Is milk actually a good drink for cats?

Although many people believe that milk is good for cats, the reality is that it’s a myth. Unfortunately, milk is not the healthiest beverage for felines.

In fact, it can cause a series of ailments, including an upset stomach, cramps and severe diarrhoea. A large majority of cats are lactose intolerant and/or become dehydrated when they are fed cow’s milk.

Lactose intolerance is a common condition in cats like humans. Many cats do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose — the sugar found in milk and dairy products.

This condition in cats can cause severe gastrointestinal problems including:

1. Diarrhoea: It’s one of the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance in cats. When lactose passes through the cat’s digestive system undigested, it can cause an increase in water in the colon, resulting in loose, watery stools.

2. Vomiting: Cats with lactose intolerance may also experience vomiting, which can be caused by irritation of the gastrointestinal tract due to undigested lactose.

3. Abdominal pain: Lactose intolerance can cause abdominal pain and discomfort due to gas and bloating in the digestive system.

4. Dehydration: Frequent diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can be a severe issue if not addressed quickly.

The severity of lactose intolerance can vary between cats. Some cats may be able to tolerate small amounts of milk or dairy products while others may have a more severe reaction even to small quantities.

If you suspect your cat may be lactose intolerant, it is best to avoid feeding them milk and other dairy products. Instead, provide your cat with fresh, clean water and a nutritionally balanced diet formulated specifically for its nutritional needs.

If you are concerned about your cat’s digestive health or have any questions about its diet, consult with your veterinarian.

If your cat does not throw up or suffer from diarrhoea, he or she can consume whole, skim, or lactose-free milk in small quantities. Some experts advise that cream is better than regular milk because it has less lactose than whole or skim milk.

Several lactose-free milk substitutes for cats have developed over the years, including CatSip and CatSure.

CatSip is real Grade A milk from a dairy that’s been specially developed to lessen the risk of digestive problems in cats.

CatSure, on the other hand, is a definitive, balanced liquid nutritional meal that allows cats to make the best of their golden years. It includes high-quality protein and amino acids for healthy living and is made particularly for adult and senior cats.

Both products can be purchased online, in several large grocery stores, and most pet supply stores. If your cat enjoys milk, these milk alternatives will most likely please him or her.

M Rubaiyat Adnan Turjo has completed BSc in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry and is currently a postgraduate student at the Microbiology and Parasitology Department at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University