The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Cheese with Cats

Humans have a lot in common with cats. We are social and also independent, and we know what we like. And we both like cheese. So, it seems only natural that we might ponder how cheese and cats relate to one another. After all, we have been in a long-term relationship with both! 

Humans likely created the first cheese by accident some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Meanwhile, we have been living with cats for somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 years. Farmers and later sailors saw the value in cats as hunters of harmful rodents, and cats appreciated the shelter, protection, and food that humans could provide. Our relationship with cats have only grown stronger over time. Cats still hunt and humans still dote on them and have bred them into the ideal house pets.

The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Cheese with Cats

Cats eat what humans feed them, at least some of the time. Notoriously picky eaters, they do seem to favor dairy products, including both milk and cheese. But do various cats have cheeses that actually represent them? The answer is a resounding meow (or yes, in cat-speak). To figure out which cheese goes with which cat, the California Milk Advisory Board helped us create these positively purrfect pairings.

Bengal + Fiscalini Farmstead Balsamic Onion Cheddar

Bengals are bold, complex, and attention-grabbing, just like this cheddar with its tangy balsamic punch.

Siamese + Marin French Petite Breakfast Everything

There's no cat quite like the Siamese. Distinctive and dramatic, with a chatty, aromatic personality, they match perfectly with a seasoning-packed breakfast cheese.

Russian Blue + Point Reyes Farmstead Bay Blue

The Russian Blue is elegant, mysterious, and cool-toned, with depth and refinement that mirrors the creamy yet bold nature of Bay Blue, an award-winning blue cheese.

Ragdoll + Bellwether Farms Basket Ricotta

Ragdolls are soft, gentle, and comforting. Like the delicate, pillowy texture of basket ricotta.

Maine Coon + Belfiore Smoked Mozzarella

The ultimate chonky cat, Maine Coons have a big presence with a smoky, rustic character. Like a smoky mozzarella, they both bring hearty warmth.

Scottish Fold + Angelo & Franco Ciliegine Mozzarella

Off the chart on the adorableness scale, the Scottish Fold are cute, round, and endlessly snackable, so a perfect match for bite-sized mozzarella.

Persians + Di Stefano Burrata

Luxurious, decadent, and indulgent, with a soft, creamy interior burrata  matches the Persian’s lush, pampered vibe.

Tortoiseshell + Nicasio Valley Foggy Morning with Jalapeño

The tortie as they are affectionately known, are sassy and full of attitude, so this fresh, tangy cheese with jalapeño heat is the perfect partner.

Tabby + Valley Ford Estero Gold

Clever and classic, versatile, and reliable, the Tabby is just like this Italian-style table cheese that fits any occasion.

American Shorthair + Wm Cofield McKinley Cheddar

Straightforward, hearty, and all-American, this version of a timeless cheddar is the epitome of a classic (cat).

“Moggy” Rescue + El Mexicano Queso Fresco Casero

Friendly, approachable, and universally loved, queso fresco is the every-cat’s cheese.

Sphynx + Los Altos Cotija Molido

Distinctive, bold, and a little edgy, the Sphynx is just like this salty, crumbly finishing cheese that makes its presence known.