Cats and Dairy Milk: Why It Isn’t as Safe as You Might Think

 

Cats and Dairy Milk: Why It Isn’t as Safe as You Might Think

If you think about it, our minds picture the purring, contented cat licking a bowl of creamy milk. The concept of time association seems ancient. Is milk good for cats, or are we feeding them a classic culinary misconception? We might let some licks, but the truth is, milk is not as safe as you’d believe. We will delve into the ‘purr-species’ of cats, dairy, and true milk and feline reactions to both.

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The Myth of Cats and Milk: Where Did It Come From?

It’s a fact of pop culture that cats drinking milk is even something we can laugh about in classic cartoons and even children’s books. Talk about comforting — and a bit of nostalgia to boot. The origins, though, are likely from barn cats that used to drink fresh, unpasteurized milk on farms. Before, cats were more like outdoor helpers who would control pests and take what was left of the milk out of the milking cows. Back then the farmers didn’t know the harmful effects of milk on cats and certainly cats didn’t know either the digestive risks involved in drinking milk.

Why Most Cats Are Lactose Intolerant In Actual Fact

There is truth in this advice because most cats have a low tolerance to dairy, or what veterinarians call lactose intolerance – this is because cats cannot produce enough of the enzyme lactase to digest lactose, the primary sugar found in milk. When kittens are born they produce this enzyme, during this time they are still being fed by their mother, but later on, they are known to lack the enzyme. The result? Milk has also been shown to cause upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, and other intestinal issues in adult cats. That is why when your cat drinks milk happily you know that the next thing is a bloated stomach awaits your cat.

The Science of Lactose Intolerance in Cats

When lactose is not broken down in the cat's stomach,  it gets moved along to the large intestine where it starts fermenting to fuel bacteria. This process may even cause the release of gas, cramping, and loose stools. Right? Not quite the refreshing treat we’d hoped for?

Cats and Dairy vs Common Misconceptions

Facts don’t matter much in the face of all the myths about cats loving milk. 

Here are a few common misconceptions:

“Milk is natural for cats.”

However, cats are obligate carnivores and crave meat. Milk’s fat content is really what pulls them in, but they’re not nutritionally equipped for it.

‘A little bit of milk won’t matter.’

A tiny sip won’t do any harm, but it can be uncomfortable or even make adult cats bloated. Repeated exposure of the gastrointestinal tract over time may even aggravate the problem.

“It all looks good from where I stand or maybe my cat loves it and that’s fine.”

Just because felines enjoy it, it doesn't necessarily make it beneficial for their health, similar to how children and sweets are alike.

What happens when cats drink the milk?

Many cats are so sensitive, they're hit by the stomach bomb once ingested.

 

Typical symptoms include:

Gassiness: It starts to ferment in the large intestine, and then gas and stomach rumbling occur.

Diarrhea: So, yes, while it is not the prettiest part of the experience, diarrhea can follow which will (unfortunately) make life unpleasant for you and your cat.

Dehydration: If diarrhea continues, cats can dehydrate fast – and that is bad for senior cats.

Are All Dairy Products Dangerous for Cats?

Is there something other than milk that’s unpleasant? 

Yogurt, cheese, and even butter are often tolerated better because they have less lactose. However, moderation is key. It’s not clear all cats can take a tiny bite of cheese or lick of yogurt without problems but a bit more is always a bit risky. Sure, lactose-free dairy products might seem like a safe bet, but they’re usually still very high in fat and calories and not a good choice when you want to treat your cat.

Dairy Alternatives: What Can Cats Safely Enjoy?

Cat-safe milk alternatives are there for you, they're lactose-free, and packed with nutrients cats need but can't digest. Some ‘enriched’ products are taurine enriched, an essential amino acid for cats. But these treats should be given sparingly, as they're often more calorie-rich than your kitty needs on day to day.

Healthier Alternatives: Safe Treats for Cats

If you’re looking to spoil your cat without dairy-related consequences, consider these options:

Catnip: Even though all cats aren’t crate trained to do so, most cats love some sprinkle of catnip and it’s easy on the stomach.

Cat Grass: It is available in pet stores as a healthy, green treat that helps digestion.

Small portions of meat: The small pieces of lean meat such as chicken or turkey, make sure they are cooked and packed with healthy proteins for your cat.

Treats for cats: These treats are specially made for cats, and packed with nurturing nutrients for your cat.

What to do if cats drink milk accidentally?

What if your cat somehow snuck into your cereal bowl or if someone meant to sprinkle milk in your cat’s dish?

Monitor for Symptoms: If you notice your furry friend sick, vomiting, diarrheal, or lethargic, avoid giving him or her treats containing this ingredient.

Ensure Hydration: It is important to keep your cat gulping small amounts of water if ever diarrhea starts to happen.

Conclusion: 

Though it would be rather easy to make your cat happy and put a plate of milk in front of it, it is much better to avoid dairy products for their benefit. Avoid foods that are not good for their health or cause irritation to their stomach. And you will be a happier cat owner (if not happier) with your cat by rewarding it with some tasty meat-tempting treats or making it dance for catnip.

Milk is not needed for cats to be happy; what they do need is your love, attention, and the best treats for their specific dietary needs. But we’re setting aside the old school idea of milk for cats and going with treats that actually make the purrs.

FAQs

1. Is it good for cats to take milk that has no lactose?

Non-fat milk is normally more advisable for cats, however, it is equally important to note that this sort of milk is comparatively richer in both fat and calories than human drinking milk; thus, it is ideal to feed the cat occasionally as is usually the case in cat treats and not as a staple diet.

2. Is it dangerous if my cat has ingested milk and is sick?

If your cat has diarrhea and vomiting after drinking milk, give the cat some fresh water and observe how they are for some time. While some cats might show mild symptoms that won’t last past 24 hours, it is advised to consult your vet for more information if their signs don’t improve in 24 hours.

3. Can a kitten have regular milk?

That should be the mother’s milk or a commercial kitten milk replacer if the mother cannot feed her kittens. Cow‘s milk is not the one that provides the required nutrients, and they are likely to suffer from upset digestion.

4. What makes cats seem to enjoy milk if they shouldn’t?

The fat in it is what attracts cats to it. But their digestive systems aren’t usually up to processing lactose.

5. Can your cat eat cheese and yogurt?

For some cats, small amounts of cheese or yogurt may be okay because dairy products, like these, have less lactose than milk. But they should be given only to moderation.

6. So what’s safe and tasty for cats instead of milk?

Healthy alternatives to cat-safe milk include small bits of cooked meat, catnip, and commercial cat treats.