The truth is that most cats are lactose intolerant so giving them cow's milk can actually cause significant health issues. Milk doesn't part of necessary cat nutrition and many cats suffer stomach upsets or other related problems because their owner thought that they were giving them a treat.
Is it bad for them? In a word, yes, cows' milk is bad for cats. Most cats are actually 'lactose intolerant' as they don't have the enzyme (lactase) in their intestines to digest the sugar in milk (lactose), meaning that milk which contains lactose can make them poorly.
If your cat's not throwing up or having diarrhea, he or she can consume whole, skim, or lactose-free milk in small quantities. Some experts advise that cream is better than regular milk because it has less lactose than whole or skims milk.
“You can give milk to some cats in small quantities,” says Dr. Sarah Wallace, a veterinarian based in the Washington, D.C.-area. “It should comprise less than 10 percent of your cat's daily food intake. If you give them more than that 10 percent, then you may throw off their diet.”
Why do cats like milk? Cats love the taste of milk because it is high in fat. They will often choose to drink it even if it results in an upset stomach. If your cat is fed a high quality, balanced diet they do not need the extra fat from drinking milk, no matter how much they like it.
Cats are actually lactose intolerant—meaning their systems are not able to process the lactose found in milk properly, which results in digestive upset.
The truth is that most cats are lactose intolerant so giving them cow's milk can actually cause significant health issues. Milk doesn't part of necessary cat nutrition and many cats suffer stomach upsets or other related problems because their owner thought that they were giving them a treat.
Almond milk is made from processing almonds, which are safe in moderation in pets. Soy is also safe and is actually found in many pet foods as a protein source.
"The only drink your cat needs as part of their diet is water. Anything else they may like is just that: something they like but not something they need."
So remember, nonfat plain yogurt is usually safe and healthy for cats and dogs to eat as a fun snack — just check the nutrition label first to make sure it doesn't contain a dangerous ingredient, like xylitol. And for even more power-packed benefits, consider adding a daily probiotic to their regimen.
So, can cats eat tuna? Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. Even giving canned tuna as a treat can lead to health issues, especially if it is given in large amounts or frequently.
Cheese is not a natural part of a cat's diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they can only get necessary nutrients from meat. But even though cheese is also high in protein, it can upset a cat's delicate digestive system. The reason for this is that cats don't tolerate dairy very well.
Although many cats love the taste of this salty and sweet spread, cat parents should avoid giving their feline friends peanut butter. It provides no nutritional value and, more importantly, certain ingredients, like fat and added artificial sweeteners, can be harmful or even toxic to cats.
If offered, cats often like to drink milk because it's fresh and cold, and some may enjoy the taste. Despite this, it's strongly recommended cats avoid ingesting milk. As always, check with your vet if you have any questions related to your cat's diet.
If you really want to provide a safe, alternative beverage, then cat milk, broth, tuna juice and oral rehydration fluids are all suitable in small quantities. Alcohol, milk and caffeinated beverages should all be avoided in cats, even in small quantities.
If you know or suspect that your cat has eaten grapes or raisins, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. You don't need to wait until you see clinical signs to seek help. Grape toxicosis is a progressive illness, so the sooner you treat it, the better.
Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they're also highly digestible. Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to prepare them is fine.
Felines can handle a lick of honey, but consuming it in large portions will overstress their digestive system and lead to gagging, regurgitation, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
While many "people foods," like chocolate, are toxic for cats and other pets, and they should be avoided altogether, bananas aren't toxic to pets. It is one of the fruits that cats can eat safely in small portions.
Alternatives to Cow's Milk for Cats
Plain yogurt usually contains less lactose and may be better tolerated by your cat than milk. Lactose-free milk from the supermarket can often work well. The jury is still out on soy milk (see box). Another option is a feline milk substitute called Catsip.
Whiskas Cat Milk has all the goodness of milk, is enriched with essential nutrients and is naturally high in calcium to promote healthy teeth and bones, so you can feel good about serving it to your cat or kitten anytime: as a healthy treat or with your cat's regular meal.
They can smell the fat and protein in dairy products and will be attracted by it. There can be a lot of both fat and protein in milk, cheese and yoghurt. Perhaps there isn't as much fat in milk as we nowadays offer also skimmed versions of all, but cats will still sense or smell the protein and fat that are in there.
Cats shouldn't eat ice cream for the same reasons it's not exactly healthy for humans: Ice cream tends to contain lots of sugar and fat that is unnecessary for the feline diet.