Can Cats Eat Yogurt? Risks and Safe Serving Methods
Yogurt is a delicious and sweet treat made from milk and formed by bacterial fermentation with yogurt cultures. It is not toxic or dangerous for cats, but it is also not necessary and should be fed in moderation.
Why is yogurt not good for cats? Contrary to popular belief, most cats are lactose intolerant, which is a normal part of being an adult cat.
Kittens produce an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose, which is milk sugar. As kittens age and are weaned, they produce less lactase and (therefore) are unable to digest most dairy products.
When lactose is ingested and not broken down by the lactase, the lactose continues through the intestinal system and is not digested. Water is drawn into the intestine and bacteria ferment the undigested milk sugars. This results in symptoms that may include gas, discomfort, and diarrhea in 8 to 12 hours.
Can Cats Eat Greek Yogurt?
A common variation of this question is “Can cats have Greek yogurt?” The answer is similar to regular yogurt, with a few slight differences.
Greek yogurt is strained more than traditional yogurt, which removes some of the lactose. Because of this, it typically contains less lactose than regular yogurt, making it slightly easier for some cats to digest. However, this does not mean it is completely safe or recommended as a regular treat.
Most adult cats are still lactose intolerant, so even Greek yogurt can cause symptoms like gas, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort, especially if given in larger amounts. If you choose to offer Greek yogurt, it should only be:
- Plain (no added sugars, flavors, or artificial sweeteners)
- Free from toxic ingredients like xylitol
- Given in very small quantities (about a teaspoon or less)
While plain Greek yogurt does contain beneficial nutrients like protein and probiotics, cats do not need these from dairy sources. These nutrients are already present in a balanced, high-quality cat food.
The Dangers of Yogurt to Cats
As discussed above, cats naturally have an inability to digest lactose. This can affect some cats more than others. Ingestion of any type of yogurt or dairy product can produce severe symptoms in some cats.
Flavored yogurts, such as those with garlic, onion, or garlic/onion powders can cause severe issues in cats. Cats lack the enzyme to appropriately digest onions, which can cause gas, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe gastrointestinal distress. Regular ingestion of onion or garlic products can cause life-threatening red blood cell damage.
How Can You Tell If Your Cat Is Lactose Intolerant?
You can test your cat’s ability to digest lactose by offering a small amount of milk, such as a tablespoon of milk or yogurt, and look for abnormal symptoms.
There are differing amounts of lactose in various dairy products. For example, goat’s milk commonly contains less lactose than cow’s milk. Therefore, some cats may digest yogurt made with goat’s milk better than yogurt made with cow’s milk. Milk, cream, butter, yogurt, and ice cream all have different amounts of lactose.
Having said that, there is nothing in yogurt that your cat requires. It is safest to choose a treat that is without yogurt or milk of any kind.
Do Cats Like Yogurt?
Some cats love yogurt (as well as other dairy products) and other cats don’t. This really varies from cat to cat. Some cats often love the flavor of yogurt’s soft creamy texture and enjoy this as a healthy snack. Yogurt is also a good source of protein, calcium, and Vitamin B12.
Do Cats Need Yogurt?
There is nothing in yogurt that cats require. What cats do need is a high-quality AAFCO approved cat food.
There are healthier snacks for cats than yogurt.
The Safest Way to Give Yogurt to Cats
The safest way to feed yogurt to your cat is to give a very small dab (a teaspoon) of yogurt free of flavors, such as onion. They do make some variations that are low lactose or goat’s milk that may be better for your cat. Some cat lovers hide medication such as pills in yogurt, cream cheese, or butter, although this is a more commonly used in dogs.
Can Cats be Allergic to Yogurt?
Although uncommon, both cats and dogs can be allergic to yogurt and other dairy products. Other common food allergies are chicken and beef. Food allergies in cats can cause skin infections and/or gastrointestinal problems.