Milk for cats question.?

Question

I have three kittens who are fully weaned. One kitten I had to hand-raise from a day old. She didnt wean until last week so I went through about 4 cans of formula, the big cans lol Anyhow all the kittens beg for milk when I open my fridge but I dont give them cows milk because of the lactose. I was wondering, is it safe to give milk that is made for lactose intolerent people? If I had a great deal of money I would continue to give them formula to drink just because they like it but its 20 bucks a can. My kitties are fine with water and eat kitten food, I was just thinking since they like milk so much Id like to give them something once in a while .Just looking for opinions.

Right now my babies do drink only water and eat dry Putina kitten chow and they are just fine with it. I just want to baby them when they are begging at my feet when Im poaring myself a glass of milk, lol, i feel bad! Thanks for the answers so far and to the person that mentioned cat sip, i had never heard of it! Ty!

Answer 1

I had a lactose intolerant cat and gave him Cat Sip, which is lactose free milk for cats with extra vitamins. It comes in small boxes and doesn't have to be refrigerated until it's opened. Whiskas makes a similar product as well.

I'd think that lactose free milk would be okay, but you should probably check with your vet just to be sure.

Answer 2

Once fully weaned, kittens start to lose their ability to digest lactose. Most cats are relatively lactose intolerant but can stand small amounts (about 1-2 tablespoons) without significant problems. Cows milk is a little rich for them but the stuff with lactase in it will go down (and stay down) easier; goat milk is often tolerated well.

The kitten food, if it's any good, should provide all necessary nutrients. Small amounts of milk won't hurt. Too much of *any* kind of milk will unbalance their diet. It's a treat, not a staple.

Answer 3

Soy milk is fine for cats and kittens. Much cheaper than the pet store kitten formulas or baby formula. Costs about the same as regular milk.

Answer 4

you can buy the reg cat milk too, it is right next to the formula on the shelf at the store... but instead of giving it straight pour it on their food and let it soak in.. that way they still get the "taste" eventually you can stop doing that and they wont freak everytime you open the fridge. that other person said their cat is fine with milk.. they must be the exception, most cats will get sick on regular milk.

Answer 5

Your right cats are lactose intolerant, You don't have to give them milk but the human lactose won't hurt them, just only give a little at a time.

Answer 6

Pet stores will have actual milk for cats. There are a few different brands...but they come in little boxes like juice boxes, so it isn't like you have this big ol' can or anything... I would test the various kinds...some cats prefer one kind over another (they are, after all, little humans with fur! LOL)... But it's definitely a nice treat!! Just be careful...it tends to go bad after about a day or so...

Answer 7

After the kitten becomes a cat, stop with the milk. It's not good for adults and I give mine just plain ol' tap water and their fine.

Answer 8

I have 2 cats both of them drink only water because that`s what I gave them once weaned from their mothers. Only added expense I have is that I give them bottled water because I don`t believe the chlorine additives are healthy for MAN OR BEAST

Answer 9

My vet says that I don't need to ever give my cat milk. Water is the best and just fine for them. They don't need variety like us humans lol.

Answer 10

The best thing to do is ask a vet. I would hate to tell you to do something that would irritate their bellies . I raised my little kitty too and I give him warm condensed milk and he really likes that and it does not make him sick or give him the runs.

He thinks I am his mother too :) He always lays close to me and is demanding of my attention. :)