Milk is an Ideal Food for Your Kitties — Debunking a Popular Myth
Several cartoons in the past always portrayed a never-ending love story between cats and milk. Fluffy cats lapping up the milk from the bowl and their whiskers covered in milk. So cute!
But do you know several cats are lactose intolerant? Cats crave dairy products, and they will happily lap up the milk; however, this wonderful treat can result in terrible stomach cramps. That is the sad part! Plus, unpleasantness in the kitty litter is no fun!
So, did you ever wonder why cats love milk? Or why they are so fond of it? Plus, what makes cats lactose intolerant? If it is of interest to you, keep reading!
Why Do Cats Love Milk so Much?
If you own a cat who loves to lie down and stretch all the time and always expect from you that you will fill up the kitty bowl with milk, you are not alone. This four-legged friend of yours loves milk, yogurt, and cream.
Not only a cat loves it, but this furry creature craves it too! But what exactly triggers their craving?
Cats are attracted to dairy products because they can sense and smell the presence of proteins and fats. Plus, they like the taste.
Since cows milk contains cream and is dense in fats, it makes a perfect treat for kitties. Moreover, fresh or cold milk always satiates them.
But is it Good For Them?
Like every infant mammal, kittens are also born with the lactase enzyme that breaks milk sugar lactose. Once fully weaned, the enzyme lactase that helps to digest the milk diminishes from their gut.
The disappearance of lactase production usually begins when the cat is around four weeks old. Therefore, when an adult cat tries delicious dairy products, the indigestible lactose may begin to ferment in their gut.
This is not a good thing because it can lead to diarrhea, stomach upsets, vomiting, and stomach pain. You do not want your kitty to suffer; thus, it is not a good idea to feed your cats cow’s or goat’s milk.
What if Your Cat is Not Lactose Intolerant?
While some are lactose intolerant, you will find most cats who are not. So, does that mean you can treat them with milk? Uhh, no! Once one in a while, in small amounts, is okay.
Why? Because a small amount or a spoonful of milk will not pose any risk to your cat in the long run. Furthermore, if your cat tolerates milk, there is not enough reason that you should give it to them.
The amount of lactose is relatively high in cow’s milk rather than in other kinds of milk. Moreover, even if you decide to give low lactose content milk like goat’s milk, it will not provide enough nutrients that cats require.
Not to mention, milk is calorie-dense. Thus, milk for felines is like creamy, luscious desserts for humans. That only makes you fat!
The Best Cow or Goat’s Milk Alternative
Even if your cat begs or demands it by rubbing against your leg when you pull out your favorite milk container, it is better to give them occasional treats.
The safest purchase for your cat will be the special lactose-free milk. You will find it in any pet store or supermarket. Since we discussed above that it has excessive calories; therefore, give them in minimal quantities.
Furthermore, do NOT give your cats soy milk or almond milk because they can trigger allergies and digestive problems.
Bottom Line
Milk is not a necessary food item for cats. You can treat them in minimal amounts as a holiday cheer or reward instead of making it a frequent staple.
Until then stay paw-some and paw-sitive!
