Every cat seems to love milk or cream, but we have all been told “Do not give milk to your cat!” though many of us do anyway. Why should we not give milk to our cats, if they are so well known to love it?
The easy answer:
Cats are lactose intolerant. They do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down the yummy milk they love so very much. It can lead to uncomfortable bloating and possibly diarrhea.
We all eat things that we should not and choose to suffer the consequences but should we make that choice for our cats? They do not have the knowledge to make an informed decision as we do.
I want to give my cat something! We got you covered. There are many “cat milk” products available and even the human market carry lactose-free milk. That being said water is just fine if that is all you pet is offered.
Written by: Darlene Cannon, RVT
