Can Cats Eat Cheesecake?

Cheesecake is not a good food for cats. It is full of dairy, and the Merck Veterinary Manual says dairy can upset a cat’s stomach. One small lick is unlikely to be an emergency, but don’t offer more. Chocolate cheesecake is a different story.

Why is cheesecake a poor choice for cats?

Dairy can upset the stomach

The ASPCA says pets don’t have much lactase. That is the enzyme that breaks down the sugar in milk. So dairy can cause diarrhea or other stomach upset. Cornell adds that many cats are lactose intolerant. The Merck Veterinary Manual says milk is not a recommended treat for cats, and that no dairy should be fed to cats raw.

Cheesecake is made from cream cheese, and often cream, eggs, and sugar too. We found no source that gives a safe amount for cats.

Cats are meat eaters

Cornell says cats are obligate carnivores. That means they need nutrients found only in animal products. Cheesecake has none of what a cat needs. Merck says a complete, balanced cat food should be your cat’s main meal, and it advises against table scraps.

Could cheesecake cause pancreatitis in cats?

Pancreatitis is a painful swelling of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion. The Merck Veterinary Manual says the cause in cats usually can’t be found. It does not list fatty food as a cause in cats. Risk factors include belly injuries, surgery, some drugs, and some infections.

So no one can say cheesecake will or won’t cause it. Merck does say that cats with mild cases may be moved to a lower-fat diet and low-fat treats. A rich dessert is the opposite of that.

What should I watch for if my cat ate cheesecake?

If your cat licked or ate a little plain cheesecake, watch for these signs:

• Throwing up
• Diarrhea
• Not wanting to eat
• Being tired or weak

Mild stomach upset often passes, but call your vet if signs last or get worse. Merck lists tiredness, weight loss, dehydration, and belly pain as signs of serious pancreas trouble. Call right away if the cheesecake had chocolate, nuts, or other add-ins you can’t name.

What about other cheesecake add-ins?

Check the ingredients before you decide.

• Chocolate: Dangerous. See the box above.
• Xylitol: This is a sweetener in some baked goods. The ASPCA says it is very harmful to dogs. If you also have a dog, keep any xylitol treat away from it.
• Nuts in the crust: The ASPCA says nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts are high in oil and fat. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and maybe pancreatitis.

What can I give my cat instead?

Stick with your cat’s regular, complete cat food. If you want a treat, ask your vet about cat treats made for cats. Cornell says treats should be no more than 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s daily calories.

For more, see our guides on whether cats can eat ice cream, whether cats can drink milk, and foods that are toxic to cats.