Cats are mammals. Like humans, they drink milk after birth from the mother’s breasts. At birth, any mammal will have an enzyme that breaks down lactose into simple sugars that are easily digestible. Like any other mammal, cats are lactose intolerant. After the lactation period, they gradually lose the enzyme to break down lactose. And lactose in sufficient quantities within milk is a carbohydrate or sugar that needs to be broken down into lesser single sugars for easy digestion. Therefore, cats that are lactose intolerant will develop a bad stomach, leading to gastrointestinal problems.
Some cat sees milk as a special treat and they naturally crave for it. Just like how dogs love to crunch away with bones. Cats have a natural liking for milk, as they benefit from the high-fat content. Therefore, they are particularly attracted to milk, especially cow milk. Even after they are weaned from their mother’s milk, some grown cats still love milk. This is because they are like humans, and are known to relate certain flavors and smells with memories, especially positive ones. They tend to view milk as comfort food. It’s really unfortunate that many cat owners don’t realize the effect of giving milk to their feline pals. So, in the following paragraphs we will take a look at the possible effect of feeding your cat milk.
Can I give my cat milk?
Cats like milk, but it’s only a few of them that can get it into their system. As a cat owner, you definitely want the best for your feline pals. And you try to do your best. Maybe you consider buying her milk from the store or you have been feeding her some fresh milk. And because brilliant thoughts happen after the stupid deeds have been done, then you ask- if it is okay to feed your cat milk? Well, the answer is NO! Because the milk is made for humans, it has no required nutrients for your cats and can get stuck in their system and make them sick. That is why it is advisable to give your feline pal enough water instead; hydration is always required.
But if you can’t resist the thrill of feeding your cat milk, then you can look for cat’s milk in many pet stores. Cat milk is a milk substitute that is specially designed for cats. It should only be given to cats as a treat, as it does not offer any nutritional value, but it will at least help you avoid digestive problems associated with milk and lactose intolerant cats. Just give her a tablespoon once in a while as a treat, but it shouldn’t become a habit. Finally, I will vote for water instead. Hydration is always important; it does all the wonders and does no harm. However mistakes happened, once in a while, you may leave a bowl of milk open and your cat may feed on it. Milk should not be given as their main source of fluid. Cats need clean water to survive, and milk should not be used as a substitute under any circumstances.