Do Cats Need Milk? Essential Info for Feline Care

It's important to understand that cats and dogs have digestive systems quite different from humans. They are typically lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot process large amounts of lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

For instance, when it comes to dairy products:

Many people believe that milk can help cats build strong bones, thinking it's a beneficial supplement. However, the amount of lactose in human milk is tripled in the milk we drink. Cats lack the necessary lactase enzyme in their bodies to break down this excess lactose, which can often lead to diarrhea. Catspecific milk, which is formulated to closely resemble their mother's milk, is the safer choice. If you decide to give your cat milk, ensure it's a product designed specifically for felines.

By the way, since adult cats no longer consume milk, it's only necessary to provide milk for kittens.

Let's also talk about yogurt:

While yogurt is beneficial for human digestion, it offers little to no advantage for cats. Offering a small spoonful of yogurt as a treat won't harm your cat, but some varieties contain fruits, honey, and sugar, which can lead to obesity. If you choose to give your cat yogurt, opt for a sugarfree version to avoid any health risks.

What is lactose intolerance?

As cats reach about four weeks old, they enter the weaning period, during which their bodies naturally reduce the production of lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. By adulthood, the levels of lactase can drop to just 10% (or even less) of their peak, which means that milk consumed can ferment in the colon, leading to bacteria that attack the digestive system, causing discomfort. This condition is known as lactose intolerance.

What milk can cats drink?

1. Catspecific milk is available, with brands like zeal offering products that are popular. Just be sure to purchase authentic products!

2. Imported petformulated goat's milk is another option. However, many commercially available goat's milk products have not been specially treated and contain a high amount of lactose, making them unsuitable for kittens. If you're considering goat's milk, look for brands like KMR or PetAg from the United States. When it comes to domestic goat's milk, especially for pets, quality can vary greatly, so use caution and consider the potential risks.