Can cats eat yogurt?
No, yogurt is best avoided. It is a dairy product, and adult cats have little of the enzyme that digests milk sugar, so dairy can cause diarrhoea or an upset stomach. Veterinary guides advise against feeding cats dairy products.
Updated:
Why
Adult cats have little lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, so milk and other dairy-based products can cause diarrhoea or other digestive upset. Many cats are lactose intolerant. Dairy products are also high in fat and can add to weight gain. Plant-based alternatives are not automatically safe, as some contain ingredients that could be toxic to cats.
Signs to watch for
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Gas or bloating
What to do
If your cat ate yogurt, watch for diarrhoea, vomiting or a change in behaviour, and contact your vet for advice if she seems unwell.
Questions and answers
Is dairy-free yogurt better for cats?
Not necessarily. Many dairy alternatives contain ingredients that could be toxic to cats, so they are best avoided too.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Human foods to avoid for cats — Agriculture Victoria (updated 2025-09-09)
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Feeding Your Cat — Cornell Feline Health Center (updated 2026-04-30)
- Proper Nutrition for Cats — Merck Veterinary Manual, Cat Owners (N. Roman; 2025-07)
- The best diet for your cat — PDSA (2024-01)
- Are cats lactose intolerant? — Cats Protection (2024-09-19)
- Can cats eat cheese? — Cats Protection (2023-07-10)
- Cat Nutrition Tips — ASPCA (no date shown)
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.