Do Cats Eat Yogurt?
Many people wonder if yogurt is a good treat for cats. After all, yogurt is often seen as a healthy food for humans, especially if it’s low in sugar and loaded with probiotics. Cats have unique nutritional needs that don’t always align with the foods we consider healthy as humans.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether cats can benefit from a little yogurt or if it’s better left off their menu. So, without delaying it any further. Let’s find out and answer your query, “Do cats eat yogurt”
Is It Okay For Cats To Eat Yogurt?
Cats are carnivores which means they rely on nutrients found in meat to stay healthy. While they might enjoy dairy products but they can struggle with digesting lactose once they’re off from their mother’s milk. Because yogurt is a dairy product, you might see some tummy issues pop up if your cat eats more than the desired/limited quantity.
Lactose, Digestion, and Potential Problems
Kittens can handle lactose better but as cats grow up, their bodies produce less lactase which is an enzyme that helps break down the lactose. Some yogurts, especially plain and unsweetened varieties, contain less lactose than milk. This can make them a bit easier to handle if your cat just gets a tiny amount. However, dairy products with excessive lactose can cause trouble for your cat and it might end up with bloating, gas, and diarrhea problems.
Sugar content is another concern. Many yogurts have added sugars or sweeteners that are fine for humans but can be harmful or unnecessary for cats. Cats don’t crave sugar the way humans do, they can’t even taste sweetness the same way we can so giving them sugary yogurt doesn’t do them any favors. Some artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, can also be toxic to pets in certain amounts. Checking the label and key ingredients is key before ever sharing a bite.
Isn’t Yogurt Healthy For Cats?
The probiotics or bacteria in the yogurt help human gut health but that isn’t the case with cats as well. Cats can get good bacteria from their diet especially if you’re giving them a high-quality cat food.
If your cat has digestive issues and you’re offering them yogurt for a quick cure, it’s better to consult your vet before you take any decision because there are many specific probiotic supplements made for cats. They’re better than giving your cat a spoonful of yogurt.
This way, you can avoid the extra lactose, sugars, and additives that aren’t beneficial for your pet. Your cat may show an interest in yogurt simply because it smells new or appealing, or they see you eating it. A few licks of plain, unsweetened yogurt probably won’t harm a healthy cat, especially if you keep it very limited. The key is knowing how much is too much and what kind of yogurt is least likely to cause problems. This should answer your query regarding “Do cats eat yogurt”.
Potential Benefits vs. Potential Risks
Here’s a quick look at how yogurt might affect your cat:
| Possible Benefits | Possible Risks |
| May have lower lactose than milk | Could still cause stomach upset or diarrhea |
| Contains some probiotics | Might contain added sugars or sweeteners |
| High in protein compared to other dairy | Cats can’t process lactose well after kittenhood |
| Might be tolerated in very small amounts | This could lead to vomiting, gas, or bloating |
Even though there are a few potential benefits, most of these don’t outweigh the risks, since cats have more specialized dietary needs than humans.
Nutritional Value of Plain Yogurt
To get a better understanding of what’s inside a small serving of plain yogurt, here’s an approximate breakdown per 1 tablespoon which is about about 15 grams. Keep in mind different brands will vary, and sweetened or flavored yogurts will have higher sugars:
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
| Calories | ~8 – 10 kcal |
| Protein | ~0.5 g |
| Fat | ~0.3 g |
| Carbohydrates (including lactose) | ~1 g |
| Sugars | ~1 g (can be more if sweetened) |
A tablespoon of yogurt might not sound like much, but for a small animal like a cat, it can be enough to cause digestive trouble if they’re lactose intolerant.
How Much Yogurt Is Okay, If Any?
Do cats eat yogurt? Yes, they do find it appealing but we know it’s not the ideal diet for them. However, if your cat licks your spoon once in a while, it’s probably not like a disaster.
However, regular servings or letting them have free rein over your container isn’t a good idea. Keep in mind that every cat’s tolerance can differ. Some cats might handle a few licks without issues, while others could react poorly right away.
If you really want to offer yogurt to your pet. Make sure it’s plain and has no sweetener at all. Sweeteners like xylitol can cause serious trouble for your pet so make sure you avoid them. Lastly, even though you should restrict your cat from yogurt if you let them have it, it should not be more than half a teaspoon, and that too once in a long.
Yogurt Alternatives For Cats
When your cat seems curious about what you’re eating consider safer treats designed with feline digestion in mind such as freeze/dried meat chunks, cooked/boiled fish, or chicken. Stick to the cat foods that are suggested by your trusted vet to avoid long-term health issues.
Most commercially available cat foods are carefully balanced to meet your cat’s nutritional needs so your cat gets everything they require.
Conclusion
Get your yogurt bowl from your fridge and try eating that in front of your cat and see how curious your cat would get. It’s okay to give them a quick lick occasionally but only if it’s a plain yogurt without any sweeteners.
However, it’s best to remember that cats aren’t built to handle dairy-like humans. Cats do eat yogurt but the lactose and possible added sugars or sweeteners can be risky for their digestive systems.
