Do you also think that milk is one of cats’ favourite foods? Nothing could be further from the truth, because except for the mother’s milk that kittens take directly from their mothers, the adult cats cannot completely digest this food, much less if it is milk from another animal.
Therefore, can cats drink milk?
Today, we will tell you the effect of milk on cats, what happens when you give your cat milk, and what kind of milk is best for your cat. Listen carefully!
Milk and cats
Humans are the only animal that can continue to drink milk in adulthood. In contrast, when cats move on from the kitten stage, their digestive system loses the ability to digest milk.
Adult cats tend to become lactose intolerant. They stop producing the enzyme responsible for digesting lactose, although some cats do continue to produce a certain amount of this enzyme. This can occur in cats who have included milk throughout their lives in their diet.
Can kittens drink milk?
Kittens can digest milk well, but it is not advisable to give them cow’s milk. Cow’s milk has a very different composition from that of cats, and it would not be a full meal.
The best milk to feed a baby kitten are the special preparations that simulate cat milk. You can find them at any pet shop or veterinary centre.
Can I give milk to an adult cat?
Adult cats that cannot tolerate lactose in milk can suffer very bothersome symptoms. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling in the stomach and flatulences. These symptoms are indicative that the feline cannot digest milk well, and should not take it.
Even if your cat likes drinking cow’s milk, if you notice that his/her digestion is complicated, it is preferable to avoid giving him/her this food, or perhaps it is better to try with lactose-free milk.
You should always provide your pets with an adequate diet, with food adapted to their age and needs, so that they will always be healthy.