Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is not a good treat for cats. A small bite is unlikely to be an emergency, but dairy can upset the belly. Here is what to know, plus cream cheese.
Cottage cheese is not a good treat for cats. Many cats are lactose intolerant, which means dairy can give them diarrhea or an upset stomach. Cats do not need dairy at all. If your cat licked a little plain cottage cheese, it is unlikely to be an emergency. Just do not make it a habit.
Why is cottage cheese not a good treat for cats?
Many cats cannot digest dairy well
Cornell Feline Health Center says many cats are lactose intolerant. Lactose is the sugar in milk. A cat that cannot digest it well can get stomach and bowel problems. The ASPCA says the same thing in simple terms: pets have little lactase, the body’s tool for breaking down milk sugar. Dairy can cause diarrhea or other upset.
The sources we read do not say exactly how much lactose is in cottage cheese or how much is too much. Cats also differ. One cat may be fine, and another may get sick from a small bite.
Cats are meat eaters
Cornell says cats are obligate carnivores. That means they need nutrients that come only from animal products. The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats eat mainly meat, and that raw meat and dairy products of any kind should not be fed to cats. A complete cat food already has what your cat needs, so cottage cheese adds nothing useful.
What should I watch for if my cat ate cottage cheese?
Watch your cat for the next day or so. The main signs of a dairy problem are:
- Loose stool or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- A sore or upset belly
Most mild upsets pass on their own. Call your vet if the signs are strong, last more than a day, or your cat stops eating or seems very tired. Call sooner for a kitten or a cat with a health problem.
Is flavored cottage cheese safe for cats?
Check the label before you share anything. Some cottage cheese is mixed with other foods or seasonings. The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats are the most sensitive animals to onion and garlic, and it says the problem has happened in cats after eating less than a teaspoon of cooked onion. The ASPCA also lists chives with onions and garlic as foods that can damage red blood cells. Skip any cottage cheese with onion, garlic, or chives.
The ASPCA also warns that too much salt can make pets sick. Plain foods are the better choice for any treat.
Can cats eat cream cheese?
Cream cheese is also dairy, so the same advice applies. It is not a good treat for cats. Merck says dairy products should not be fed to cats, and the ASPCA says dairy can cause diarrhea or other upset. A small lick is unlikely to be an emergency, but there is no reason to offer it. Check the label on flavored kinds, such as ones with onion, garlic, or chives.
What can I give my cat instead?
The easiest treat is one made for cats. You can also use a few pieces of your cat’s regular food as a reward. Cornell says treats should not be more than about 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s daily calories. Merck also warns that overfeeding can lead to obesity and other serious health problems.
For more on dairy, see our guide to cheese for cats. For foods that can make your cat sick, see foods that are toxic to cats.
Common questions
Is cottage cheese poisonous to cats?
Plain cottage cheese is not on the ASPCA list of poisonous foods. Dairy can upset a cat's belly, though, so it is not a good treat.
Why does my cat get diarrhea after dairy?
The ASPCA says pets have little lactase, the thing in the body that breaks down milk sugar. Dairy can then cause diarrhea or other stomach upset. Cornell says many cats are lactose intolerant.
Can kittens eat cottage cheese?
The sources we read do not give advice for kittens and cottage cheese. Merck says dairy products should not be fed to cats, so skip it and feed a complete kitten food.
Do cats need dairy?
No. Cornell says cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need nutrients found only in animal products. A complete and balanced cat food gives your cat what it needs.