Can cats drink milk?

Fortunately, the days when domestic cats were mainly fed with leftover food and milk are largely over. The awareness is growing to feed the house tiger in a species-appropriate manner, tailored to its individual needs. Numerous products are available on the market as complete or additional feed and various snacks and treats. A whole industry is concerned with food for the spoiled palate. But what about the traditional bowl of milk that you want to “treat” your cat? Can cats drink milk?. what about special cat milk?

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Where does lactose intolerance come from?

Basically, lactose is a natural substance in the breast milk of mammals, not only that of cows but also in feline breast milk or humans. However, nature has not intended that mammals also consume this natural product in adulthood and regulate the body to curb lactase production as they grow up with one more, with the other a little less. It is assumed that cats who have regularly consumed cow’s milk for generations on farms and thus have become accustomed to it over a long period of time tend to digest lactose better than others in adulthood.

Avoid feeding lactose-containing products.

However, there are no valid scientific studies on this, and they are probably difficult to control. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can vary in severity and are often difficult to recognize in cThereforeefyou, should ore not take the risk of overlooking your cat’s stomach ache after licking milk, avoiding avoid feeding lactose-containing products entirely.

Causes of the discomfort

Milk or milk products contain a type of sugar that cats cannot metabolize well: milk sugar or “lactose.” Lactose is digested in the body with the help of a specific enzyme called lactase. The enzyme is located in the small intestine, breaks down the double sugar lactose, and utilizes its utilization. If the enzyme is missing or in insufficient quantities, the lactose initially migrates undigested into the large intestine, where it is absorbed and fermented by bacteria. Among other things, gases are produced, which are then expressed, for example, by flatulence. In severe cases, diarrhea can occur. Abdominal cramps and a feeling of fullness occur. One speaks of lactose intolerance – which also occurs with us humans in different forms.

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Bellyache after the white treat

Many cats like to lick some milk and don’t seem to have any problems with it. Gourmets among them can even nibble on heavy cream and look forward to a tasty snack. However, what you as a holder often cannot tell at first glance is whether the sweet little tooth is paying for the white delicacy with a stomach ache or at least a more or less pronounced grumble in the intestines. Some of them even get diarrhea after consuming dairy products.

Alternatives to dairy products are better tolerated.

Lactose-free products, which are now available on the market from various manufacturers, are more sensible and just as tasty for most. The milk contained was prepared in special cat milk. The lactose was split industrially and is therefore harmless to the cat’s intestines. Sometimes other substances are added to the products, so you should take a second look. While the addition of the essential (i.e., vital) amino acid taurine can be useful if other carbohydrates and especially sugar are only added to fillers or the human eye (namely for a prettier color of the product). In the best-case scenario, they give the cat unnecessary calories. The cat cannot even taste sugar and is therefore wholly worthless to them.

Other possibilities

It is also possible to switch to lactose-free products made by humans. This milk or cream can also be consumed by humans and tastes a little sweeter than “normal” milk. Don’t worry; there is no added sugar added. The sweet taste is caused by the lactose that has already been broken down and is harmless.
By the way, you can usually feed fermented dairy products such as yogurt or cheese safely. As a result of the fermentation process that has taken place, the products also contain little or no lactose. However, you should still dose carefully, like cheese, including a higher proportion of phosphate, which strains the cat’s kidneys.

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Warning – calorie bomb

Cream in particular and fatty cow’s milk are small calorie bombs and should only be fed in small quantities. It is best to test whether and how much your cat likes the white treat with a splash of water. The more water you can add, the better.
As is so often the case: It’s all about the quantity, and so lactose-free dairy products should only be a treat for your feline gourmet.

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