Cat milk - can cats drink milk?

Many cat owners wonder if they can drink milk? After all, not only books, but also films intended for children show that milk is one of the greatest cat treats. But this is not true. Cow, sheep or goat milk - other than mother's milk is not recommended for cats and can be very harmful to them.

The only milk cats should drink is their mother's milk. For kittens, as for all mammals, this is the best food in the first weeks of life. Just because small cats can't get it doesn't mean they can be fed cow's milk. The stores sell special milk for kittens. Its composition is suitably modified to provide them with the right amount of nutrients needed for proper growth.

Around 8 weeks of age, cats lose their ability to digest milk. So giving it might harm them. In addition, instead of drinking liquids, they begin to get used to solid foods. On the other hand, water is best extinguished with water, which the cat should always have access to.

Giving your cat milk can cause unwanted effects.

Even if you are giving milk to your cat and have not noticed any unpleasant side effects, you should stop doing so. Failure to break down lactose, the carbohydrate found in milk, can have undesirable consequences. As a result, adults very often suffer from lactose intolerance. They may experience bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after breastfeeding. As a result, your cat may suffer. In addition, there is a risk of developing kidney stones, atherosclerosis or obesity in the future.

Can cats drink lactose-free milk?

Lactose-free milk is now readily available. So is this the right solution for a cat? M.the drug is lactose-free, the cat should also not drink in large quantities. Why? Because it contains another harmful component - casein. It can also cause unpleasant ailments, including food allergies. In addition, some cats take a long time to digest this protein, causing it to remain in the digestive tract, negatively affecting the ability to absorb nutrients. Therefore, it is not recommended to give a cat lactose-free milk.

Can a cat drink plant-based milk?

Since plant-based milk is lactose-free, it is not surprising that the question arises whether it is safe for a cat to drink it. Unfortunately, serving him such a drink is also not desirable. This is because it contains other harmful substances that can cause health problems. These include thickeners often added to this type of milk, as well as naturally occurring sugars, raffinose and stachyose, which the cat's digestive system cannot digest and can cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Is special cat's milk necessary in a cat's diet?

Currently, the stores offer milk specially formulated for cats. Does not contain lactose and casein. Instead, it is fortified with vitamins, calcium and taurine. Despite the rich content, it is recommended to serve this type of milk only occasionally - as a treat. There is no need for a cat diet. For normal functioning, it needs a sufficient amount of solid food, possibly additional vitamins and trace elements.

From mother's milk to kitten food

Any milk other than the milk of an animal of the same species is not recommended to be introduced into the diet of an adult cat. Once your little kitten has reached the appropriate age, it's time to learn how to eat solid food. This should begin with the gradual introduction of wet food into the diet, then dry food. Until the cat is one year old, it is best to give the cat a special kitten food that is higher in calories, rich in phosphorus, protein and calcium, which are necessary for the development of muscle tissue and bones.

How to wean a cat to drink milk?

If you did not know about the dangers of milk before, despite the fact that your cat loves it very much, you should wean him from it. If you don't breastfeed your cat every day, this shouldn't be a big problem. Just stop doing it and your pet will soon forget about it. But if the milk was in the cat's bowl every day, it will probably be much more difficult to wean the animal from the breast. Depending on the nature of the cat, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. One of the best ways to get your pet to stop thinking about milk is to gradually dilute it with water. Reduce the amount of milk over time until you finally eliminate it completely. As a result, the cat will also get used to drinking more water at the same time.

What to give a cat instead of milk?

The cat must drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. The optimal amount of water entering the body affects the proper functioning, in particular, of the urinary system and kidneys. Therefore, both cats fed wet and dry food and those fed only portions of wet food should have access to clean water. If the tap water is of good quality, there is no reason why you shouldn't give it to your cat. Otherwise, make sure your pet always has access to boiled or filtered water. What to do if the cat refuses to drink water from a bowl? You can invest in a water fountain that, thanks to constant circulation, prevents dust particles, ferns or other contaminants from settling on its surface.

Milk based snacks

In addition to milk, which is made especially for cats, you can also diversify their diet with interesting treats. They are made from milk powder and plant products. They contain fats and ash, which is important for proper cat nutrition. Moreover, the cream form can be an interesting addition to the cat's diet. The existing milky taste is not the only one. You can also find milk cream with cheese.

Cats should only drink their mother's milk. If they are orphaned, they should not be given cow's milk, but only specially prepared milk, which can be bought at pet stores. Feeding your cat animal or plant-based milk can cause a number of side effects, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The only liquid these animals need to drink is water. They should also always have unrestricted access to it. Adequate hydration is extremely important for their proper functioning.

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