Can Cats Drink Cow's Milk?

Ah, yes: cats and cow's milk go together like peanut butter and jelly. Like catnip and joy. Like kitty purrs and coziness.

...Right?

Not so much. As much as we've all read stories about cats lapping up milk from a cozy little saucer, there's a big myth at play here—that cow’s milk is good for cats.

It isn't.

Today, the team at Allure Veterinary Partners explains why cats shouldn't drink milk—and what they should drink instead.

Most Cats Are Lactose Intolerant

Yep, you read that right: most adult cats are lactose intolerant. After they’re weaned off their mother’s milk, feline bodies stop producing much of an enzyme called lactase.

It just so happens that lactase is needed to break down lactose, the sugar present in milk. Without lactase, milk sludges through your cat's digestive system, wreaking havoc along the way.

Cue stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and yes, diarrhea.

So, while your cat may try to lap milk out of your cereal bowl, giving in could lead to discomfort and a litter box disaster.

Resist those pleading eyes and choose something safer.

Are Nut Milks Better?

If cow’s milk is a no-go, you might wonder if nut milks—like almond or cashew—are a good alternative. Unfortunately, they're no better.

While they don't have lactose, nut milks aren’t formulated for cats. They can contain sweeteners, flavorings, or preservatives that don’t agree with feline stomachs.

Keep in mind that even the most natural, unprocessed versions of nut milks offer no nutritional value to your cat. Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores. They do not need anything but meat to survive, and their bodies aren't built for digesting plant matter.

Cataracts usually grow slowly, unless a dog is diabetic. The symptoms include a bluish-gray or white haziness in the eye and increased clumsiness as your dog struggles with her vision.

What Should Cats Drink?

Cats need one beverage in their lives: water. That’s right, water only.

Clean water is essential to your cat's health. It supports kidney function, helps flush out toxins, and keeps your cat's system balanced.

If your cat isn’t a big water drinker, consider investing in a cat fountain. It can be more exciting for kitties to play with moving water and drink it up that way. Or, see if a wide, shallow bowl is easier for your feline to use than a deeper bowl.

Not sure if your cat is getting enough water? Reach out to the caring team at Allure Veterinary Partners.

We can help get to the bottom of the issue and get your kitty back to a healthy H2O habit. Call us today at (916) 680-9975 to book an appointment!