Most cats cannot tolerate milk. While cats may be able to have other types of dairy products, including yogurt and ice cream, lactose can cause digestive problems in your feline friend. Milk also contains lactose, a sugar that causes your feline friend to bloat, feel uncomfortable, and experience diarrhea. While milk is an occasional treat, it should never be a part of your cat’s diet.
Lactose in milk causes bloating, gassiness, and diarrhea in cats
Fortunately, there is a solution. Your cat doesn’t need to stay away from milk. While you can provide small amounts of milk, such as a tablespoon or two, a cup or more can cause digestive distress. Instead of giving your cat milk, try lactose-free alternatives, or milk-based treats. Cats are more tolerant of lactose-free milk and products, but you should still avoid giving them milk as a staple.
If you’re concerned that your cat is prone to this problem, bring him to a veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian can check for dehydration and other possible causes of diarrhea. Also, be sure to tell your veterinarian that your cat consumes milk, as they will be able to determine the best way to treat the problem. The vet will also be able to help you determine whether your cat’s symptoms are related to lactose intolerance.
It’s a treat for cats
Some people wonder whether milk is safe for cats. Many cats are lactose intolerant, but not all. You’re not likely to know if your cat is lactose intolerant until they’re in the kitty hospital. But as a treat, milk is safe for most cats. Milk contains some fat and is a healthy addition to cat food. It shouldn’t be given to a cat if he is experiencing skin problems or is lactose intolerant.
A few special-designed milks are suitable for cats. Almond milk, for example, is lactose-free and made from almonds, a healthy alternative for regular milk. A cat’s digestive system is sensitive to some nuts, so avoid giving it too much of these. Other dairy products, like KMR milk, are suitable alternatives. Similarly, raw meat treats can be fed to your cat. But always remember to monitor your cat’s caloric intake and give them treats in moderation.
It’s not a necessary part of a cat’s diet
Unless your cat has a medical condition that requires it, milk is not a necessary part of a healthy diet. Cats used to drink milk long before they were available in stores. In fact, cats would drink milk directly from the cow, if possible. Their stomachs would be filled with foam and the milk would be a good source of fat. Today, milk is largely lacking in fat, which means it’s not healthy for your feline.
While some cats may tolerate it, milk is not a necessary part of a healthy diet for your feline friend. According to Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinary health expert with the Rover company, cats do not need milk, and the potential health problems outweigh the benefits of providing milk to your feline friend. Cats also lack the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, which is responsible for digesting it. Besides, cats have a tendency to get intestinal bacterial infections when milk enters their digestive tract.
It’s a health risk for cats
Many people think that giving your cat a glass of milk is okay, but milk actually poses a health risk for your cat. Cats cannot digest milk, so it remains in the gastrointestinal tract undigested. In this situation, bacteria start exploiting the milk’s energy as a source of carbon and waste products, resulting in abdominal pain, bloating and gas. Undigested milk particles can also induce diarrhea, which draws water into the gastrointestinal tract.
Almond milk is not toxic to cats. Almonds do not contain lactose, but the other ingredients can upset a cat’s stomach. It’s also important to note that some almond milks contain added sugars, which can cause obesity and tooth decay in cats. Also, cats do not digest plant materials very well. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid giving your cat milk.
