Cats can drink certain types of milk, but with important caveats:
- Water is the best drink for cats to stay hydrated and healthy
- Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose in regular cow’s milk. Drinking cow’s milk can cause digestive upset such as diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and abdominal pain
- Goat milk is sometimes considered better than cow’s milk because it contains less lactose and fat, making it easier to digest for some cats. However, it still contains enough lactose and fat to potentially cause problems and should only be given in small amounts
- Lactose-free milk or special cat milk products are safer alternatives. These are formulated to be easier on cats’ digestion and may include added nutrients like taurine. They can be given occasionally as treats or supplements, but water should remain the primary drink
- Kittens should only drink their mother’s milk or specially formulated kitten milk replacers. Cow’s milk and other types are not suitable for kittens as they do not provide the necessary nutrition and can cause digestive issues
- If giving milk to adult cats, it should be limited to small quantities (e.g., a tablespoon once or twice a week) and only if the cat shows no adverse reactions. Milk should never constitute more than 10% of a cat’s daily calorie intake
In summary, while cats can drink some types of milk like goat milk or lactose- free cat milk in moderation, the best and safest drink for cats is always fresh water. Regular cow’s milk is generally not recommended due to lactose intolerance and potential health issues
