Unlike humans, cats should only actually drink one thing – water. Apart from popular belief, milk is not suitable for cats, so it is best to avoid dairy. But why?Your cat must be well hydrated all the time, especially since they are good at ignoring thirst if their water is not suitable for them. However, many myths are surrounding what cats can and cannot drink, including their love for milk.
Can cats drink milk?
Adult cats should not drink milk. Although accessible, milk can be harmful to their health. Kittens can only drink milk when they are very young, but this will be the milk that comes from their mothers (or specially designed ' cat milk formula ' if needed). In short, there's no need to give cow milk to any cat or kitten.If you give cat milk, they may decide to drink it, especially if there is the cream on it. This is because cats value high-fat content – after all, fats are precious foodstuffs in the wild, especially if an animal is not fed every day! However, your cat should already have a complete and balanced diet, which means that extra fats are not needed for their health – no matter how compelling they seem. Also, most supermarket milk does not contain large amounts of fat, so there is minimal benefit to your cat.
Adult cats also have difficulty digesting milk. Kittens have enzymes in their abdomen that allow them to break down lactose, but adult cats do not. Conversely, lactose in breast milk can cause abdominal pain when it starts to ferment. Kittens can drink milk if you give it to them, but that is rarely necessary.
Some pet stores sell special ' milk cats ' that reduce lactose. It can be used as a delicious treat for your pet, and it can also help keep the body hydrated. However, you don't need to give your cat or ' milk cat ' cat if you don't want it.
If your cat drinks regular milk, keep an eye on them. If they seem unhealthy, ask your veterinarian for advice.
What does a kitten drink?
When the kittens are very young, and before they are wanted, they only need breast milk. It will be enough to help them grow healthy without needing anything else in their diets. Their breast milk contains all the nutrients that kittens need until they begin the process of brushing.If your cat is an orphan, or for another reason can't drink his mother's milk, they can get everything they need from a ' cat milk formula. ' However, you should not use normal cow's milk, because this milk does not contain everything they need for their development.
Kittens will generally start to wean around the age of four weeks, that's when it's time to start giving them a bit of solid food. At the same time, you have to provide them with fresh and clean drinking water. They tend to take a bit of each-food, their mother's milk (or formula milk), and water-so make sure the water bowl is always replenished.
What does a cat drink?
Adult cats only need to drink water as part of a healthy and balanced diet. How much they drink depends on age, size, whether they eat wet or dry food and many other things. You can read more about how many cats you need to drink here.If you decide to give your kitten milk cat ' cat from the Pet shop as a gift, make sure they still enjoy a balanced and healthy diet and that their food is part of their daily meal.
The most important thing to remember is that clean and freshwater should be available to your cat and wean (or wean off) kittens at any time. If they are not tempted by their water bowl, instead of grabbing milk, find out how to encourage them to drink with a perfect dish.