I've given a few answers, now it's my turn to ask one. I have a three-year old tabby that has gotten into a morning habit of having a little milk in his special dish. It's a ritual that is very important to him. I know that cats don't digest cow's milk very well, so I know it isn't good for him. But he loves it and would be devastated if I just stopped (he's VERY spoiled). Any alternatives that won't cost me big bucks and keep him happy?
2007-09-22 17:54:05 · 14 answers · asked by Black Max 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
they sell cat milk. i get it at walmart, it comes in a little juice box type package. my cats love it.
2007-09-22 18:05:00 · answer #1 · answered by thechefdavis 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not ALL cats are lactose intolerant, only the majority. However, cat milk isn't that expensive and is purely designed for cats. It hasn't only got the lastose removed but has added nutrients such as taurine, which is essential for a healthy heart. You can get pet milk from the vet, a pet shop or any large supermarket.
Another alternative is to get a lacsose-reduced milk. In the UK there's a milk for human comsumption which has almost all of the lactose removed. I am lactose intolerant and can drink this easily. It's in the section with UHT milk in most supermarkets. However, the cat milk is best because of the
added nutrients. :-)
2007-09-23 19:18:49 · answer #2 · answered by Maria D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also have a three year old and he is the most spoiled cat ever. I use to give him milk in a regular bowl, but then he got really sick, and he was sick for months. The vet told me that instead of plain milk by itself, to put just a little bit in his food. That way he still gets it, but he can digest it when he digests his food. Also my cat has these treats that he just cant get enough of. They are called Kittyshack. They are liver flavored. When he hears the sound of that box he comes running.
2007-09-23 18:15:03 · answer #3 · answered by angel66866 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ha! My cat loves milk too! And my vet told me not ALL cats are lactose intolerant. She said to look in my cats litter box to make sure things looked "Normal"-for lack of a better word, and to be mindful of any off behavior and things like that. You are right, its not the BEST for them, but think about most of the cat food out there these days. By-products in almost all f them, so in my mind, Milk is kinda negligible. Good Luck!
2007-09-23 01:04:07 · answer #4 · answered by Keri 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not ALL cats are lactose intolerant. MOST cats are. As long as the cat doesn't have diarrhea or act like it has a belly-ache, it's probably okay as long as you don't give him much. It isn't complete nutrition for the cat.
If you eat yogurt, give him some of that, as long as it is the natural kind with active cultures. Easier on the tummy.
2007-09-23 02:55:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give a little splash, a little won't hurt. He's probably had it for three years! We all partake in foods that aren't the best for us, but if we don't over-indulge we survive! I always let my pets finish up the last bit of every meal I have, I don't give them anything until I'm finished. Sometimes I think people just go overboard with everything, maybe the pet food industry has got us buffaloed. If you notice some issues, vomiting/runs, stop giving it. Mine also likes vanilla ice cream, imagine giving them sugar too!
2007-09-23 01:33:54 · answer #6 · answered by gsdmix 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont give him cows milk. Buy cat milk. It is expensive but you can water it down to make it stretch.
As an alternative treat, try a raw egg.
2007-09-27 00:25:23 · answer #7 · answered by kitty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What i used to do to my cats (theyre 4 and 8 yrs.) is give them some water with a bit of milk in the dish with it. They didn't seem to notice the differance, and of course it's a bit better for them.
2007-09-23 01:02:39 · answer #8 · answered by Meshugana123 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My vet once told me that milk is okay for animals-as long as they are not lactose intolerant. So as long as it does not bother him, then I would continue. There is an alternative. It is by Whiskas. It is in a purple, tetra box. It is called "Cat Milk". My 2 cats like it. It is about $1.20 a box.
2007-09-23 01:08:02 · answer #9 · answered by Jill C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What about cat milk? That way you don't have to worry or have to deal with finding out that kitty is lactose intolerant but still be able to spoil him.
2007-09-23 01:34:35 · answer #10 · answered by jaydeangell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HAVE THREE CATS AND I DON'T GIVE THEM MILK...IF YOU WANT TO GET HIM OFF THE MILK I WOULD WATER IT DOWN LITTLE BY LITTLE AND ONE DAY HE WILL FORGET IT WAS ONCE ALL MILK...LOL...OR, GET THE MILK THEY SELL IN THE STORES, JUST FOR CATS...I NEVER HEARD OF IT BUT IT MUST BE THERE..I NEVER LOOKED FOR IT BECAUSE I DON'T USE IT...CATS JUST GO WITH THE FLOW AND YOU CAN SPOIL HIM WITH SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS BETTER FOR HIM...
2007-09-23 01:17:31 · answer #11 · answered by str8_lady_a2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋