Cats are not so privileged to have a wide range of foods. Apart from the foods that are specifically made for the cat, it can also be fed in small quantities with other food types. Cats also can do hunting and eat from the wild. However, cat owners always like to try new meals for cats. This may lead to the introduction of harmful foods especially when the expert is not involved. In this article, we are going to look at the possibility of feeding a cat with cheese and whether it is okay to do so. We are also going to look at the side effects if any at all and whether it should be avoided totally. Read on to find out more.
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So can cats eat cheese?
In the affirmative, the cats can eat cheese. This should, however, be a one-time feeding. The cat can be given cheese in small quantities over some time until its digestive system gets used to it. It is not; however, the best meal for the cat as it may cause it to have some digestive problems. If your cat will seriously need cheese, the best option is to give it in moderation.
Does cheese have negative side effects on the cats?
Small quantities of cheese may not cause a problem to the cat in the short run. However, in the long run, no matter the quantity, it is bound to cause some health problems to the cat. Some of the negative side effects are:
- Digestion problem. The cat may not have the capacity to digest cheese as human beings. The digestive system of the cat is a bit small and delicate hence it may not be able to complete the process successfully.
- Vomiting. Cheese is fatty. Most cats won’t tolerate the presence of cheese in their digestive system. The impact, therefore, is that the cat will vomit out all the food consumed and undigested.
- Diarrhea. Just like vomiting, the cheese may not be fully digested by the cat hence causing its stomach problems. The cat will then develop a running stomach commonly known as diarrhea.
These problems are only bound to occur where the cat has been overexposed to the cheese or if the cat is so sensitive. Not all cats, however, will face this problem as some breeds are strong enough to withstand these negative side effects.
Is it safe therefore to feed the cheese to the cat?
Well, too much of something is a poison. To some extent and for a particular quantity, you can safely feed cheese to your cat. The quantities are not uniform. It differs from a cat to a cat. The time that the cat can tolerate too differs from cat to cat and from a breed to another.
To ensure that cheese does not harm your cat when you have the desire to feed it with cheese, it is wise to involve the vet. He/she should be able to guide you through the process without any problems.
So what happens if a cat eats cheese?
It is important to note that cheese comes from dairy products. Cats in many instances do not consume dairy products. This is because it cannot properly digest it. Cheese, therefore, is likely to upset your cat’s stomach leading to problems such as vomiting or even diarrhea.
What should happen if I notice that my cat is developing problems after eating cheese?
Most likely, the cat will be suffering from stomach upsets. Since you are aware of what the cat fed one, try giving him foods that can terminate the problem. You can also give it water that has dissolving agents. In the meantime, contact your vet as soon as possible. Keep diaries of the problems facing your cat after eating cheese for ease of reference in the future.
Is it harmful to a cat to eat cheese?
Initially, it is not harmful. However, with continued ingestion, the harm may occur. It is important to always exercise care when dealing with foods to feed the cat with. The digestive system of the cat is so sensitive and can be easily disturbed by a small upset.
Conclusion
In conclusion, therefore, we can say that the cat can eat cheese. However, eating it too much at one go may be so problematic. It may even lead to death just in case it blocks the digestive tract. To keep your cat safe, always keep the contact of your vet in the speed dial of your phone. Ensure that you conduct a routine check-up on the health of your cat. Monitor its health frequently to avoid eventualities.
You can read more cat food guide on Saundra J. Graves blog thepetnow.com
