In this complete guide to cats and milk, we will let you know whether it’s a good idea to let your cat drink milk. Investigating the types of milk on offer, and what kind of milk cats can drink safely.
If you have a cat, you probably know that cats love milk. They seem to crave it, and if you leave your cereal out too long at breakfast, your kitties might jump on the table and drink the milk from the bottom of your bowl! Sound familiar?
But why do cats like milk so much? And can cats drink milk safely? And if so – what kind of milk can cats drink? Let’s discover the facts!
Can cats drink milk?
The short answer to this question is, it depends – but veterinarians don’t recommend it. The best way to figure out if your cats can have milk is to offer just one tablespoon of milk at a time. Then monitor their health for about 12 hours.
If you don’t see signs of gastrointestinal distress, it may be all right to offer a drop of milk as a very occasional treat. But this really isn’t a good idea.
Milk doesn’t have essential nutrients that cats need. So if you are desperate to share some with them, you should only give them a small amount. Milk should never make up a regular part of any cat’s diet, and is never okay for weaned kittens.
Is milk good for cats?
Domestic cats can get all the nutrients they need from the commercial food you buy them, plus water. Milk is not a natural part of cats’ diets. They don’t need it – they just like it!
Cats enjoy the high fat content in dairy products. Research has shown that milk drinking induces relaxation behavior in cats, the same way grooming and drowsiness do. In other words, the act of lapping milk gives cats pleasure. But milk is not recommended as a way of calming cats. The effects on the cats’ intestines will quickly negate any potential benefits!
Is milk bad for cats?
All cats are individuals, and some can handle milk better than others. But this doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to give it to any of them. In general, milk is bad for cats.
Cats drinking milk or dairy products may develop symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. These include vomiting and diarrhea, upset stomach, gassiness, and soft stools.
Giving milk to cats is like giving them junk food. The cats won’t get enough of the nutrition they need, because milk dilutes the nutrients from their better food sources. Also, research shows that feeding milk to cats as part of regular, long-term diet can result in negative effects on longevity, reproduction, bone structure, and growth.
Are cats lactose intolerant?
Like most adult mammals, cats cannot handle lactose. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. This means that they lack an enzyme, called lactase, that is need to digest lactose. So, lactose remains in the digestive system and begins to ferment, causing stomach upset.
Kittens do make lactase and can actually handle the lactose in milk. But milk does not offer the protein, antibodies, and vitamins that growing cats need. This means that giving kittens milk can harm their development. After they are weaned from their mothers, kittens stop developing lactase.
Are cats allergic to milk?
In studies, almost a third of cats have been shown to have some kind of food sensitivity. This includes allergies to lactose, and another milk protein called casein. However, not all cats are allergic to lactose or casein.
Allergies often show up in cats as gastrointestinal distress, or on the skin dermatologically as hives or redness. Inside the gut, milk allergies show up as congestion, edema (swelling from fluid retention), degeneration of the villi (small projections from the mucous membranes), hemorrhage, and an increase in plasma cells.
Cat allergies sound serious, but can be managed successfully. You just have to avoid those foods your cat is allergic to!
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What kind of milk can cats drink?
Unfortunately, the answer to that all important question of what kind of milk can cats drink is almost none. We don’t think giving milk to cats is a good idea. But, we understand that some people really want to share a tiny bit with their furry friend. So, with the proviso of the quantities being very small and the frequency being rare. Let’s have a look at the kind of milk cats can drink.
The different types of milk are discussed in detail below. But, in summary – if your cats show a tolerance of milk, you can generally feed them raw cow and goat’s milk. Stay away from plant- and nut-based milks such as soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk.
If possible, do not feed pasteurized milk, and stay away from high-carb milks like sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. Some companies make milk for cats that replace regular milk. If you really want to know what kind of milk can cats drink – Cat-Sip may be a good option if your vet approves.
Can cats drink cow milk?
Yes, some cats can drink a very small amount of cow’s milk, but you should be careful. In general, you should avoid giving cats whole cow’s milk or cream because of the higher fat and sugar content. Organic skim milk or milk with a 1% fat content is preferred.
Lactose-free cow’s milk is also a safer option. Some veterinarians prefer milk substitute products such as Cat-Sip, available in pet stores.
Can cats drink raw milk?
If you are going to feed your cat cow’s milk, you should stick with raw milk. Research has shown that raw, unpasteurized milk has fewer negative effects on the development of cats than many other types of milks.
Can cats drink pasteurized milk?
Pasteurized cow’s milk has been shown to cause skeletal abnormalities, developmental deficiencies, and reproductive issues in felines. So, if you want to feed your cats milk, avoid pasteurized milk products.
Can cats drink sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk?
Scientists believe that sweetened condensed milk may be the worst milk you can feed your cat.
Evaporated milk is also bad for cats. Excessive carbohydrates in these types of milks cause the same kinds of problems you see from pasteurized milk, only more severely.
Can cats drink soy milk?
Soy milk is made from soybeans. Cats are carnivorous, and should not be given soybeans. Their digestive systems do not have enough carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes to handle plant-based proteins. Also, some cats are allergic to soy proteins.
Can cats drink almond milk?
Almond milk does not contain lactose, so you might think it would be fine to feed this to cats. But, although almonds are not considered toxic to pets, they can still be dangerous.
Almonds have a high amount of oils and fats. These may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes, eating almonds can result in pancreatitis in cats. A half gallon of homemade almond milk can contain as many as 16 human-sized servings of almonds. So almond milk is not a good option for cats!
Can cats drink coconut milk?
When you want to know what kind of milk can cats drink, you might ask whether cats can drink coconut milk. Sadly, the short answer is no. Avoid giving cats coconut milk. As with almonds, coconuts have a high amount of oil and fat. Although coconuts are technically not nuts, they have some similar properties to nuts and fruits. They are drupes, also known as stone fruits.
Cats’ digestive systems cannot handle plant proteins. Coconuts, which grow on palm trees, fall into this category. Specific research on this question is sparse. Yet, studies also show that coconut milk can protect rats from ulcers and increase their antioxidant levels. Past studies have shown that rat digestion is similar to cat digestion.
Veterinarians and other experts believe that cats benefit from coconut oil, which is different than coconut milk. For example, coconut oil is known to increase antioxidant levels in rats.
Can cats drink goat’s milk?
If your cat can tolerate milk, raw goat’s milk is a good option for a small and infrequent treat. Goat’s milk generally has a higher mineral and vitamin content than cow’s milk, and includes some taurine.
Goat’s milk is slightly lower in lactose levels, though the difference is very minor. Studies have shown that in rats, goats’ milk is more easily digestible than cow’s milk. And, it allows more absorption of iron and copper. Fat and weight gain in rats was improved with goat milk, and cholesterol levels were lower.
Can you give kittens milk?
Ideally, kittens will get milk through their mothers. Mother cats are called queens, and cat milk is called queen’s milk. Cats require several essential nutrients that are not essential in most other animals, including humans. These are niacin, vitamin A, and vitamin D, and the amino acids taurine and arginine.
Cats need taurine for good vision, normal digestion, heart health, normal reproduction, and a healthy immune system. Cats can only manufacture a limited amount themselves, and deplete it quickly.
Low levels of arginine have been linked to cataracts, anorexia, and decreased growth in kittens. Cats can’t synthesize arginine, so they get it from their diets. Queen’s milk is the best way for kittens to receive these nutrients in the correct amounts.
So, can kittens drink milk? No. Regular cow’s milk and goat’s milk should never be used for kittens. These milk types do not have the fat, protein, or calories that kittens need.
Kitten milk replacer
In certain situations, kittens may not have access to their mother’s milk. If this is the case, the best option is to find a foster mother. If that isn’t possible, you should purchase a commercial kitten milk replacer. This will include those all-important amino acids.
The kittens should fed with a bottle, or using a tube if needed. Kitten milk replacers generally include the correct moisture, nutrient levels, and energy requirements for kittens. However, they tend to have low arginine and taurine levels. They may also be low in arachidonic acid, a fatty acid cats need. That’s why queen’s milk is still a better option, if available.
Home formulas may not have the nutrients required, so avoid them unless the recipe has been approved by a board-certified veterinarian.
How much milk does a newborn kitten need
Scientists say kittens should get 13-18 milliliters of kitten milk replacer per 100 grams of body weight, to start with. As they get older, this amount should be gradually increased. Base the increase on health, appearance, and weight gain. Kittens should be gaining around 18-20 grams per day.
If your kittens are active and responsive to what’s around them, they are doing well. If they are always vocalizing and hungry, you may need to reevaluate. Kittens should be given regular cat food starting at around three-four weeks. They should be completely weaned at six weeks.
Can kittens drink baby milk?
Human baby formula is very high in lactose. The extra lactose allows baby formula to have a consistency more like breast milk. But, even though kittens can digest lactose, it’s too much.
So, if you give it to your kittens, they may suffer gastrointestinal distress. The resulting diarrhea can dehydrate them during an important time in their development.
Additionally, taurine, arginine, and other amino acids and nutrients are not available in baby formula in the correct amounts to support a growing kitten.
Cats drinking milk
In conclusion, we all know that cats like milk. Research shows that milk calms cats and gives them pleasure. But studies also show giving cats milk is not good for them, because most cats are lactose intolerant and some are allergic. Milk as part of a regular diet can have major negative health consequences for cats.
Still, if your individual cat seems to be able to handle milk, the best milk to provide is raw cow’s milk or goat’s milk. But only give a tablespoon of milk once a week at most.
Do your cats like milk as a treat? Have you tried giving your kitty some of the different milks listed here? Which is their favorite?
We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.
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References and further reading
- ASPCA, “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets,” https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
- M. Cervantes, et al, (1983), “Serotonergic influences on EEG synchronization induced by milk drinking in the cat,” Pharmacology Biochemistry & Behavior, Vol. 18
- J. Debraekeleer, (1998), “Comparative analysis of milk replacers for puppies and kittens,” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Vol 80.
- “Drupe,” (1998), Encyclopedia Britannica.
- A. Tasi, “Answers: Is it okay for my cat to have milk?” Feline Nutrition Foundation.
- A. Fascetti and S.J. Delaney, (2012), “Feeding the healthy dog and cat,” Applied Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, First Ediition. Publishers: John Wiley & Sons.
- B. Fife, (2014), “Coconut Therapy for Pets,” Picadilly Books, Ltd.
- W. Grant Guilford et al, (2001), “Food sensitivity in cats with chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal problems,” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Vol 15.
- Haenlein, G.F.W. (2004), “Goat milk in human nutrition,” Small Ruminant Research, Vol 51.
- Haenlein G.F.W., Ace D., (2004), Extension Goat Handbook. United States Department of Agriculture/USDA.
- K.G. Nevin and T. Rajamohan (2006), “Virgin coconut oil supplemented diet increases the antioxidant status in rats,” Food Chemistry, Vol 99 (2).
- R.O. Nneli and O.A. Woyike (2008), “Antiulcerogenic effects of coconut (cocos nucifera) extract in rats,” Phytotherapy Research, Vol 22.
- Y.W. Park, et al (2006), “Physico-chemical characteristics of goat and sheep milk,” Small Ruminant Research, Vol 68.
- F. Pottenger, Jr., (1946), “The effect of heat-processed foods and metabolized vitamin D milk on the dentofacial structures of experimental animals,” American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Volume 32 (8).
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This was a very well written article…I really needed this info to help my 26 year old cat gain weight but not get sick in the process. Thanks again?
…very informative and soooo true. Thank you .
You have a cat 26 years old? Amazing!
Congratulations to your kitty! Yo must be very proud getting to keep a kitty BF for so long. There must be lots of love in your house!
What about oat milk e.g. from alpro
Oats like soy are a vegetable source and cats are carnivores so the two are incompatible. No best not to give your cat oat milk.
You advise lactose-free milk and also low- or nonfat milk for cats. Aren’t you aware that the higher the fat content of the milk the lower the lactose. I am lactose intolerant and avoided all milk for several years until I discovered that half and half does not cause me any distress and was informed of the above. I’m also advised by my physician to eat harder cheeses.
That was referring specifically to fat and sugar content, which isn’t good for cats. They specify, in the same portion, not to give your cats milk with lactose in it. So, hand-in-hand, it should read as, “If you give your cats dairy, go for low fat varieties, free of lactose.”
Very informative, my cat is addicted to milk, she sits at her bowl and demands it. She does seem to tolerate it but I will now be careful with the amount she has. Going to have one unhappy cat and dog for that matter.
Hi to all
Cats should not be given anything sweet for one simple reason. Their saliva is unable to get rid of sugar, unlike dogs, so eventually their teeth with rot.
A very useful article, many thanks. I am lactose intolerant myself and only have lactose free cow’s milk in the house. When I have cereal or porridge my cat drives me crazy for it. I only give him about a tablespoonful in his bowl and only on the days I have cereal or porridge.
I have a sick ferrel cat that can’t eat anything, he seems to have a problem chewing so I was giving him cat milk from the store and he drinks it but still has a hard time. It’s very sad. The cat milk was getting to expensive so I was unable to continue with it .I just got laid off my job anyway I’m giving him goat’s milk and he is able to drink it easier. I do add a little water to it and lysine. Is this hurting him? I don’t know what else to do. There are so many stray cats I’m taking care of and I haven’t the money to get this poor baby to vet and don’t know if I could even get him in a carrier if I was able to get him help.
I don’t know about the milk but I learned recently how to get my cat into a carrier after not being able to get him to the vet for about 3 years! I was able to do this without anyone else’s help! Use a carrier where the top is separated from the bottom and can be joined together. Get a soft towel. Get the top ready nearby the bottom. Pick up your kitty and stroke him to keep him calm. Gently wrap the kitty with the towel around him and over his eyes, so he can’t see and his legs can’t move. Do this as quickly as you can and put him in the bottom half of the carrier. Hold him down and quickly align the top to the bottom. Lock the two halves of the carrier together. Make sure the door is locked on the carrier and you are good to go!
My cats love evaporated milk and I have been giving it to them for years. This article was quite informative. I am grateful that it doesn’t appear to have hurt them at all but perhaps I won’t be so generous with it from now on. 🙂
Can you please provide citations to any information regarding pasteurized milk causing harm to cats? Pasteurization is a very basic heat treatment, and does not alter the chemical structure of milk in any way.
Raw milk, on the other hand, is banned from interstate commerce in the US, is completely illegal in at least 20 states, and is very restricted in most of the remaining states. The reason for this is simple: Modern milk production methods in the US are very susceptible to contamination with dangerous, sometimes lethal bacteria. Unless you are 100% familiar with the source and production methods of the provider, raw milk consumption is very risky to humans, and probably to cats as well. I’m talking 100% familiar like, ‘bet your life on it’ kind of familiar.
Well I am lactose intolerant and remember the agony I went thru before we finally discovered my intolerance of milk. I would not wish that on anyone or anything. Having just inherited an 8 month old Siamese cat, I was thinking it may want some milk, I am glad I didn’t have any in the house or I may have given it some. I wouldn’t want one of God’s precious creatures to suffer.
Rather safe than sorry
Years ago we had a cat, agrey one we called Maltese. we raised him on people food leftovers and evaporated milk mixed with half water although not fat, he was large and if he was outside, he would chase all the dogs in the house. He lived to be quite old. When we moved and had to leave him, the neighbors took care of him and we would check on him when we could He was quite popular!
Hi, may I know how old?