Cats & milk: The truth about cats being lactose intolerant Myth busting Monday #1
- FOFF Founder B. Douglas
- Nov 2, 2021
- 5 min read
Hey all, first a little pre blog type of excerpt. Now starting, Myth busting Monday. Every Monday we'll have this blog theme. Each post will be about common myths and/or misconceptions about our Feline friends. We will be shedding light on what's fiction and what's fact!
Just wanted to explain the the title and introduce the new concept.
(Yes, I am aware it's technically Tuesday 🤷 I typed it during Monday & the site temporarily went down)
Own a cat? Here's a common myth or misconception most are shocked to discover.
Okay sure, you know they have to have litter boxes, food and love obviously. You may know alot about them in general. But have you ever considered what you don't know? You'd be amazed at the number of cat owners, both experienced and new, that are unaware of So much about these animals. Some are of crucial importance to feline health and a happy homestead for the pet & owner. Other things mentioned are just fun to know and interesting in my opinion. Without further Ado....
Myth: It's safe to give any cat milk❌🚫
Fact: Most cats are lactose intolerant🤮
Cats are lactose intolerant. That's right, growing up all the television shows, movies, seeing adults who owned cats, it's safe to say for most we believed milk was a go to cat treat. Well, what was thought to be common knowledge was wrong. Completely wrong. Most people are extremely surprised to learn this largely overlooked & unknown fact, but it is indeed very true.
We're not sure where the concept of cats liking & commonly drinking milk came from, but whoever started that has caused millions of cats tummy trouble over decades. However, the cats DO drink it, they do very much enjoy it it's true. But it's not good for all of them, none of them at all in significant quantity. Cats consuming any significant amount of dairy is a path to a litter box you're not going to be happy about cleaning to put it nicely. If you're cat is lactose intolerant, It won't be any secret.
But, why do they like it if they're allergic?
Okay, they probably don't actually know they're allergic. I mean does a toddler know if it's lactose intolerant? No, offer a 2 year old an ice cream sundae I promise you they'll not turn it down. Get the point? Cats with milk is the same exact concept. We know most cats are quite the dairy lovers, despite their lack of ability to digest it. But, just like a dog with chocolate , cats don't need milk .
You wouldn't give your baby a sundae if it was lactose intolerant, don't do it to your cat either.
Why can they drink from their mother as kittens?
Oddly enough, cats being odd creatures in general, this allergy starts to develop at around 8 weeks old. Therefore their time of nursing is typically over before the intolerance begins. It's usually full throttle by around 6 months.
Cats and humans alike are born with a number of lactase enzymes, which enable us to break down the sugars in lactose items, like milk and cheese.
Most cats don't produce enough though to properly digest dairy as adult cats.
As their little bellies grow and adjust to being weaned and eating cat food, somewhere during that gastro intestinal development and change, an intolerance for dairy comes along with it. In about 74% of all Felines, wild and domestic alike.
"Adult levels are insufficient to digest milk and their bodies can no longer tolerate it. Basically, like some humans, most cats become lactose intolerant." Stated by a pet MD feature article.
"I gave my cat milk and he's fine though"
Is he? He may have been or seemed fine, but you can bet the entire next day his sensitive kitty belly was gurgling and probably quite uncomfortable.
No, milk and other dairy items in small amount will not kill your cat. Nor will it always consist of a vet visit. But that doesn't mean it's okay to do it. Your cat is unaware that the milk is what causes his belly ache. Naturally, he's going to happily lap it all up. Because to him it's delicious and he trusts you, the person giving it because he knows you're his care taker. Be a responsible owner and don't give him something his tummy possibly can't digest, if you are aware that it does it (after reading this you definitely do).
Not ALL cats are lactose intolerant. You will definitely know for sure 8-12 hours later if your kitty needs a break from the dairy. After a lactose intolerant at ingests milk, expect some nausea, diarrhea and vomiting just like a lactose intolerant human. Just be sure you are not unknowingly giving your pet something that is ultimately making her terribly sick.
A good alternative is cream instead of milk, as it contains less of the lactose sugars in regular milk. Others are lactose free milk and products the same as we as humans would use. If you have one of the cats who just can't live without her milk.
However no milk or other human food should ever be a main or regular part of a cats diet. They require special nutrients cat food is made to provide. It may also lead to Feline obesity , which in turn arises more health concerns.
If you are assuming your cat is thirsty and assuming giving milk is more healthy or preferred, you are mistaken.
Cats need WATER to survive and thrive. It's what they're naturally supposed to drink. Giving them milk in place of water, is actually horribly bad. You're not only giving them something that can cause tummy trouble or obesity, your depriving them of a necessary element that is key to every animals survival. The small amounts of water in processed milk or canned cat food are nowhere near what your cat needs. There should be water openly Available for them at all times.
What water does and how it helps your cat:
Regulate body temperature
Digest food
Eliminate waste
Lubricate tissue
And allows salt and other electrolytes to pass through the body
A cats stomach and digestion explained:
The genetic makeup and anatomy of a cat are one of the many unique things about them. They dramatically differ from other mammals on most of their bodily functions. The stomach included, also quite Important, as gastro intestinal issues are very common in cats and can sometimes be life threatening.
We've mentioned the lactose sugars and inability to digest them. That itself is the basic definition of lactose intolerant. But to break it down more, here's what happens when a cat drinks milk.
Bacteria in the colon may ferment the undigested lactose sugars, due to intolerance. Thus producing volatile fatty acids. All that activity might lead to an upset tummy and induce vomiting and diarrhea. Yet again, those can also lead to more issues. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration. None of this is what you want for your kitty.
you have a lucky cat who isn't intolerant?
That's great. But still keep in mind the above information. If they don't have a lactose allergy, it is okay for a time to time small treat. It should never be a regular component in their daily diet. Even without being intolerant, it still leads to obesity, doesn't provide proper nutrients or hydration. Also always consult with your veterinarian about your pets diet. Your vet can assist you more on if it's alright or not , though most vets recommend against milk entirely.
Thanks for reading! Check back next week, for another myth busting Monday!
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Author: B. Douglas 1/11/21
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