Cats are most linked with a saucer of milk. Paintings, films and stories are filled with images of cats happily licking milk from bowls. But should cats really drink milk? If not, where does this belief in cats and their love of milk come from (actually, this association is a good thing)?
Why do we think cats like milk?
The idea that people think cats and milk started on the farm. For a cat on the farm, there may be nothing more appetizing than warm, fresh milk once the fatty cream has risen to the top.
But that was then, and this is now. Today, most people buy milk from the grocery store, and it has very little fat in it. Why is this important? Because compared to the milk we buy, the cream that cats love so much is mostly fat and contains only low levels of lactose – the sugar that occurs naturally in milk. While some of our feline friends do like the taste of store-bought milk, many find it difficult to digest due to its higher lactose content.
Are cats lactose intolerant?
Most cats are lactose intolerant. You might wonder how this works when they drink their mother’s milk as children. When cats are born, they, like humans, have the enzyme (lactase) needed to break down lactose. Many cats lose this enzyme as they age. This means that after they ingest milk, cheese or other dairy products, undigested lactose stays in the gut and begins to ferment. This usually leads to stomach upset and diarrhea after about 8 to 12 hours, to say the least.
Why do cats want milk if they can’t absorb it?
A possible reason cats are attracted to yogurt and milk is that they smell fat and protein. One theory is that to compensate for their less sensitive taste reception, they have an enhanced sense of smell [1] (one reason why they often sniff food before eating). But taste still matters—cats generally prefer the taste of foods high in fat and protein. Combine a good smell with a good taste, which is why cats are still interested in dairy, even if it can cause stomach problems.
It touches without irritating your Cat’s stomach
What are your choices for something tasty and hydrating if you do not own a cow and know now that grocery dairy products are not considered a good choice? You may try to give your cat lactose-free milk, but there is a very good chance that they will reject it for the reasons just mentioned (no fragrance of the beauty of the fat cream).
A small amount of plain plain yogurt or some dairy may be your cat’s choice. When milk is produced, the virus digests some Cats Lactose Intolerant, making it less sweet. There is no guarantee that your cat will have no digestive problems after eating it, so try a small first. If they behave well within the next 18 to 24 hours, you can give them a little bit from time to time as a priority.
Try to find a water source. It encourages cats to drink heavily and can be a form of entertainment. Add fragrance to their water. You can use low sodium chicken broth or tuna juice to give them a delicious drink without upset stomach.
Can kittens drink regular milk?
Most cats will get all the milk they need from their mothers, but orphans or cats with sick mothers may need nutritious food. Regular cow’s milk can damage their intestines as it is high in lactose. Cow’s milk also has a different diet than cat’s milk, so you can’t rely on them to give the kitten the food they need. Instead, it is better to feed them cat food.
When feeding kittens, you will need to feed more often, and the feeding time will depend on the age of the kittens. If you have never cared for baby kittens before, then immediately seek medical help. Your Vet can guide you and help you come up with a nutrition and maintenance plan. They can also promote the best product for your cats and help you monitor their weight and see that they are growing as they should.
Should you feed your cat cheese, milk, and other milk?
Although some cats may not be able to properly digest dairy products, that does not mean that they will not keep begging you when you are making pizza or eating grains and milk. Dairy products can lead to food allergies, though, so if you think you are doing well by sharing your food with your cat, you are not really helping him in the long run. You can choose from many dairy alternatives the best way to treat your cat.
If your cat needs a taste of milk, then consider buying a cat’s milk product that is designed to be easy for the cat to digest. These milk is lactose-free and very easy on your cat’s stomach. You can also feed your cat one of the many retail outlets available. They come in a variety of options, including soft drinks and cans with the same texture as dairy products. If you want your cat to share the taste of your human food, then consider giving him some cooked chicken or cooked salmon. These foods (if eaten in moderation) are healthy and safe for your cat, as long as they are cooked and not smeared with butter or spices.
Milk is an important element of cat food but only when the cat is young. Giving your cat dairy products as he grows up can lead to food allergies. Instead, always choose foods that are safe for your cat and that they can digest well. Avoid anything that contains lactose, so all dairy products are excluded. When feeding your cat, remember that you should give him a small amount a day.
