If you are curious whether your cat is lactose intolerant, you’re not alone. Almost all domestic cats are lactose intolerant. In fact, cats lose the enzyme that breaks down lactose after weaning. Although they don’t necessarily prefer a meat diet, all cats are lactose intolerant. However, you might not realize it until you give your cat milk.
Persian cats are lactose intolerant
If you have ever wondered why Persian cats have a tendency to be lactose intolerant, you’re not alone. As home cats, Persians are susceptible to digestive problems. The good news is that they can still enjoy several types of homemade cat food meals. Their main diet is a protein-rich one, but they should also be able to eat some turkey, fish, and other types of seafood.
All domestic cats are lactose intolerant
Most domestic cats are lactose intolerant. Their bodies lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. This enzyme is only produced during the early stages of life, until weaning. Once this period of time has passed, the cat no longer needs it. It will move out of its body. If you notice that your cat has stopped eating milk, it might be lactose intolerant.
All cats lose enzyme to break down lactose after weaning
After weaning, all cats lose the enzyme needed to break down lactose. This enzyme, lactase, is a necessary component of milk for young kittens. Lactose contains a balance of essential nutrients that young cats need. Adult cats don’t need this enzyme, since they don’t consume milk or dairy products. However, if an adult cat does consume milk or dairy products, he may experience health problems.
All cats prefer a meat diet
It’s a fact that cats prefer a meat-only diet. Their digestive systems are not developed to process starchy carbohydrates, and they are obligate carnivores, so they must have meat in their diets to survive. This can either be dry kibble or canned food, or a combination of the two. If your cat’s current diet is mostly dry kibble, consider switching to canned food if you want to give it a taste of meat.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance in cats
A feline may be lactose intolerant if it can no longer digest milk or dairy products. This is due to the fact that the body does not produce enough of an enzyme called lactase as it ages. As a result, it is unable to digest milk and dairy products, which result in the undigested sugars being fermented by bacteria in the intestines. The result is an upset stomach, gas, cramping, and bloating within eight to twelve hours.
