Introduction
Knowing what kind of milk to give your cat is important for their health and wellbeing. While milk is a common drink for humans, not all types of milk are suitable for feline consumption. Cats have different nutritional requirements and digestive systems compared to humans, so their bodies cannot properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in regular dairy milk. Feeding cats inappropriate milk can lead to digestive upset, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating, and other health issues. Providing cats milk meant for human consumption on a regular basis can also deprive them of proper nutrition from more suitable foods and may lead to malnutrition over time. It’s best to avoid giving your cat regular cow’s milk unless advised by your veterinarian for a specific health reason. This article will overview the milks that cats can safely digest and benefit from, as well as milk alternatives you can provide as tasty treats.
Cats Are Lactose Intolerant
Unlike humans, cats lose the ability to properly digest milk after they are weaned as kittens. According to Zoetis Petcare, cats become lactose intolerant once they grow out of the nursing stage, usually around 8 weeks old. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Their bodies stop producing an enzyme called lactase, which is needed to break down lactose in the digestive tract.
When an adult cat consumes milk or other dairy, the undigested lactose travels to the large intestine where it interacts with gut bacteria. This can cause digestive upset and symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and abdominal pain.
Dairy Milk
Regular dairy milk is not good for cats because most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme needed to properly digest the lactose (milk sugar) found in dairy milk. When cats drink cow’s milk, it can upset their digestive system and cause diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Their small intestines simply can’t absorb the lactose in cow’s milk, so it sits in their gut undigested.
Some sources even state that dairy milk can be toxic to cats if consumed regularly. The undigested lactose acts as a laxative, pulling water into the colon which leads to diarrhea. The gastrointestinal upset can also cause painful gas and vomiting as the lactose ferments in the gut.1 Over time, dairy milk can deprive cats of important nutrients as their system tries to flush out the lactose they cannot digest. For all these reasons, it’s best to avoid giving your cat regular dairy milk from cows or other animals.
Lactose-Free Milk
Lactose-free milk is cow’s milk that has had the lactose (milk sugar) removed through an enzymatic process. Lactose is the main carbohydrate found in dairy milk and is difficult for some cats to digest due to lactose intolerance (source).
Lactose-free cow’s milk is generally considered safe for cats to consume in small amounts, as the lactose has been broken down into simpler sugars that are easier to digest. However, lactose-free milk still does not provide complete nutrition for cats, as it lacks the amino acid taurine which cats require (source).
While removing the lactose prevents digestive upset, lactose-free milk should still be fed sparingly as a treat. It does not provide adequate overall nutrition to substitute for a complete cat food diet. Check with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods.
Goat’s Milk
Goat’s milk may be easier for cats to digest than regular dairy milk because it is lower in lactose and contains different proteins and fats than cow’s milk (https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blogs/pet-food-ingredients/cats-and-goat-milk). The lactose in goat’s milk is already partially broken down into simpler sugars, making it gentler on a cat’s digestive system.
However, there are some risks and precautions to be aware of when giving cats goat’s milk. While goat’s milk is lower in lactose, some cats may still have trouble digesting it, especially in large amounts. It’s best to introduce it slowly and watch for signs of digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea. Too much fat from the goat’s milk could also lead to gastrointestinal issues (https://www.thepetbeastro.com/blogs/bits-bites-natural-pet-health-blog/the-real-facts-about-milk-for-cats-dogs/). Only feed a small amount of goat’s milk initially and monitor your cat’s reaction.
Goat’s milk that is raw or unpasteurized could potentially contain harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning. Make sure to only choose pasteurized goat’s milk from reputable sources. It’s also important to confirm the milk doesn’t contain any additives or sweeteners that could be problematic for cats.
Cat milk replacers are specially formulated milk products designed to meet the nutritional needs of kittens. These products provide a complete source of nutrition when a kitten cannot nurse from its mother.
Cat Milk Replacers
There are several commercial cat milk replacer products available that provide the protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that kittens require (Chewy). Two popular brands are PetAg KMR Powder Milk Replacer and Hartz Powdered Milk Replacer for Kittens.
PetAg KMR contains bovine milk protein and a balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients modeled after feline milk. The main ingredients are non-fat milk, vegetable oil, and vitamin and mineral supplements (Petco).
Hartz Kitten Milk Replacer also contains cow’s milk along with vegetable oil, taurine, vitamins, and minerals. It has a high fat content to meet the energy needs of growing kittens (The Dodo).
Both milk replacers provide complete nutrition so kittens can grow and thrive. It’s important to follow preparation instructions carefully and feed the proper amounts based on the kitten’s age and weight.
Homemade Cat Milk
Making your own homemade cat milk can be a cost-effective and customizable way to feed kittens or cats that need milk. However, it’s important to follow recipes carefully and take safety precautions.
According to the Orphaned Kitten Emergency Milk Replacer Recipes from Maddies Fund, a simple homemade milk replacer can be made with:
- 6 tablespoons condensed milk
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (not low fat)
This provides a nutritionally balanced formula for young kittens. For older kittens, you can use light cream or half-and-half instead of condensed milk.
Another homemade kitten milk recipe from The Spruce Pets uses:
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 drop liquid human pediatric vitamins (optional)
When making homemade cat milk, be sure to use sanitized equipment and proper food handling techniques. Improperly made formulas can cause diarrhea or malnourishment. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Milk Alternatives
Although dairy milk is not recommended for cats, there are some milk alternatives that are safe for feline consumption in moderation. One healthy option is bone broth, which provides cats with hydration and nutrients like collagen, glycine, and proline. When cooled, bone broth can be an appealing drink for cats. It’s best to choose a low-sodium broth and avoid onions or other vegetables that may be toxic to cats. Some pet food companies also sell cat-safe bone broth products.
There are also milk replacements made specifically for cats, usually in either liquid or powdered form. These commercial cat milk products are formulated to meet feline nutritional needs without the lactose that causes stomach upset. Popular brands include PetAg KMR Liquid [1] and The Honest Kitchen’s CatBlend Goat’s Milk [2].
While non-dairy milks like almond or soy milk are safe for cats to drink in moderation, they do not provide complete nutrition. It’s best to limit these plant-based milks to an occasional treat. Water should make up the majority of your cat’s fluid intake.
Tips for Transitioning
When switching your cat to a new milk source, it’s important to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
Start by mixing a small amount of the new milk (about 25% new milk and 75% old milk) and gradually increase the ratio over the course of 5-7 days. According to this source begin by mixing a small amount of wet food with their milk replacer to create a semi-liquid mixture.
Offer the new milk in a familiar feeding dish or bottle so your cat feels comfortable with the change. Provide plenty of fresh water as well to help dilute the milk and prevent digestive issues.
Watch for signs of digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. If these occur, slow the transition and wait a couple days before adjusting the ratio again.
For kittens switching from mother’s milk or formula to solid foods, follow a gradual weaning process over the course of 2-4 weeks. Start with milk replacer mixed with wet kitten food, then progress to more solid foods and less formula.
Be patient and monitor your cat during the transition. Changing milk sources takes time for cats to adjust. But going slowly can help make it easier on their digestive system.
Summary
In summary, cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest the lactose in regular dairy milk. The best options for milk for cats include lactose-free milk, goat’s milk, and specially formulated cat milk replacers. Homemade cat milk made by mixing water and egg yolk can also be fed occasionally. There are also milk alternatives like bone broth that provide nutrients without the lactose. When transitioning cats to new milk, mix it gradually with their previous milk to allow their digestive system to adjust.
It’s important for cat owners to consult their veterinarian before making any major changes to their cat’s diet. A vet can provide tailored advice based on the individual cat’s health, age, and needs. They can also monitor the cat while transitioning to a new milk source. With some care and patience, cat owners can find a milk their feline companion can tolerate and enjoy.