Is Milk Safe For Cat To Drink Or Not? – The daily consumption of milk is not safe for adult and senior felines. During the natural age progression, a cats lactose tolerance level will decrease dramatically and the result is lactose intolerance. Often occurring in early adulthood, as a result, some cats experience diarrhoea and vomiting from the consumption of milk on a routine basis especially large quantities of milk throughout the day.
As is the case with many things just because your cat consumes something and seems to enjoy it does not make it healthy or safe. The best milk alternative for your cat is a lactose-free variety, complete with taurine a nutritional essential milk that is designed and formulated for a cat will include key ingredients that are missing from traditional milk that is meant for human consumption.
Allowing your cat to drink a bit of quote-unquote normal milk is okay as a one-off occasional treat however, under no circumstances should milk be given as a daily source of hydration.
Milk is best viewed in the same line as a cat treat or dry snack. Think of milk as a dessert rather than a replacement for freshwater.
In this blog, we will explore the ins and outs of this topic while addressing the most notable safety concerns involving milk and other milk-based products.
Let’s come to the topic Is Milk Safe For Cat To Drink Or Not?
Is Milk Safe For Cat To Drink Or Not?
Traditional milk, mini milk that is from a cow or goat is not safe for adult and senior felines. Milk will not meet their daily hydration or nutritional needs.
Why Milk Will Not Meet Cats Daily Hydration Or Nutritional?
The answer is Development. Cats are not born lactose intolerant, it develops as they develop. This is why nursing cats can consume their mother’s milk and also milk that is fit for human consumption without issue. However, lactose intolerance increases as cats age.
Shall we address the elephant in the room, the great cat and milk stereotype? One could easily say well what about the cartoons, the movies and the literature that depicts a stray cat being given milk by the unassuming stranger? What about decades upon decades of pop culture?
Well unfortunately somewhere along the line it became universally accepted that cats love milk. Beyond that, the practice of providing milk was viewed as loving and responsible ownership.
This is where things start to get a bit tricky. Milk isn’t poison but it’s not exactly fresh water on a hot day either. We’ve likely all given milk to a cat at least at some point but the notion that milk is ideal for a cat is she’sr misinformation, it’s not true.
The symptoms of lactose intolerance typically worsen with age. This means if you own senior feline milk should be off-limits entirely. The last thing you want is for your elderly pal to be dealing with stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.
What Type Of Milk Is Safe For Cats?
When it comes to finding milk that is safe for feline consumption yet not specially formulated for a cat, the options are slim to none. unfortunately with every milk option comes its own set of negatives and potential issues can
Cats Drink Goat Milk?
Although digestion can be a bit easier. The issue of lactose intolerance is still there, especially if consumed daily. On the hydration front, the difference between cow’s milk and goat’s milk is minimal at best. How about rice milk or almond milk? Although lactose-free the increase in sugar that serves to provide a fulfilling taste is not suitable for a cat system.
Added sugar can cause an upset stomach and general unwellness which will ultimately lead you back to square one although courtesy of a different path upset stomach and general wellness.
Is Coconut Milk a Good Option?
Is coconut milk a worthy option due to its high level of fat and oil? If you think this type of things then this option is also negative. Cats naturally have a difficult time when attempting to digest plant protein, quite similar to soy coconut milk can cause digestive issues which can lead to upset stomach and many of the notable symptoms that have already been noted.
Unfortunately most every milk option that is meant tor human consumption ultimately leads to the same conclusion with the same known symptoms.
Arguably the worst selection of the bunch is pasteurized cow’s milk. Health concerns including reproduction Issues, improper bone growth, skeletal abnormalities and developmental struggles can occur.
Giving your cat pasteurized cow’s milk instead of freshwater especially from young adulthood can lead to a potentially dire outcome. The perpetual harshness of milk on your cat’s digestive system can take its toll in some form or fashion even if none of the health concerns mentioned come to pass. By comparison giving your cat pasteurized cow’s milk daily from the kitten life stage through early adulthood would be like giving your toddler coca-cola regularly.
Ultimately it’s best to purchase milk alternatives for your cat that are specially formulated for a felines needs. Milk that is made for humans regardless of the type should be off-limits as a source of regular hydration.
Positive Milk Hydration?
The safest and highest quality milk alternatives can be located and purchased at your local pet store. Whether a big brand or family-owned outlet milk that is designed for your cat is the only true alternative to the milk that is in your refrigerator.
Alternatives must be between 98 and 100 per cent lactose-free and contain taurine promoting positive health, nutrition, daily hydration and sound digestion are the core goals that must be met. This allows your cat to enjoy the taste of milk without all of the problematic side effects.
As an important note, not all cat-friendly milk products are safe for felines of all life stages. Senior cats for example have very delicate digestive systems. If you have questions concerning milk I’ll turn and their safety is sure to consult a vet and inquire if specific products are safe for consumption.
The Value Of Proper Ingredients?
Always making a priority to read labels carefully before purchasing specially formulated alternative milk products for your cat because not every selection is the same. It’s always wise to check the label especially if your vet has stressed specific guidelines based on your cat’s needs.
In respect to core ingredients, there are a few things you should always look for. Milk that is designed to improve digestion make sure this is noted on the packaging. Lactose-free or less than 2% this is essential. It Is also essential to avoid milk substitutes.
Just say no to artificial sweeteners. Make sure that the milk you ate purchasing is also free of vegetable oil and other additives. Taurine is a must as it is arguably the backbone of a safe alternative. Taurine is essential for your cat’s eye heart and oral health.
Taurine does not exist in the body In high quantity, so the cat must acquire it through diet daily. If by chance your feline is refusing to consume wet cat food but loves the taste of milk, establishing a specially formulated milk alternative that is rich and taurine is ideal.
Can Cats Eat Ice Cream And Yogurt?
Dairy products of all kinds should be avoided. If the milk ice cream, yogurt cheese is designed for you that means it’s notesigned for your cat. Additionally, with ice cream in particular you run the risk of introducing excessive sweeteners and toppings. Chocolate ice cream with nuts and artificial sweeteners for example can promote a drastic drop in blood sugar. Thus proving toxic and potentially fatal to your feline.
If standard milk is a no-go that ice cream and yogurt is also an equally bad call.
The Importance Of Freshwater
Fresh and clean water is the way to go. When compared to milk or any other alternative there is notomparison. This is why it is essential to keep your cat’s water bowl nice and clean. So, it’s essential to remove all food particles, fur, debris etc. Freshwater should be just that.
Does your cat drink from your toilet rather than its water bowl? This likely has to do with intrigue more than anything else.
Clean water bowls are boring after a while your cat will likely get tired of standing water. To capture your cat’s attention and promote the desire to drink more often the consideration of purchasing a flowing water fountain could be an option.
Also read 9+ Powerful Tips For Cats To Drink More Water and Makes Them Healthy
Water in a bowl is bland, water that moves well. That’s party time for most felines. Wet cat food is also a wonderful source of water and hydration most cats get their daily water and critical hydration needs from wet food. This is extremely beneficial if your feline is turning its nose up at the water bowl yet still craves moist cat food. Never underestimate the power of water that is found in a can.