Cats are of nature’s most adored pets.
Unfortunately, they can also be notoriously mischievous. Some cats love to eat string cheese.
However, this food might make them sick, and it could actually harm their digestive system. So, can cats have string cheese?
Yes and no. Cats can have string cheese but it shouldn’t be part of their regular diet.
There are some benefits to feeding cats string cheese in small quantities once in a while. But in moderation, this treat can still be problematic for cats’ health.
Can Cats Have String Cheese?
Your animal friend’s adorable begging approach will melt your heart and make you say yes to his attention-craving behavior a lot quicker.
A modest bit of cheese can be a wonderful treat for your cat whether it’s breaded or plain and contains no preservatives or artificial flavors that may trigger allergies and digestive upset.
Humans love to spread cheese on bread or crackers, but considering your cat’s sensitive digestive system, it would be best to give him a small piece as a treat rather than part of your daily cat food consumption.
The natural ingredients in string cheese are considered safe for dogs because of their lactose-free content, but the same cannot be said for felines as they lack the enzyme lactase needed to properly digest milk products.
However, we suggest starting your cat on small portions and gradually increasing his intake over time to prevent any digestive intolerance issues.
You may also inquire with your doctor about the effects of feeding your cat cheese, especially if you’re feeding him a diet that’s specially formulated for felines.
Is String Cheese Bad for Cats?
String cheese is high in protein and fat, which can contribute to your cat’s weight problems if these calories are exceeded on a regular basis.
The quantity of lactose in the cheese can also be problematic for cats who are lactose intolerant.
Furthermore, string cheese is high in salt, which when fed regularly can lead to hypertension and kidney problems.
Cats do not have the enzyme lactase that humans do to break down lactose sugar into glucose and galactose.
It is not a good idea to feed string cheese to cats as it can cause GI upset and diarrhea.
It’s possible that if you feed your cat regular cheese that he’s accustomed to eating, then he might normally digest the string cheese as well.
They will have extra energy to burn and will want to get out and be active.
Why Is My Cat Obsessed With String Cheese?
String cheese is quintessentially an American snack, so it’s only natural that your cat would gravitate towards it.
If they come upon it and are allowed to eat it, then they’re likely to eat it more often and in larger quantities.
Cats are naturally drawn to sources of protein and fat, so if your cat is eating the cheese, then he’s likely to feel satiated as a result.
They seize whatever that comes their way, so string cheese being left out isn’t likely to be an issue.
Furthermore, cheese has near them and string cheese seems to be irresistible to them.
The fragrance of protein in it that cats find appealing and crave.
Aside from that, the gooey cheese is what pulls them in and makes them want to lick the strings and even try to eat the cheese itself.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Some Cheese?
Diarrhea
When a cat consumes cheese, its body will convert the lactose present into glucose and galactose and ferment it into their stomachs.
They may get body has to break it down into usable ingredients.
Obesity
Cats are unable digest lactose beyond 4-5 months of age and lack the enzyme needed to extract glucose from lactose.
If you give them a piece and don’t remove any uneaten pieces after 2 hours, then your cat may also throw up the string cheese.
Obesity does not only affect cats while eating cheese, but it also affects them when eating other fatty foods or snacks.
It brings together a group of experts specializing in feline nutrition.
Vomiting
Cheese overload might induce vomiting in cats, however, this is likely to be because of overeating.
Their bodies will be unable to store the excessive amounts of nutrition they get from the fatty cheese, therefore, they visit the toilet to get their tummy back to normal.
Vomit is one way the feline body releases the extra water present after eating cheese and excess carbs that may lead to diarrhea.
As a consequence, the cat may also pant heavily in an attempt to get rid of more water from their body.
Upset Stomach
Cheese is indigestible and can lead to nausea and/or vomiting in cats.
There are no enzymes in cats’ digestive system to break down the cheese and turn it into usable nutrients.
In cats, the most common problems include gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
How Much String Cheese Can Cats Have?
String cheese may account for up to 5% of a cat’s daily diet, but no more than that.
Instead, it is suggested that only a few slices or sticks of string cheese be fed to them daily, and it should be divided into several portions.
Cheese is fattening so giving too much can spoil your cat’s weight and make them obese and obese cats are more susceptible to obesity-related problems.
That would be inappropriate territory when talking about what foods to eat and not to eat with cats.
Apart from that, its fragrance and texture are unappealing to the cat’s sensory system.
Furthermore, cheese might trigger or aggravate the signs of sensitive stomach, diabetes, or skin allergies in some cats.
The body’s metabolism is very slow.
It will take some time for the cat to digest the food and assimilate the nutritional ingredients into its body.
The cat will probably not want to take on the unpleasant task of eating a whole piece of string cheese in one sitting.
Vegetable and fruit You shouldn’t be feeding your cat fruits like avocado, plums, cherries, peaches, grapes and raisins as they are known to cause pancreatitis in cats.
Also Read: Can Cats Have Cream Cheese?
Conclusion
in summary, while cats can have string cheese as a treat, they should not be given too much as they can cause serious health problems, especially if it forms part of their everyday diet.
The more common symptoms of improper diet include vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.
If you feed your cat string cheese or any other types of dairy product as a part of their regular diet, then severe health problems may arise over time.
Furthermore , string cheese can also cause inflammation in the cat’s body and cause other health problems like diabetes.
So, can cats have string cheese? Cat can have string cheese in small amounts occasionally, but only as a treat and not as their main source of nutrition.
