Can cats eat milk?
Quick Answer
No
While kittens can digest their mother’s milk, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Consuming milk can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea.
What Is It?
Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid food produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is the primary source of nutrition for infant mammals before they are able to digest other types of food.
Why It Can Be Risky
Feeding milk to cats, especially adult ones, can pose several health risks.
- Digestive issues: Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and can’t digest lactose in milk, leading to diarrhea or other digestive problems.
- Obesity: Milk is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and obesity in cats.
- Malnutrition: Cats that drink too much milk may not eat enough of their regular, balanced cat food, leading to malnutrition.
Safe Alternatives
- Lactose-free milk: Some pet food companies produce lactose-free milk specifically for cats.
- Water: Fresh, clean water is the best drink for cats.