Can cats drink milk and is it good for them?

A common belief has led us to think that cats and milk go hand-in-hand. But, contrary to this, milk really isn’t the best choice for our feline companions. In fact, only a small number of cats can digest the lactose in milk properly. So, does this mean milk is officially off the menu for our furry friends? In this article, we’re going to talk more about whether cats can have milk in any circumstances (for example, if cats can drink lactose free milk), why cats seem to love milk so much, and what they can drink instead of it if milk really is out of bounds.

Can kittens drink milk?

This might come as a surprise but, no, you shouldn’t give your kitten milk. Not cow’s milk or anything in your fridge anyway. The only milk your kitten should drink is that produced by their mother or a special ‘kitten milk formula’ that replicates the nutrition found in their mother’s milk. Any other type of milk can cause diarrhoea and dehydration, which can leave them very poorly.

Once your kitten is fully weaned at 8-10 weeks, their milk days are over, as most kittens go on to become lactose intolerant once they start on solid food. This is because kittens have an enzyme in their stomach that allows them to digest milk, which reduces as they reach maturity.

Is milk good for cats?

No, milk is not good for cats. So think twice before pouring your feline a saucer of milk as a tasty treat! Lots of cats go wild for the taste, but most of them are also lactose intolerant, which means they naturally don’t have the enzyme needed to process lactose and could experience tummy pains, diarrhoea and vomiting if they drink it.

Some cats can get away with drinking milk without any negative consequences, but it’s really not worth risking it! If fed a high quality, balanced diet, there’s no need for cats to drink milk. In fact, it would only add an unhealthy amount of fat to their diet, which could cause weight gain and other health concerns. Our article on the difference between kitten and cat food explains more about the nutritional needs of your furry companion as they mature.

Can cats drink cow's milk?

No, cats can’t drink cow’s milk. They don’t have the ability to digest lactose, so your cat drinking milk could make them poorly. It also doesn’t offer them the nutrition that they need. Some cat owners allow their cats to have a small amount of goat’s milk, as it’s lower in lactose than cow’s milk and is rich in vitamins and minerals. While it’s less likely to make your cat unwell in small doses, the risk is still there and it’s high in fat, so only ever test them with a small amount diluted with water.

Why do cats love milk?

Cats love the taste of cow’s milk because it’s high in fat and reminds them of their mother’s milk. It’s basically comfort food for them. But we know that loving a certain food doesn’t automatically make it good for us, so this isn’t a strong enough reason to let your cat have milk. To satisfy their cravings, you can give them foods with a small amount of milk in as an ingredient.

What kind of milk can cats drink?

Wondering if cats can drink lactose free milk or plant-based alternatives? Unfortunately, it’s best to stay away from all of these. While plant-based milks don’t contain lactose, they can contain other harmful ingredients such as nuts and soy. As for lactose free milk, cats can drink small amounts but it’s not really recommended, as it doesn't offer any nutritional benefit.

What can cats drink instead of milk?

Your cat only really needs water to stay hydrated and happy. So, once your kitten is weaned, you should make sure they always have access to fresh, clean water in a shallow bowl.The problem is, many cats aren’t that keen on drinking it! Cat fountains can be the solution for many, as lots of the crazy cats prefer moving water to drinking from a bowl. Wet cat food is also great for giving them a hydration boost, as it has a high moisture content.

You can also get special milk made for cats that is either lactose free or very low in lactose. This is less likely to make your cat unwell than cow’s milk, but can still be high in fat. So, if you decide your cat can have cat milk, make sure that it’s given alongside a balanced diet and kept as an occasional treat

Hopefully we’ve shed some light on the confusing topic of whether cats can drink milk or not. As much as they love the creamy taste, it’s best to avoid your cat drinking milk, as it could leave them feeling poorly. To find out more about how to provide your cat with a healthy diet, check out our article about wet vs dry food for cats to decide what food is best for them.