Can cats eat blue cheese?
In this brief discussion, we will answer the question “Can cats eat blue cheese?” We will also talk about whether cats like to eat cheese and the nutritional value of feeding cheese to your cat.
Can cats eat blue cheese?
No, cats can’t eat blue cheese. Blue cheese is a type of mouldy cheese and is produced using cultures of the pet-toxic Penicillium mould. Don’t give blue cheese to your cat because of this.
Though the cheese itself is not harmful, you should use caution when handling mouldy cheeses because their potent odour may draw your cat in and have major harmful consequences if your cat eats it.
There is a potential that your cat won’t be as interested in eating blue cheese because of its strong order. In any case, your cat might consume blue cheese without your knowledge if you offer it to them or if it’s merely a component in something else they like to eat.
You should call your veterinarian right away if your cat eats blue cheese since penicillium is harmful to cats and can cause major negative side effects.
Is cheese bad for my cat?
Yes, blue cheese is bad for your cat. However, small amounts of cheese are usually okay for cats to eat, but for some cats, even a small bit of cheese can upset their stomachs.
As obligate carnivores, cats must obtain all of their nutritional needs from meat in order to maintain good health. Cats must consume primarily meat since their bodies are built to digest it and turn it into essential nutrients.
The majority of cats are lactose intolerant, and when they consume dairy products, they frequently exhibit the same symptoms as people who have lactose intolerance, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, or gas.
If your cat consumes cheese, they’ll probably be alright in a day or two, but they might have a serious digestive upset as they adjust. If your cat is vomiting or experiencing diarrhoea at an unusually high rate, you should visit your veterinarian.
You should be aware that some cats can metabolise dairy better than others, and your cat might be fine with a small quantity of cheese as a treat from time to time.
What are the health consequences if a cat eats blue cheese?
Blue cheese is strictly a no for cats to ingest, unlike the majority of other forms of cheese which offer no serious hazard to your cat if consumed in moderation. You should avoid offering your cat any amount of blue cheese since it contains a mould called penicillium that can be extremely poisonous to cats.
Make sure not to feed your cats any baked or raw food that contains blue cheese, including blue cheese dressing. In most cases, blue cheese does not go down well with a cat’s stomach.
Moreover, if your cat is an older cat, the mould in blue cheese can disturb their digestive system to a greater extent. Even a tiny nibble of blue cheese can cause negative reactions in cats, especially if they are allergic to dairy.
If your cat has a dairy allergy, any type of cheese consumption could cause digestive problems and potentially have an adverse effect on their immune system, similar to cats with lactose intolerance.
Your cat might experience the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Gas
- Red or itchy skin patches
- hair fall
Do cats like blue cheese?
Yes, your cat might like blue cheese if it has prior experience with it. Any unattended dairy treats will appeal to cats who are used to eating cheese. Keep all dairy products in airtight containers or in locations your cat can’t access, whether your cat is a cheese enthusiast or is unfamiliar with the meal.
Cats frequently continue to consume items they enjoy even though doing so makes them uncomfortable and is unhealthy for them.
What other types of cheese should I avoid giving to my cat?
You should avoid giving your cat the following types of cheese:
- Cottage cheese: This type of cheese has a lactose content that is too high to be a part of your cat’s diet and unhealthy for your cat especially if it has lactose intolerance, which most cats do.
- Feta cheese: If you’ve ever tasted feta, you are aware of how salty it is. In addition to having a lot of sodium, feta is also heavy in saturated fats. Both sodium and saturated fats are unhealthy for cats.
- Goat cheese: Despite being promoted as a nutritious choice, goat cheese is too salty and calorie-dense for your cat’s diet.
Conclusion
We answered the question “Can cats eat blue cheese?” We also talked about whether cats like to eat cheese and the nutritional value of feeding cheese to your cat.
References
https://www.untamedcatfood.com/blogs/nutrition/can-cats-eat-cheese
