What’s the Real Deal with Cats and Milk?

Of the myriad myths about cats, their misunderstood proclivity for cow’s milk ranks near the top. Despite modern conventional wisdom, the idea that cats love, need, and want milk remains ubiquitous among cat owners and admirers alike. Cats and milk used to go together like mice and cheese, dogs and bones, but today a different view takes center stage.

High Fat

The cats and milk myth is actually based in truth. Cats love the high fat content of cream, especially if it’s fresh from the cow. Similar to other infant mammals, kittens are born with the ability to digest lactose, the main sugar in milk. However, as they age, lactase, the enzyme that triggers digestion of lactose, disappears. Many cat owners out there can relate to that terrible grumble after a pint of ice cream!

Tummy Troubles

While the dairy section at the grocery store has whole milk and cream, most of what is offered to cats is low-fat or fat-free milk. It might taste great to a thirsty, opportunistic feline, but it is not easy to digest. The lactose is rendered indigestible by the the gut and a troublesome tummy ache ensues. The undigested sugar draws water into the intestines, causing bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Cats and Milk

Feeding your cat a balanced diet helps toward optimal health. Offering a cup of whole milk into their daily routine adds almost 150 extra calories. Since milk doesn’t give any benefit to cats, it’s best to steer away from this empty treat. Try commercially available treats (taking care to reduce meal sizes), or bite-sized morsels of cooked meat or fish.

If you’re concerned that your cat isn’t drinking enough water, invest in a circulating water fountain. Designed to pique interest in drinking, these fountains provide fresh, clean water throughout the day.

Fostering Kittens

If you ever end up in the position of fostering kittens (and hopefully, someday you will; it’s amazing!), the question of whether or not to feed them warm cow’s milk might come up. Kitten formula is the best solution to their needs, with goat’s milk being a close second. Dairy products or formula for human infants is not recommended.

Kitten formula must be prepared to the manufacturer’s specifications, and can be found in pet stores, online, or through our pharmacy.

The Relevant Truths

If you have additional questions about which cat myths do more harm than good, please feel to contact us.