
A fingernail-sized piece of hard cheese, rarely.
If they eat too much
Diarrhoea, vomiting, gas.
How much cheese for my cat?
A daily maximum for a healthy adult cat, kept inside the 10% treat rule. Enter body weight.
Up to 1 g a day — a pea-sized piece · hard cheese, crumb.
Treats of all kinds should stay under about 10% of daily calories. Puppies, kittens, seniors and pets with a medical condition: ask your vet first.
And for dogs?
In moderation. Small amounts of low-fat cheese — many dogs are lactose-intolerant. Can dogs eat cheese? →
Related foods for cats
See the whole list: Can cats eat…? · printable fridge chart
This guide is general information for healthy adult cats, based on published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, AKC, VCA). It is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your cat's weight, age and medical history. If you are unsure, ask them before sharing any human food.