Since we were children we grew up with the conception that our michis must be offered milk to complement their diet, however, is this idea true or is it merely a myth?

Waggy's was very interested in answering this question and that is why we invite you to stay reading this article. Here you will discover if milk is really suitable for our cats or not. Also, know what types of milk you can give them, some recipes and even some recommendations. Let's get started.

Is milk good for cats?

Milk as part of our michis' diet is not really recommended, and it is not even necessary for their development after the breastfeeding stage. Would you be interested in knowing why it is not a necessary food?

Lactose intolerance

Most cats, like many mammals, are lactose intolerant. Lactose is the sugar present in milk, and cats cannot digest it properly.

High calorie content

Milk, particularly whole milk, is relatively high in calories. Giving a cat too much regular milk can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which is detrimental to the cat's health.

Not an essential source of nutrition

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get most of their nutrients from animal protein sources. Milk does not provide the essential nutrients that cats need for a balanced diet.

Breastfeeding period for cats

The nursing period in cats generally lasts 6 to 8 weeks, although it can vary. The mother begins to wean her young at around 3-4 weeks of age. Newborn kittens are completely dependent on mother's milk for nutrition during the first weeks of life as mother's milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies necessary for growth and protection. During the breastfeeding period, cats can drink milk because their body produces the enzyme lactase, essential for the conversion process of milk sugar (lactose), this means that kittens can tolerate milk well.

As the kittens grow, the mother begins to introduce solid foods into their diet. This is a gradual process, where the mother teaches them to eat more solid foods and reduces the amount of milk they produce.

What type of milk can you give a cat?

Most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar present in milk. However, if you want to give your cat milk occasionally, there are lactose-free or lactose-reduced alternatives designed for cats that may be a safer option. These products are available in some pet stores and supermarkets and are formulated to avoid the digestive problems associated with lactose.

Remember that even with lactose-free milk you should give it to your cat in moderation, as cats do not need milk in their regular diet. Water is the best source of hydration for cats, and milk is not essential for their nutrition.

When can you give milk to a cat?

Actually, it is important that we clarify that milk is not an essential part of a cat's diet, and most cats are lactose intolerant, which means that they cannot properly digest lactose, the sugar present in milk. . Therefore, it is recommended that you do not give milk to a cat unless it is a "lactose-free" or "lactose-reduced" milk designed specifically for cats. However, it is not a problem when milk is offered as a treat on special occasions and not as a daily food.

What happens if I give a cat too much milk?

Giving a cat too much milk can cause gastrointestinal problems in your pet due to the lactose intolerance that most cats experience, such as:

Diarrhea

Undigested lactose can cause diarrhea, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dehydrating for the cat. I recommend that you read the article: How to teach a cat to use the litter box because if they don't already, reading the link will save you many uncomfortable moments.

Stomach ache

The cat may experience an upset stomach, abdominal pain, and gas.

Vomiting

Excess milk can cause vomiting in cats.

Dehydration

Diarrhea and vomiting resulting from lactose intolerance can lead to dehydration if left uncontrolled.

Weight gain

Milk is caloric, and excess calories can contribute to unwanted weight gain in cats.

Sometimes we may not quickly notice these symptoms in the cat, so a useful tip is to pay attention to cat body language and the frequency or tone of cat meows , it sounds incredible but it is really advantageous to pay attention to this.

How to prepare formula for cats? 3 homemade recipes

Homemade turkey (or chicken) porridge with carrot

Ingredients

• 150 g turkey breast (you can also use chicken).
• 1 carrot.
• Water in sufficient quantity to boil food.

Step by step preparation

• You must boil the turkey (or chicken) breast and also the carrot well.
• When the food is tender, simply blend it until it forms a slurry.
• Let cool before offering to your kitten.

Homemade chicken liver porridge

Ingredients

• 200 g of chicken liver.
• Water in the amount necessary to boil and give consistency.

Step by step preparation

• Boil the livers in plenty of water until they are well cooked.
• Let them cool for 10 minutes
• Blend them together with 100 ml of warm water that remained like a broth after cooking.
• Let cool before offering to your kitten.

Homemade baby formula and balanced feed

Ingredients

• 1 cup of balanced food for baby cats.
• 1 cup of warm homemade formula.

Step by step preparation

• Heat the homemade cat formula in a bain-marie.
• Pour it over the solid feed.
• We let it rest for a few minutes so that the food softens.
• Blend the mixture until you obtain a slurry
• Let cool before offering to your kitten.

Recommendations for giving milk to a cat

Offering milk to your pet is not a recommended practice, despite the popular image suggesting that cats love milk. This is why Waggy's does not recommend this practice, however, we are happy to provide you with a series of recommendations to ensure that your cat is well hydrated and receives adequate nutrition:

Fresh water

Make sure your cat has constant access to fresh, clean water. This is essential to keep you hydrated.

High quality cat food

Provide a balanced and appropriate diet for cats that includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients.

Avoid human foods

Do not give your cat foods intended for human consumption, as some of them can be toxic to cats.

Treat in moderation

If you want to give your cat an occasional snack, opt for cat-specific treats that are designed for cat consumption.

reduced lactose

If you still want to give your cat milk and want to minimize the risk of digestive problems, you can look for "lactose-free" or "lactose-reduced" milk designed for cats. These products are available at some pet stores.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to offer milk to our cats as part of their diet should be based on a solid understanding of the nutritional needs of these animals and their individual tolerances. However, let's not lose sight of the fact that most cats are lactose intolerant, it is or is essential for their diet and that it will always be a better option to consult a veterinarian for personalized guidance.

Remember that if your friend suffers from someone you know stress in cats you can always give treats with CBD for cats from Waggy's , these will help reduce the anxiety and stress you suffer and thus make you calmer in the consultation. To learn more about dosage, uses and benefits of CBD for pets visit our article CBD in Cats and start learning.