Introduction
There is a lot of confusion about whether it’s okay to give milk to cats. This stems from popular culture frequently depicting cats lapping up saucers of milk. In cartoons and movies, giving a cat a bowl of milk is often portrayed as a typical treat for our feline friends. Additionally, many cat owners grew up giving milk to stray cats and kittens. However, research has shown that the reality is more complicated, and milk may not be ideal for cats after all.
Cats Are Lactose Intolerant
Most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk (1). After weaning, around 6-10 weeks of age, kittens begin producing less lactase and lose the ability to break down lactose (2).
While some cats may retain limited lactase production into adulthood, over 90% of adult cats are unable to digest lactose properly (1,3). Consuming milk can lead to digestive upset in lactose intolerant cats.
Sources:
(1) https://www.dutch.com/blogs/cats/are-cats-lactose-intolerant
(2) https://www.ctvsh.com/services/cats/blog/why-cats-and-cows-milk-dont-mix
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Since cats are lactose intolerant, consuming milk and dairy products can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms. The most common signs of lactose intolerance in cats include:
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Diarrhea – Milk can cause loose, watery stools that may contain mucus or blood. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of food intolerance in cats.
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Vomiting – Some cats may vomit after drinking milk. The vomiting is often accompanied by diarrhea.
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Excessive gas – Milk can produce excessive gas, abdominal bloating, and flatulence in cats. This digestive upset is a sign that their system cannot properly digest lactose.
These symptoms may start shortly after ingesting milk or dairy products. If the symptoms persist or become severe, veterinary care may be required.
Risks of Giving Milk
Giving milk to cats can lead to digestive upset and malnutrition. Cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk [1]. When cats drink milk, the undigested lactose passes through the intestines, drawing water into the digestive tract via osmosis. This leads to diarrhea, gas, bloating, vomiting, and other signs of intestinal upset [2].
The lactose in milk can also throw off the bacterial balance in a cat’s digestive tract, potentially allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate. In addition, the nutrients in milk, especially the fat, may not be properly absorbed if a cat has gastrointestinal upset from lactose intolerance. This can lead to malnutrition over time as the cat misses out on key dietary nutrients [3].
Benefits of 1% Milk
While milk does not provide substantial nutritional benefits for cats, 1% milk can offer some minor positives when given in small amounts. According to this source, 1% milk still contains water and trace levels of nutrients like protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin. The lower fat content of 1% milk compared to whole milk means fewer unnecessary calories for cats, who cannot properly digest milk sugar.
The main potential benefit of 1% milk for cats is the additional water it provides. Staying hydrated is important for urinary tract health. A small treat of 1% milk from time to time can encourage a cat to drink a bit more fluid. But it should not replace a cat’s main water source.
Alternatives to Milk
Since regular cow’s milk can cause digestive upset in cats, there are better options to consider. Several companies now make cat-formulated milk replacements that contain the nutrients cats need without the lactose. According to https://www.holistapet.com/blogs/cat-nutrition/can-felines-drink-milk, CatSip is one milk substitute designed to reduce lactose intolerance risks. It contains proteins and lactase to help cats digest it properly.
Other lactose-free, cat-friendly milk alternatives include goat’s milk and bone broths. As mentioned in https://www.petfinder.com/cats-and-kittens/feeding/nutrition/is-milk-bad-for-cats/, goat’s milk has less lactose and may be easier for some cats to digest. Chicken or fish broths are also low in lactose and provide moisture and protein.
Serving Sizes
When giving milk to cats, it’s important to serve only small amounts. According to Chewy, if a cat is not lactose intolerant or allergic, you can give about 1 tablespoon of milk once or twice a week. Untamed Cat Food recommends no more than 1-2 teaspoons for kittens or small cats and 1-2 tablespoons for larger cats.
The key is moderation, as large amounts of milk can overwhelm a cat’s digestive system and cause diarrhea, gas, or vomiting. Sticking to small servings minimizes the lactose load and reduces the risk of adverse reactions. It’s best to introduce milk gradually and monitor the cat’s tolerance.
Tips for Introducing Milk
If you want to try giving your cat a small amount of milk, go slow and monitor for reactions. Start with just a teaspoon of milk mixed into their food and wait a day to see if any symptoms develop before increasing the amount. Gradually work up to about 1-2 tablespoons a couple times a week at most. Pay attention to stool consistency and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or other signs of stomach upset that could indicate lactose intolerance. If your cat seems fine with small amounts of milk, you can continue to offer it sparingly as an occasional treat. However, stop immediately if any adverse reactions occur.
It’s generally best to stick to lactose-free varieties like 1% milk. Avoid full fat milk, which has higher lactose content. Always make sure fresh water is available as well, since milk should not replace proper hydration. Take things slowly, and do not force milk if your cat refuses it or does not seem to enjoy it. Cats have individual tastes and health sensitivities that should be respected.
When to Avoid Milk
While small amounts of milk are okay for most cats, there are some situations when it’s best to avoid giving milk altogether:
Kittens: Kittens should only drink their mother’s milk or specifically formulated kitten milk replacement formula. Cow’s milk can lead to digestive upset and failure to thrive in young kittens.
Elderly cats: Older cats often have more sensitive digestive systems and are prone to developing lactose intolerance. It’s usually best to avoid milk products with senior cats.
Cats with digestive issues: Cats prone to diarrhea, vomiting, or other stomach issues should not be given milk, as it can worsen these conditions. Speak to your vet before introducing milk.
In general, water is the healthiest drink for cats. While small amounts of milk are okay for healthy adult cats, milk should be avoided for kittens, seniors, and cats with digestive problems.
The Bottom Line
Occasional small amounts of 1% milk are generally OK for most cats to consume. While milk does not provide any essential nutrients for cats, small servings of 1% milk usually do not cause significant digestive upset. Some sources say 1% milk may even provide extra hydration and calories (https://www.dutch.com/blogs/cats/are-cats-lactose-intolerant).[1] However, it’s important not to make 1% milk a regular part of a cat’s diet, as the lactose can still cause issues in larger quantities. Limit milk to just a tablespoon or two once in awhile as a rare treat. Every cat is different in terms of lactose tolerance, so monitor your cat’s reaction after initial servings of milk. Discontinue entirely if any signs of intolerance appear. Overall, 1% milk in moderation is likely fine, but not necessary for feline health.
