Cats, adored for their companionship and natural hunting abilities, thrive on a diet that supports their highly active, agile nature. While many people believe that cats enjoy and benefit from milk, this perception is largely a myth. In reality, cats often have trouble digesting lactose, a milk sugar, due to limited lactase enzyme production as they grow older.
This lactose intolerance can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea, when cats consume milk, making it a poor choice for their diet. Despite their apparent attraction to milk, it offers no essential nutrients for cats and can displace more crucial, protein-rich foods they need to stay healthy.
The popular association between cats and milk likely stems from a kitten’s comfort with their mother’s milk, yet adult cats require a diet specifically formulated for their needs.
While an occasional small amount of milk may not harm a cat, it is far better to focus on high-quality cat food that delivers the nutrients cats need to thrive. For newborn kittens, early nutrition is crucial, especially through colostrum, the mother’s first milk, which boosts immunity.
If the mother is unavailable, kittens can be fed using a bottle or syringe, with careful attention to frequency and hygiene.
