someone told me that cats should not drink milk?

Question

is this true? cuz i give my kitten milk alot and he loves it

Answer 1

Cat's shouldn't drink milk. Or rather, they shouldn't drink milk from an herbivore (cow, sheep, goat, etc). That's because a cat is an obligate carnivore and has very different nutritional needs than an herbivore. Herbivore milk is too high in lactose, and doesn't have enough fat or protein. The calcium to phosphate ratio is also not correct for a carnivore.

Most people who give their cat's milk only do so occasionally, so the fat, protein, and mineral ratio's aren't the overall concern. However, since cat's are lactose intolerant after weaning from their mothers, the concern is diarrhea. Too much diarrhea will cause dehydration, which can be life threatening. If you want to give your kitty milk, than try the special cat milk found in pet stores.

The only thing a cat needs to drink, though, is water.

Note - humans are the only species on earth that drink milk past infancy on a regular basis. And that's only because cow's milk has been fortified and things added for it to be a viable source of nutrients and minerals for us. It really isn't necessary, though, as there are much better sources of calcium and vitamins out there. ie. green leafy vegetables.

*edit*
Cow's milk is pasturized to kill all harmful components, so milk will NOT give a cat worms. It still shouldn't be given for the aforementioned reasons, but worm infestation is not one of them. Worms are caused by eating infected fleas, or eating other animals infected with parasites. The only exception is if a mother cat has an internal parasite, she may pass it on to her kittens when nursing them.

Answer 2

The people who are telling you to avoid giving them milk are correct. It's true that cats are lactose intollerant. You can purchase ''kitty milk'' from pet stores and vets. You could also give them rice milk occasionally. While grains should be avoided, rice is ok if fed sparingly... So I see no problem with the occasional rice milk.

Since someone else mentioned that humans are the only species who drink milk past infancy, I would like to address this matter... This is true....and disgusting. We are also the only species who drinks the milk of another species. There is nothing natural about this. Cow's milk is designed for BABY COWS, who gain weight very rapidly. They can weigh as much as 1,000 lbs. or more before their second birthday. Milk has a high animal protein content that causes calcium LOSS and is loaded with fat and cholesterol, too, not to mention hormones.

Answer 3

Yes. Despite all the stories telling you that cats can live on a saucer of milk, it's true. Milk can cause stomach damage to cats if given in a large portion. One small saucer every three weeks or every month wouldn't harm. Don't give your kitty milk everyday. He's going to end up sick. Cats do love milk and would like to drink it all the time, but just stick with water. Hope this helped!

Sunshine G.

Answer 4

Most cats are lactose intolerant, which means that they get sick when drinking cows milk. There are cat milk products available, which you can give them instead.

However, a little bit of milk once in awhile will not hurt them, but you don't want it to be an every day thing.

Answer 5

The best kitty milk on the market is CatSip. Whiskas also makes milk for cats, but it has a lot of artificial ingredients, and my cat refuses to drink it. But my cat loves CatSip. He gets about 2 ounces a day (slightly warmed in the microwave). It's his favorite treat.

Answer 6

You should limit your kitten to 2 ounces of milk a day. If you give him to much milk you will have a kitten that will need to run to the litter box every 5 min. and pray that he/she makes it.

Smokin

Answer 7

From what I've heard, some cats can drink milk and some get diarrhea if they drink it. So your cat is probably ok if he's already drunk so much. If your cat can drink milk, try giving him some cheese...that's my cat's favorite food!

Answer 8

If you are going to give your little friend milk.. Use the powder milk and mix with water. It is also ok to give them the lactose free baby formula. They love it. I used the lactose free one. They sell small cans of it and you can dilute with water. Whole milk will give them worms also...

Answer 9

Cats stomach can not support lactose of cows and other animals milk. If you can, buy him a special cat's milk (no lactose, bur same taste), sold in vets store or special animal stores.

Answer 10

Most cats are lactose intolerant and it will cause them to have stomach problems. I would not feed them milk.