i dont know if i can give my 3 kittens cows milk i need to know because im giving them milk and i dont know if its ok for them to drink it becasue the queen is drinking it she always has and i dont know if its ok for kitten please help me?
2007-05-10 09:51:35 · 15 answers · asked by toni brydon 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Most cats are lactose intolerant so cows milk is not a good idea. I actually have two cats that can tolerate it but I only give it as a very occasional treat. It's better to stick with KMR or cat food.
2007-05-10 09:55:42 · answer #1 · answered by Angie C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a good idea, no. Many cats are lactose intolerant and cow's milk will give them bad diarrhoea. Your current cat may be OK on it but it doesn't mean the kittens will be.
Furthermore, cow's milk is not of great nutritional value to cats - it is far, far lower in the appropriate amounts of fat and calorie content than cat's milk. How old are the kittens? The only milk they should really have is their mother's, until weaned, or kitten milk replacement formula. Special lactose-free cat milk is available for adults cats, but ONLY as a treat!
I gave my cat milk for the first 10 years of her life, because back then I didn't know any better. Thinking about it, her poo was always kind of soft! Now you know better too.
Chalice
EDIT: no kitten should EVER be fed cow's milk alone - it has no where NEAR the nutrient content they require, and they will become malnourished - exactly the same as with newborn human babies, they shouldn't be given cow's milk either!!
2007-05-10 16:58:33 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can Cats Drink Milk?
Is it okay to give my cat milk?
Generally speaking no, cats shouldn't drink milk. Most cats are lactose (which are sugars in milk) intolerant & drinking milk may result in an upset tummy & cause diarrhoea.
Nutritionally it is not necessary to give your cat milk. A bowl of water is adequate.
Not all cats are lactose intolerant & a little milk as a treat is fine, however the only real way to find out if your cat is lactose intolerant is to try it on a bowl of milk & see if it causes diarreha. If you find your cat is fine with cow's milk then the occasional bowl is fine, but this should be given as a treat only.
Exceptions:
Young kittens MUST have milk in order to survive. The weaning process begins around 4 weeks of age but prior to that their only source of nutrition is milk. However, it is of great importance that you do not give a kitten cow's milk. The best possible milk is from the kitten's own mother. If the kitten is orphaned & a foster cat can't be found for the kitten then the kitten will have to be given a specially designed "kitten formula" which can be purchased from your veterinarian. This formula is specifically designed for kittens (cow's milk is made for baby cows whom have different nutritional requirements to baby cats).
Alternatives:
If you want to give your cat milk the safest bet is to purchase special lactose free "cat milk" from your supermarket or pet store. This is far better than giving ordinary cow's milk.
Fresh water should always be available to your cat.
2007-05-10 17:02:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Get some kitten milk at the pet store. Cows milk causes diarrhea.
2007-05-10 17:20:38 · answer #4 · answered by Hedicat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Queen is drinking? Well, I have always fed ours cow's milk. No problem and I drank a little myself. Over the years. Of course, the best milk for the kitties would be that of their mother.
2007-05-10 16:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by Alton H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cow's milk is not good for kittens. (Or grown cats, for that matter.) Evaporated (not condensed) milk mixed with water can be used as a base for weaning, but there are kitten milk replacers on the market that are much healthier for them.
2007-05-10 16:56:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Go to walmart. You can buy replacement milk specially made for kittens. It's like baby formula for cats. Not too expensive either.
2007-05-10 16:55:16 · answer #7 · answered by sandg94 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ithis is the first time ive been on this site and i saw your question, i have siameese catsand the breeder i got them off was telling me that you should never give cats cows milk as there is something in it that they cant digest and it can make them really poorly.
2007-05-10 16:57:28 · answer #8 · answered by lindsay g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cow's milk can cause diarrhea in cats and should be avoided. Water is best if they've been weened from their mother's milk.
2007-05-10 16:56:31 · answer #9 · answered by collynn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will give them diorea,but u can buy substitute kitten milk at ur local vet office.
2007-05-10 20:57:23 · answer #10 · answered by catgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋