You may want to think twice next time you pour your cat cow's milk
Can Cats Drink Milk? A Veterinarian Explains
If you’ve ever read children’s books where there’s a cat happily slurping milk from a saucer, you’re probably wondering, Can cats drink milk? It’s a common question for a reason: We love our feline friends, and we want them to have the tastiest treats.
Still, we don’t want to give them a tummy ache (or worse) in the process. To find out whether it’s safe to give cats milk, we turned to veterinarian Gary Richter, DVM, who explained how milk affects cats. Before you pour some out for your precious pet, read on to find out what he had to say.
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Is it OK to give cats milk to drink?
Just like humans, some cats can’t digest lactose, a milk sugar that’s found in dairy. There’s a short window of time early in a kitten’s life when it can properly digest lactose. After that, drinking milk can potentially lead to digestive complications.
“Even though some cats can tolerate milk and seem to enjoy it, cow’s milk just isn’t good for cats,” says Dr. Richter, author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide: Breakthrough Nutrition and Integrative Care for Dogs and Cats. “Cats don’t need dairy milk, and the potential problems outweigh the potential benefits.”
What happens when cats drink milk?
“[When a cat drinks milk] undigested lactose will stay in their intestines rather than passing into the bloodstream, and end up fermenting,” says Dr. Richter. “Whole, 2% and skim cow’s milk can also add unhealthy amounts of fat to your cat’s diet.”
Since cats don’t have the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose, drinking milk can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight, abdominal pain and discomfort, and it can cause behavior changes such as increased scratching. Cats sometimes eat grass to soothe an upset stomach, so if you’ve given your cat milk and then see them munching on grass, it might be a sign they’re not feeling well.
What liquids can cats drink?
Cats need plenty of water, so fill your pet’s bowl with that instead of milk. Another great way to make sure your cat is well hydrated: Feed them wet canned food.
FAQs
When do cats stop drinking their mother’s milk?
“Cats feed on their mother’s milk after they are born. The only time in a cat’s life when their body has enough of the enzyme lactase to properly digest lactose is at birth and during the first 12 weeks of their life,” says Dr. Richter. “Once their teeth come in, kittens will wean off their mother’s milk and begin eating food.”
Can cats eat cheese?
You now know that cats can’t drink milk, but get this: Cats can eat cheese, provided it’s in small amounts. Your pet may sometimes get picky and crave a change in the taste of their treats or food. In such cases, you might be able to give your cat cheese as an occasional treat. Run it by your veterinarian first, and stick to types with lower levels of lactose, such as cheddar and Swiss.
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Sources:
- Gary Richter, DVM, veterinarian and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide
- Cornell University: “Hydration”
