cats and milk?

Question

Our cat, Zeke, neutered male, 12 yrs old, loves milk.
We use 1% fat, and only give him a little.
When I open the box of cereal and get out the milk, he's right there, andmeows likehe hasn't had anything to eat in a week.
Will milk hur him??? Any comments or suggestions.

Answer 1

Yes, milk will hurt him. Cat's are lactose intolerant and cannot digest cow's milk.

You can buy "cat milk" at pet stores to feed him as a treat, or occasianaly give him goat's milk as it is easier to digest.

Ally

Answer 2

Milk can hurt them. I give my boy about a teaspoon or less on occasion. I have done this for years and used to give him more when he was younger until my vet explained that it could be a problem. My boy has signs of kidney failure and has had for about 6 years now. I've been able to keep him healthy on special food and meds. Milk I was told could have attributed to the issue along with other people food. A taste here and there is probably not a huge problem but be careful about how much and how often. a little taste 3 or 4 x's a day can add up. just try to limit it and he should be fine. Some spices and people food can cause digestive issues or even be poison to our pets so be careful. Onions and garlic are the first to come to mind. Check out ASPCA poison control center for more info on items to be careful about. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_poisonsafe is the list of foods.

Answer 3

Some cats cannot digest the Lactic acid in Milk. If they are lactose intolerant they will react with diarrhea. If they can tolerate it then nothing out of the ordinary happens. If a cat becomes constipated giving small doses of milk over the 24 hours period will act as a laxative. If your cat enjoys it and doesn't have a problem as described as above then go for it.

Answer 4

Many people will tell you that it's not good for the cat. I think that depends on the cat.
My old one is 12 years old. I give him both raw egg once a week, milk and yogurt several times the week. He has never had any diarrhea or anything else wrong. I use low fat milk and yogurt always.
He is just crazy about the stuff!

Answer 5

I heard that they can not handle cows milk, I use to buy mine the cats milk from the pet store, wiskas makes a good one, but they won't touch it if i have real milk! I would say, if your cat loves cow milk, keep using the 1% or even skim and just give it to him like once a month as a treat!

Answer 6

The vet told me that for senior cats-milk isn't a good idea. I don't think a little milk once in awhile will hurt him-as long as it doesn't bother his stomach. The vet told me that for kittens it is okay but in older adult cats it is not really a good idea. If you are really concerned, I would just phone a vet because they could tell you right away :)

Answer 7

milk will just add extra weight to a cat but if he is not overweight then he will be ok, they do not need to drink milk over the age of 8 weeks. if you are worried you could try diluting the milk with half milk and half water in a bowl for him.

Answer 8

I give mine a nip of cream now and again as a treat.
I can't see how a little now and again can hurt them, I'm lactose intolerant and it's not dangerous for me to drink milk in coffee and tea.
I know they say cats are lactose intolerant, but not all cats react the same way.

Answer 9

I currently have 26 cats who drink 2% milk every now and then (same as you, when we have cereal) and they are ok with it. However, if you see your cat getting diarrhea or other issues, its more than likely lactose intolerant. Watch for that.

I also put out cat milk for them when we have milk with something such as cookies or cake. That way they don't feel left out. :)

Answer 10

Milk is not the best thing for cats. they do make milk for cats, it comes in cans, you can try getting that for your cat. I don't think a little is going to hurt your cat. One of my cats loves cheese and ice cream and is allowed a little each day. she is 17 and still going strong.