What are the symptoms of Blue Cheese poisoning in cats?

vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature, muscle tremors, seizures

Blue Cheese

Q: Can cats eat Blue Cheese?

Toxic: Never — the mold produces a dangerous toxin. Blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, etc.) are made using Penicillium mold cultures that produce roquefortine C, a tremorgenic mycotoxin. In cats, this compound causes serious neurological effects including muscle tremors and seizures. Even a moderate portion can cause severe illness. Cats' smaller body size makes them more susceptible per ounce consumed. Source: ASPCA.

Toxic

Verdict

Never — the mold produces a dangerous toxin.

Toxic principle: roquefortine C

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, etc.) are made using Penicillium mold cultures that produce roquefortine C, a tremorgenic mycotoxin. In cats, this compound causes serious neurological effects including muscle tremors and seizures. Even a moderate portion can cause severe illness. Cats' smaller body size makes them more susceptible per ounce consumed.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• high temperature
• muscle tremors
• seizures

What to do

If your cat ate blue cheese, contact your vet promptly. Other cheeses are less dangerous but still high in fat; plain mild cheeses in small amounts are usually OK, but avoid blue-veined varieties entirely.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org