Can My Siamese Cat Eat Cheese?


Siamese cats enjoy the occasional piece of cheese. Cheese is not toxic to cats, but it’s important to remember that they are lactose intolerant. They cannot digest dairy products in the same way we can. 

A small piece of cheese won’t hurt your kitty, so only feed your Siamese cat small amounts of cheese. Avoid giving them cheese on a regular basis. 

There are some things to keep in mind if your feline friend loves to snack on cheese. Read on to learn more! 


Why do Siamese Cats Love Cheese?

There are a few possible explanations for why Siamese cats love cheese. 

1. It could be that Siamese cats are simply attracted to the smell of cheese. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and the scent of cheese may be especially appealing to them. 

2. Siamese cats may enjoy the taste of cheese. Cats’ taste buds are different from humans and are more sensitive to certain flavors. 

3. Another theory is that Siamese cats enjoy the texture of cheese. The smooth, creamy texture is like some of their favorite foods, such as tuna fish. 

4. It’s possible that Siamese cats love cheese because it is a challenging food to eat. Cheese is soft and slippery, which makes it difficult for cats to grab and hold onto. Cheese can be the perfect food for Siamese cats who love to play and eat at the same time! 

5. Your cat associates cheese with positive experiences, such as a reward for good behavior. 

Batman loves cheese. He loves it so much that he will follow me around the house, pawing at my hand, begging for a piece of cheese. He will jump onto the table if I’m eating cheese by myself, and he’ll try to snatch a piece from my plate. 

Cats don’t need cheese, but my little guy considers a piece of cheese to be a healthy snack. 

I’ll give him a small piece of cheese as a treat occasionally. I know that a steady cheese diet would kill him, but the occasional small piece does no harm. 


What Type of Cheese Can Cats Eat? 

There are different types of cheese that Siamese cats can safely eat. 

Hard cheese

Cheddar. Siamese cats are often drawn to cheddar cheese, and it’s not hard to see why. The cheese is mild-tasting and easy for them to eat. A small amount of cheddar cheese is safe for Siamese cats, but they should not eat too much of it. Like all cheeses, cheddar contains lactose, which can cause stomach upset in some cats. 

Swiss. Swiss cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese. It is often considered a healthy option because it’s high in protein and low in sodium and fat. However, Swiss cheese can still lead to digestive issues, especially in Siamese cats. Large amounts of Swiss cheese can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Soft cheese

Mozzarella. This creamy cheese is often used in favorite dishes such as lasagna and pizza. Mozzarella is safe for most cats to eat, but you must limit their intake. 

Goat cheese. Goat cheese is an excellent option for Siamese cats. It has the least amount of lactose and is also lower in salt than other types of cheese. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when giving your Siamese cat cheese. 

  1. Ensure the cheese is fresh and has not been sitting out too long. 
  1. Avoid giving your cat moldy cheese. Blue cheese, for example, is risky for cats as it contains the mold Penicillium, which can be toxic to your feline. It’s best to cut it out of their diet. 
  1. Most Siamese cats enjoy a variety of cheeses, but some may be allergic to cow’s milk cheese. 
  1. You must avoid giving your Siamese cat processed cheese. It contains high levels of salt and fat that can harm their health. 

Keep the salt content in mind – especially if you have a Siamese cat. They are susceptible to salt toxicity resulting from ingesting too much salt. 

Cats can eat hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss cheese. However, they have more salt than soft cheeses like mozzarella and goat cheese. So if you’re looking for a safe cheese for your Siamese cat, stick to the softer varieties. You can stick to low-sodium cheeses or choose another type of food altogether. 

Cats love cheese as much as we do, so it’s important to be aware of the risks. A little bit of cheese now and then is fine, but make sure not to overdo it. 


What are the Health Benefits of Cheese for Cats?

Cats are often portrayed as loving all things dairy, like cheese. The truth is that they gain no nutritional benefits from these products. 

Siamese cats are obligate carnivores. This means their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins. 

Cats are unique in this respect. All other mammal species can get some nutrients from plant-based sources. As a result, Siamese cats need a diet high in animal protein and low in carbohydrates. This diet helps to keep Siamese cats lean and muscular. It also helps to prevent specific health problems such as obesity and diabetes. 

Many commercially-available cat foods can meet the nutritional needs of Siamese cats. A variety of “raw” diets are also available for purchase. Siamese cats also need more taurine than other cats, so choose food containing this. 

There is no need to supplement your cat with treats like cheese if you are already feeding him a high-quality diet. Siamese cats (and all other cats) do not need cheese in their diets to stay healthy and function properly. 


How to Feed Cheese to Your Cat

  1. It’s best to chat with your veterinarian before you share your cheese plate with your Siamese cat. Make sure you know what’s on the list of safe cat foods – and what’s not. 
  1. Many cheese products contain casein, a protein that cats cannot digest properly. Some also contain additives or flavors that can poison cats, such as onions and garlic. 
  1. Always give your cat a little less cheese rather than a little more. A few small bites of cheese as a special treat are unlikely to harm. Overindulging your cat regularly could lead to weight gain and other health problems. 
  1. Monitor your cat closely after eating cheese to ensure they don’t have any adverse reactions. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and difficulty breathing. 

It’s best to consult your veterinarian if your cat experiences any of these symptoms. They will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed. 

Conclusion

As you can see, feeding your cat a dairy doesn’t have to be a bad thing. But make sure that the cheese you give your cat is safe for consumption. 

Feed your Siamese cat a diet full of quality ingredients to ensure your feline gets the most nutrition.

We gathered all the health tips tailored towards maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide

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Katerina Gasset

Katerina Gasset is a seasoned Siamese cat breeder with a passion that spans over 18 years. Her love for these distinctive felines has not only led her to breed them, but also to dedicate herself to the rescue and wellbeing of the Siamese breed. Currently, she is the proud owner of two charismatic Siamese cats named Batman and Robyn, whose antics and unique personalities often inspire her work. As a well-established author and blogger, Katerina leverages her extensive knowledge of Siamese cats in her writings. She is the sole creator and owner of SiameseKittyKat.com, a comprehensive online platform that serves as a repository of practical advice and fascinating insights into the world of Siamese cats. Through her enlightening articles, she assists countless cat owners in better understanding and taking care of their Siamese companions. More than a breeder, Katerina is an advocate for the breed. Her commitment goes beyond mere appreciation; she is dedicated to educating others on the complexities and joys of living with Siamese cats, sharing her wisdom with a community of fellow Siamese cat lovers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned Siamese cat owner or just beginning your journey, Katerina's informative and engaging content is a valuable resource.

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