We all love cheese, don’t we? Whether it’s gooey, melted mozzarella on our pizza or a chunk of cheddar in our soup, cheese makes everything taste better. But can cats eat cheese? Do they even like it? Let’s take a look at the science behind this scrumptious snack and find out whether mozzarella is safe for kitties to chow down on.

Cats are notorious for getting into things that they shouldn’t, which is why it’s important to know what your cat can and cannot eat.In general, it is generally safe for cats to eat small amounts of cheese, but some cheeses may be more harmful to them than others.

Mozzarella cheese contains lactose, which is not good for cats. This blog post will talk about the side effects of eating mozzarella cheese on a cat, when to take your cat to the veterinarian if you think they have eaten too much mozzarella cheese, and alternatives to giving them Mozzarella cheese.

What Exactly Is Mozzarella Cheese?

Mozzarella cheese is a type of Italian cheese that is made from buffalo milk or cow’s milk. It has a soft, elastic texture and a mild, delicate flavor. Mozzarella cheese is often used in dishes like pizza and lasagna, and it can also be eaten on its own as a snack.

It has been described as being “wheezy”, with a soft and stretchy texture similar to string cheese or brie. The flavor can range from mild to strong, but typically it has a salty taste due to the inclusion of salt during production.

Italians use this versatile ingredient for many dishes, including pizza dough, pasta sauces, soups, stews, just about anything you could think of! 

How Is Mozzarella Cheese Made?

Mozzarella cheese is made from the milk of cows or buffaloes. First, curds are separated from whey by using acidification and stretching with hot water. The resulting mass will be somewhat elastic after it has cooled down to a temperature between 90°F to 115°F. 

The next step in production involves adding salt and enzymes called rennet that help form the cheese into its final shape. After this process, mozzarella can either undergo further aging or be used immediately for consumption (i.e., pizza).    

Can Cats Eat Mozzarella Cheese?

Cats can’t eat mozzarella cheese because it’s too high in lactose for them to digest. Cats have difficulty with large molecules like lactose that are found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance causes diarrhea and vomiting in cats, which is why many pet owners choose not to serve this type of food to their feline friends.

Cats can’t eat mozzarella cheese because they lack the enzymes to digest it. They also lack the bacteria needed to break down the lactose in this type of cheese, which is why it’s not good for them. 

In general, it is safe for cats to eat small amounts of cheese. However, mozzarella cheese contains too much lactose, which can be harmful to cats. It can cause stomach problems in some cats, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.

If your cat has eaten excessive amounts of mozzarella cheese, they may start exhibiting some of these symptoms. If this happens, you should take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

List Of Mozzarella Cheese Side Effects On Cats:

  • Diarrhea: The main side effect of mozzarella cheese on cats is diarrhea. This occurs when the cat’s body cannot break down the lactose in the cheese, which leads to an upset stomach and watery stool.
  • Vomiting: Another common side effect of mozzarella cheese on cats is vomiting. This usually happens when the cat eats too much of the cheese at once and can’t handle all the lactose. As with diarrhea, you should keep an eye on your cat’s vomit and see if it improves within a day or so.
  • Gas : If your cat has eaten too much mozzarella cheese, it may also exhibit some gas. This occurs when the bacteria in their gut begins to break down lactose and causes them to feel bloated or gassy.
  • Bloating : If your cat has eaten too much of this cheesy treat, they may experience bloating. This is caused by excess gas in the stomach and is not necessarily lactose intolerance.
  • Abdominal pain : In some cases, cats who eat too much mozzarella cheese may also experience abdominal pain. This is due to the high lactose content of the cheese and can be very uncomfortable for your cat.
  • Kidney Issues Due To High Salt Content: The high salt content of mozzarella cheese can also be a problem for cats. Too much salt can cause kidney problems in cats, as well as other health issues. If your cat has eaten too much mozzarella cheese, you should keep an eye on its kidneys and see if there are any signs of distress.
  • Liver Issues: The high levels of cholesterol in mozzarella cheese can also be a problem for cats. Too much cholesterol can lead to liver problems, as well as other health concerns.
  • Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is a painful condition that affects the pancreas. In some cases, it can be fatal if not treated right away. It occurs when your cat’s body tries to digest certain types of food or drink they ingest but cannot handle, such as lactose in milk products. The most common cause of pancreatitis in cats is eating dairy products like mozzarella cheese, which contain high amounts of lactose for them to process (diarrhea), vomiting).
  • Weight Gain : If your cat regularly consumes mozzarella cheese, they may start to put on some extra weight. This is due to the high-fat and calorie content of the cheese, which can cause your cat to become obese over time.
  • Diabetes: The high sugar content of mozzarella cheese can also be a problem for cats. Too much sugar in the diet can lead to diabetes in cats, which is a serious condition.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Eats Too Much Mozzarella Cheese?

Mozzarella cheese is not toxic to cats. If your cat has consumed a few pieces by accident, there is no need to panic as it is highly unlikely that it is going to cause any serious side-effects on your cat. If your cat has only consumed a small amount , there may not be anything to worry about as it will likely just pass through their system without any problems.

There are also several things you can do at home to help your pet recover if they have consumed excessive mozzarella cheese . These include:

  • Providing plenty of fluids: Cats who are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting as a result of eating excessive mozzarella cheese will need plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. You can provide water, coconut water , or pedialyte to help keep them hydrated.
  • Administering electrolytes: If your cat has diarrhea or is vomiting, they are also at risk for dehydration and electrolyte deficiency. You can purchase oral rehydration solutions from most pet stores that you mix with water to replace the lost fluids in their bodies. You may have to administer this solution several times a day until your cat recovers fully.
  • Offering a low-sugar diet: To avoid further upsetting your pet’s digestive system and causing more vomiting and diarrhea, it is best to feed them a low sugar and low-sodium diet for several days after the incident. Feeding them lean meats like chicken breast will help their bodies recover faster without worsening the condition with high levels of fat or sugar.

When To Take Your Cat To The Veterinarian?

There are a few instances when you should take your cat to the veterinarian after they have consumed excessive mozzarella cheese. These include:

  • If your cat has vomited or had diarrhea for more than 24 hours,
  • Seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat exhibits signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, lethargy, dry mouth, or excessive panting.
  • If there is blood in their vomit or stool,

If you are unsure whether or not to take your cat to the veterinarian, it is always best to call and speak with a professional. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action depending on the situation.

What Are The Alternatives To Mozzarella Cheese For Cats?

There are also a few alternatives to mozzarella cheese that you can give your cat instead. Some good choices include:

  • tuna (in water)
  • chicken (boneless, skinless)
  • salmon
  • boiled eggs
  • rice

These foods are all much easier for cats to digest and do not pose the same threat of excessive lactose or sugar content. Feeding these foods on a regular basis can also help your feline be healthier overall.

Parting Words

Cats are unable to consume mozzarella cheese because they lack the enzyme required to break down lactose.This is also true for all other dairy products, as well as any food that contains high levels of carbohydrates and sugar. In order to avoid stomach upset or diarrhea, it’s best not to feed your cat anything with these ingredients in it at all!

If you want your cat to live a long life with healthy digestion, avoid giving them any type of dairy product, including cow’s milk or other types of cheese made from cows’ milk, such as Mozzarella cheese.

If you insist on feeding your cat any type of dairy product, be sure that it is easy for them to digest, such as goat’s milk or cottage cheese, because those will not upset their stomachs as much as cow’s milk would.

I hope this blog post has answered any nutrition related questions you had about whether cats can eat mozzarella cheese or not ! If there is anything else I didn’t cover in detail or if you still have more specific questions on this topic, feel free to reach out with your concerns by clicking the contact button below.


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Meow for now 🙂

XoXo

Genie

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