Is Milk Good for My Cat?

Posted by Tony slack on May 18th, 2021

Cats and milk seem like a natural pair, don’t they? And it’s possible that your cat would lap up milk if it’s given to them. But it turns out that milk isn’t good for your cat. Learn more here from an animal hospital Pembroke Pines, FL.

Why can’t cats drink milk?

Most adult cats are actually lactose-intolerant, meaning they can’t digest milk properly. This is the same condition that affects many humans! While a small amount of milk might not cause any harm, too much can result in an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Don’t kittens need milk?

Yes, young kittens need their mother’s milk or synthetic substitute milk to grow healthy. As they age, though, kittens produce less lactase in the gut, gradually becoming more and more lactose-intolerant. Most full-grown cats don’t tolerate milk very well at all!

Is any dairy safe?

Another dairy, such as cheese or yogurt, doesn’t contain as much lactose as milk. But dairy isn’t nutritionally necessary for cats, anyway. It’s safest to avoid feeding Fluffy these foods entirely. If you must, keep the portions extremely small.

For more information on your cat’s diet and health needs, call your veterinarian Pembroke Pines, FL today.