Try to picture a cat without their bowl of cow’s milk to slurp on – close to impossible, right?
Old folk tales, comics and popular sitcoms like Tom and Jerry have constantly portrayed cats
and milk sharing a solid connection. So, it’s only natural to think that milk is healthy for
felines. Turns out, no. Contrary to popular belief, milk is not suitable for cats, and we’ll tell
you why. Just make sure not to offer a kitty with a bowl of milk till you finish reading this.
What’s probably running through your mind may be that “if milk is so bad for cats, then who
started this myth”? It’s believed to have started ages back in farms with cows that produced
fresh, warm and fatty milk. The farm cats loved to sip on the creamy layers, which ironically
consisted of more lactose or sugar than actual milk. However, modern grocery stores stack up
on milk that is treated to possess lower fat levels, which may be healthy for you but not so
much for your cat. Several veterinary doctors don’t encourage feeding these fur balls any
dairy products, for that matter. Let’s get to the bottom of this today!
Why You Shouldn’t Feed Your Cat Cow’s Milk?
Lactose intolerance is a word that most of us hear when hanging out with those who don’t
consume dairy. Interestingly, most cats are lactose intolerant; this means that they don’t
possess the enzyme (lactase) in their intestines, which is vital in digesting the lactose present
in cow’s milk. When consumed, they present symptoms similar to lactose-intolerant humans,
such as stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. People often think it’s okay to feed kittens
milk since they have the lactase enzyme until 8 weeks of age. However, that does not imply
that cow’s milk is healthy for them. In situations wherein you are faced with a hungry kitten,
remember that they are better off drinking a mother’s milk supplement that can be purchased
in stores over a bowl of milk.
Ways To Ensure Your Cat Stays Hydrated
Dehydration amongst cats is a severe medical issue that can lead to diabetes, kidney failure,
heatstroke, and other conditions. Although the eight glasses a day rule doesn’t necessarily
apply to your feline, they need to consume around 60 ml of water a day (depends on weight,
age, activity level, etc.) to be well hydrated. Make sure to keep clean, fresh bowls of water.
Occasionally, you may even add a little low fat, low sodium chicken broth to the water to
have them drink more. Another way to ensure your cat is hydrated is by regularly feeding
them canned food with high water quantities.
Best Drinks For Your Feline Friend
Ideally, water is the best drink for your cat. But, to spice things up a little now and then, you
could offer them goat’s milk which is easily digestible amongst cats (or humans) with lactose
intolerance. Like we mentioned earlier, a little bit of broth or even tuna juice can bring a fun
twist to your cat’s diet.
Other Treats To Feed Your Bundle Of Fur
Some DIY treats that make for a healthy diet that your cat will surely love are salmon
crunchies, oat treats and tuna treats!
Why Cats Like Cream So Much
Although unhealthy for them, drinking milk comes naturally to cats because the smell of the
protein and fat in dairy products is something that they are instantly attracted to. Although
they may not be aware of its repercussions, you certainly must be now; so, don’t make the
mistake of feeding your feline cow’s milk!
