Can Cats Eat Parmesan Cheese? (Yes & How Much?)

People often think that because cats are carnivores, they can eat anything. However, this is not the case. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins. So can cats eat parmesan cheese?

According to the ASPCA, cats can eat Parmesan cheese in moderation. However, some cheeses can cause digestive upset in cats, so it’s important to offer only a small amount as a treat and to monitor your cat’s reaction.

If your cat experiences any vomiting or diarrhea after eating cheese, discontinue feeding and consult your veterinarian.

Why do Cats Love Parmesan Cheese?

You wake up in the morning, stumble into the kitchen and head for the fridge. You’re looking forward to your breakfast of eggs and toast, but as you open the fridge door, you see that your cat has beaten you to it! There, perched atop the bread box, is a smug-looking feline with a telltale white powder on her whiskers.

Your cat has been at the Parmesan again! But why do cats love this cheese so much?

1. Strong & Salty Flavor

Parmesan cheese is very strong and salty, two qualities that cats seem to love. In fact, a lot of the foods that we humans enjoy are actually quite attractive to our feline friends. Foods like garlic, onions, and even coffee beans can be irresistible to cats.

The high salt content in Parmesan may also play a role in why cats like it so much. Salt is important for cats because it helps them regulate their body fluids.

A little salt can be a good thing for cats, but too much can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to offer Parmesan cheese to your cat in moderation and to make sure she has access to fresh water at all times.

2. Rich & Creamy Texture

Another reason that cats love Parmesan cheese is its rich and creamy texture. Cats are attracted to foods that are high in fat, and Parmesan cheese is no exception.

While a little bit of fat is essential for a healthy diet, too much can lead to obesity and other health problems. So, as with salt, it’s important to offer Parmesan cheese to your cat in moderation.

Is Parmesan Cheese Toxic to Cats?

Parmesan cheese is not toxic to cats. However, some cheeses can cause digestive upset in cats, so it’s important to offer only a small amount as a treat and to monitor your cat’s reaction.

If your cat experiences any vomiting or diarrhea after eating cheese, discontinue feeding and consult your veterinarian.

How much Parmesan can Cats Safely Eat?

To break it down, a healthy cat should eat about two and a half to three ounces of canned or homemade food per pound of body weight daily.

So, for example, a five-pound cat would need about 12.5 to 15 ounces or 350 to 425 grams of wet food each day.

A small amount of Parmesan cheese can be fed to your cat as a treat. For example, if your cat weighs five pounds, you could offer her one ounce or 28 grams of Parmesan cheese as a occasional snack.

How to Feed Parmesan Cheese to Your Cat?

Parmesan cheese can be fed to your cat in a variety of ways. Here I’ll share a few ideas:

1. Add a small amount of Parmesan cheese to your cat’s regular food. This is a good way to introduce the cheese to your cat and to see how she reacts.

2. Offer Parmesan cheese as a treat. You can give your cat a small piece of cheese as a special treat.

3. Use Parmesan cheese to stuff a toy. This is a great way to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated. Simply put a small amount of cheese inside a Kong or other toy and let your cat have at it!

Benefits of Feeding Parmesan Cheese to Cats

I’m not a veterinarian, so I can’t speak definitively on the health benefits of feeding Parmesan cheese to cats. However, I can share some of the potential benefits that have been suggested by experts.

1. Good Source of Protein and Fat

Yes, Parmesan cheese is high in fat and salt. However, it’s also a good source of protein and calcium. These nutrients are important for a healthy diet, and they can help to keep your cat’s bones and muscles strong.

2. Possible Weight Loss Aid

While more research is needed, some experts believe that Parmesan cheese could help cats lose weight. One theory is that the high-fat content of the cheese helps to keep cats feeling full longer.

If you’re hoping to use Parmesan cheese as a weight-loss aid for your cat, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you create a healthy diet plan for your feline friend and make sure she’s getting all the nutrients she needs.

3. Possible Digestive Aid

Parmesan cheese is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help to keep the digestive system healthy. Probiotics can help to relieve digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting.

Risks of Feeding Parmesan Cheese to Cats

As I mentioned earlier, Parmesan cheese is high in fat and salt. These nutrients are essential for a healthy diet, but they can be dangerous in large amounts. Here I’ll discuss a few of the risks associated with feeding Parmesan cheese to cats.

1. Weight Gain

One of the most common risks of feeding Parmesan cheese to cats is weight gain. Cats who consume too much fat are at risk of becoming obese, which can lead to a variety of health problems.

If you’re going to offer Parmesan cheese to your cat, be sure to do so in moderation. A small piece of cheese as a treat is fine, but don’t allow your cat to gorge herself on the stuff.

2. Digestive Issues

As I mentioned earlier, some cheeses can cause digestive upset in cats. If your cat experiences vomiting or diarrhea after eating Parmesan cheese, discontinue feeding and consult your veterinarian.

3. High Blood Pressure

Another potential risk of feeding Parmesan cheese to cats is high blood pressure. Salt can cause a variety of health problems in cats, including high blood pressure and kidney disease.

If you’re going to offer Parmesan cheese to your cat, be sure to do so in moderation. A small piece of cheese as a treat is fine, but don’t allow your cat to gorge herself on the stuff.

4. Pancreatitis

Finally, some experts believe that Parmesan cheese could potentially trigger pancreatitis in cats. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

If you’re going to offer Parmesan cheese to your cat, be sure to do so in moderation. A small piece of cheese as a treat is fine, but don’t allow your cat to gorge herself on the stuff.

How to Choose the Right Parmesan Cheese for Your Cat?

Its time to buy some Parmesan cheese for your cat, but you’re not sure what to look for. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right cheese for your feline friend.

1. Choose a High-Quality Cheese

When choosing Parmesan cheese for your cat, it’s important to select a high-quality product. Look for a cheese that’s made with whole milk and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients.

2. Avoid Cheese with a Strong Flavor

Parmesan cheese is known for its strong flavor, but that’s not necessarily a good thing when it comes to feeding your cat. Look for a Parmesan cheese that’s milder in taste and aroma.

3. Give Your Cat a Small Piece of Cheese

When you first offer Parmesan cheese to your cat, give her a small piece to try. This will help you gauge her reaction to the cheese and make sure she doesn’t have any adverse reactions.

The Summary

So I can tell you that, yes, cats can eat Parmesan cheese. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before feeding it to your feline friend. Parmesan cheese is high in fat and salt, which can be dangerous for cats if consumed in large amounts.

It’s also important to choose a high-quality cheese and avoid cheeses with a strong flavor. If you’re going to offer Parmesan cheese to your cat, do so in moderation and watch for any adverse reactions.