Should you give your cat milk?
We see cats drinking milk all the time on television commercials and in movies. The question that looms, however, is whether or not it is really good for them. Most experts agree that the majority of cats are lactose-intolerant. What this means in terms of milk is that cats cannot digest the inherent sugars. Dogs and cats do not have the proper digestive enzymes to break down the sugar in milk, which is known as lactose. As a result, with the ingestion of milk, lactose tends to ferment in the intestine and cause diarrhea. Although for human babies, milk is vital to nourishment, this is not the case for cats. In fact, a cat that is fed only on milk will die of malnutrition. The problem is that most cats LOVE the taste of milk. And so, my friends, what to do, what to do?
If your kitty enjoys milk and is not lactose-intolerant, milk can be given in occasional, small amounts. You will know whether the cat has a problem with it by subsequent diarrhea and stomach problems. Generally, milk is better for kittens than adult cats, but if your adult cat likes the taste of milk, try the milk substitutes that are available at the market. (Whiskas puts out a soy type of kitty milk that my cats enjoy.) Another one is called “Cat Sip.” These substitutes are, in the long run, better for your cat’s health than regular milk because they contain needed nutrients.
Some cats don’t like milk, but they are definitely in the minority. Moderation is the key here. Please your kitty with some milk once in a while, but try the substitutes. In this case, the real thing is maybe not the best alternative.
Here’s to milk!