We used to see cats drinking milk in cartoons as their only food and I used to put a bowl of milk beside my door for homeless cats, but not after today.
Most cats’ owners who are newbie’s in this field make this mistake. Well, I do not know exactly who associated cats with milk at first, but I know that he/she just did without knowing that milk is bad for cats. Well, cats look very cute and adorable while having a white drink and are usually attracted to it, but let’s face the truth: it affects their health.
If cats can talk, they will tell you how much it is hard for them to digest milk and that they wish if you prevented them from tasting it. They are like us. They may have craved, but it is harmful to give them what they like. Your kitten may ask for spaghetti sauce, chocolate, bread or even grapes that lead to their death after few days. Watch out!
Here are some facts about cats and milk that will completely change your mind:
- I cannot deny that our cute fluffy pets adore milk, but too much of it may be dangerous. It causes diarrhea and you never know if your cat is lactose intolerant as many of them are. It is commonly known that cats have less and less lactase (an enzyme that helps to digest lactose) while growing up. That’s why your cat will have a tough time processing milk.
- Water is more important and beneficial to your cat than giving them milk. While milk can be a cause of many health problems, water regulates the body temperature, weight, and help in digestion. If you notice do not really enjoy the water and do not get enough of it, try to use water fountains. They are very effective.
- Kittens need their mother’s milk not other animals milk like cows. Like all the species, only mothers carry the right formula of milk to help new babies grow up healthy. That is an enough reason to avoid another kind of milk and let the mama brew its child. But if your cat is an orphan, you might want to use special milk that is usually sold in pet stores.
- You might not know that cats do not gain anything from you huge bowl of milk. So, it is preferable to keep it way. The myth and tales are wrong. Milk does not have any nutritional role because all that your cat needs is included in high-protein diets. In addition to that, the cat’s digestive organs do not support too much liquid. This can lead to your kitten not gaining enough weight and it might become necessary to change their diet in order to avoid health problems.
- The most common health issues that milk can cause to kitties are obesity, skin problems, vomiting, upset stomach, and allergies.
After knowing all the bad sides of milk, the question now is why cats are so attracted and run faster the milk bowl than the water one?
Many answers are given by people, but no proven scientific facts. Some say that it tastes good and other that it is part of their nature. I, personally, think if cats can show a sad face, play, love their owners, feel pain, jealous and be bossy, they can miss their infancy too. Why not? They carry in their little chest a variety of emotions, so why not nostalgia?
If you want to know extra information, here are additional answers:
What if my cat loves milk and does not show any reaction to it?
Some experts say it is okay then if the cat does not throw up or have diarrhea, but they advice most pet owners to either give them free-lactose milk or better cream as substitutes.
What are the drinks that work better than milk?
Whatever your cat’s breed is, water is very essential in your pet’s diet, but not any water. Do not let your dear friend take sips from the toilet. Clean and fresh water is obligatory.
What are the worst results of feeding your cat milk regularly?
The results are fatal and are very regrettable, milk causes many health issues but the worst that can happen is dehydration (a condition that happens when the body loses more than it absorbs).
What is special about giving a newborn kitten its mother’s milk and not any available kind?
Mothers know best and their milk is the best for the newborn kittens. It simply enhances the immune system because they are rich in antibodies. It also provides vitamins and protein for healthy adorable pets.
Can I treat my cat with milk on special occasions?
Of course yes. You cannot deprive your kitten of delicious treats even if it is milk because after all, they go together.
Can I buy Cat’s milk and give it to my kitten regularly?
It would be preferable to buy products that stimulate the formula of the cat’s milk.
If you have a cute beautiful cat that you adore, just take good care of it and it will be a very loyal friend!
I found out about the incompatibility of cat and milk in 1984. When a cat came to our house (grandparents’) and I let her in and gave her milk – she, too, eagerly had some – and then defecated on the persian rug, my grandma’s pride. And not just defecate – the poor puss must have nearly exploded … No more milk after that – or only very, very thinned milk. The mid-80s were no time for milk for cats in small packs as they are sold now. My actual cat is not even interested in that stuff. She does not get the original.
James Herriot, I think is a huge reason people might give cats milk. Those idyllic farm scenes with cats everywhere in the byres, hanging out with the cows. However, my favorite reason is from a short story by Jane Yolen, I think. Some children find an old starving to death dragon and the only food they can manage to sneak to it is milk. Eventually, the scales and wings and dangerous bits mostly fell off and what remained was a cat. The moral is to remember to give a cat milk because if you forget, one might turn into a dragon!
It’s just poor business to give your cat food not formulated to its nutritional needs! My Persian kitty boys both watch me make meals for myself and beg mercilessly. I never give them human food no matter how pitiful their begging! Frauhunne4u’s experience feeding a cat milk should stand as a good example for others! I know I made the same mistake with my first kitty, though he seemed about to digest milk or, at least, not have problems with it. I later learned I’d made a mistake feeding milk to him, even though I just gave him a small amount as a treat from time to time.
Cats are lactose intolerant, which provoked strong diarrhea. For your health, not excused milk to your cat.
Reblogged this on Rattiesforeverworldpresscom.
good advice
Never gave my cat milk. However, we give her tap water or an ice cube. Every so often we give her roast beef but that’s not often. If you have any more suggestions they would be appreciated. Shared on LinkedIn.
I blame Tom and Jerry cartoons!
I gave my geriatric cat milk when she stopped eating and she ended up with horrid diarrhea; my vet told me it’s terrible for them and recommended a formula. She said if something needs to be added to their food to make it stinky and appetizing because they’e sick, a bit of warm fish juice will do the trick. I didn’t know. All those paintings of the happy kittens licking platters of milk. Fake news, I guess…haha.
Thank you for this informative post because I didn’t know about the ” milk effects” in the body cats. It’s the first time that I read about that ?
I have never given Frisco milk and I am glad. However, he does like beer. Lol lol…Thanks for sharing.
Excellent article I will admit I give my cat tiny dab half and half in the mornings when I’m making my coffee he seems to tolerate it I’ve seen no adverse side effects to giving him a small dab which equals about an eighth of a teaspoon just enough to wet his little tongue he screams at me until he gets that little bit and then he’s happy
I’m thinking that the connection between cats and milk may have come from farmers who have barn cats. Barns have cows. Cows produce milk. And, I know that the cats will lap it up if some is spilled during the milking process. So, I guess everyone assumes if they love it, it must be what they are supposed to have.