Ever wondered about the classic image of a cat lapping up a saucer of milk? Is it fact or fiction? Why do cats like milk? Join us as we delve into the intriguing relationship between felines and milk in this article. We’ll unravel the reasons behind this age-old association and challenge the common belief about its benefits for our furry friends. Plus, we’ll guide you through the best practices for weaning an orphaned kitten.
Prepare for some surprising revelations!
Why Do Cats Like Milk?
Popular culture has perpetuated the love story between cats and milk throughout the years. Cartoons, commercials, and other media outlets have displayed a kitten drinking from a bowl of milk as adorable and synonymous. While it might seem like a match made in kitty heaven, the truth isn’t quite so purrfect.
Kittens drink their mother’s milk for the first four to six weeks of their lives before being weaned off. They rely on it for essential nutrients during their early stages of life. However, after weaning, a feline can’t continue drinking cow’s milk because it differs significantly from cat milk in terms of nutritional content, digestibility, and suitability. In fact, most adult cats are lactose intolerant.
The Twist: Your Cat Is Most Likely Lactose Intolerant
It’s not really safe for cats to drink cow milk. It can give them a tummy ache, and nobody wants a grumpy cat. While some cats exhibit curiosity or interest in milk, many are lactose intolerant. Most adult felines lack the necessary lactase enzymes to properly digest lactose, the sugar present in cow’s milk. Consumption of cow milk frequently results in digestive issues and stomach upset in most cats.
The odor of milk might attract some cats because they can smell the fats and proteins. When hungry, they may still feel drawn to it, even though they may not distinguish between what’s good for them and what’s not. But it’s best to avoid giving regular cow’s milk to cats. Instead, if you want to indulge your feline friend, look for specially formulated cat milk or simply stick to fresh water and nutritionally balanced cat food. There are some human foods that cats can eat too.
Nutritional Differences of Cat’s Milk and Cow’s Milk
When you stop to think about it, it makes sense that a cat and a cow have very different milks. Each type of milk is specially formulated to meet the needs of its species. Cows are bovine herbivores, while cats are feline carnivores. Cow’s milk is for calves, who have different growth rates and nutritional needs compared to kittens.
In addition to lactose intolerance, the fat content, protein, vitamins, and minerals differ and impact your cat’s digestion. Cat milk has a higher fat content than cow’s milk. The fat content is crucial for the rapid growth and development of kittens. Adult cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet high in protein and fat, but lower in carbohydrates. Cow’s milk, on the other hand, is not as high in fat and is not appropriate for a cat’s natural diet.
The protein in cat’s milk is also different in terms of types and amounts when compared to cow’s milk. Cats require specific types of protein that are present in their mother’s milk and later in meat. The vitamin and mineral content is also quite different in the two types of milk, designed to meet the specific needs of each species.
Why Is Milk Portrayed As Good For Cats?
So why the mix-up? For years, milk has been portrayed as good for cats. We generally get this from pop culture, where adorable animated kitties lap up saucers of milk with glee. These depictions have perpetuated the idea that milk is a feline delight.
The myth could have its origins in the fact that kittens do indeed rely on their mother’s milk for sustenance. References in cartoons, movies, and advertisements have perpetuated the image of milk as a cat’s dream treat. For example, remember the classic scene where Tom and Jerry share a cozy moment over a saucer of milk? Or the cats and granny in the “Got Milk?” campaign? These cultural references have ingrained the idea that cow milk is a cat’s best friend, even though the reality is a bit more complicated than a cute commercial.
Going back even further, the myth of cats loving milk could come from a variety of associations. Firstly, many cats lived in barns and farms where farmers valued them for their ability to control rodent populations. It was common to see cats lapping up milk that was readily available from milking cows. However, this observation likely led to the incorrect assumption that milk is good for cats or that they require it as part of their diet.
Additionally, humans have long associated cow’s milk with nutrition and comfort, so it may have seemed natural to extend this provision to pets as a treat or supplementary food. There was an added element of ease to feeding dairy to cats. Before commercial cat foods were readily available, people may have offered what was on hand to their cats, which sometimes included milk or milk-based foods.
However, modern veterinary science strongly advises against giving milk to cats, especially adult cats, and recommends water as the best source of hydration, along with a diet appropriate for each life stage. This pervasive myth surprises many people when they learn that cow’s milk is not suitable for cats and can cause digestive issues and other health problems. As people become more aware of cats’ actual dietary needs, they are slowly debunking the myth, although it still maintains a strong cultural foothold.
When Should Kittens Be Weaned Off Kitten Milk?
Mother cats generally start weaning their kittens around four to six weeks old and by eight weeks they should be eating solid food. Weaning is a gradual process, similar to a human baby but across a much shorter period of time.
For orphaned kittens or if the mother has problems nursing, you can get a specially formulated kitten milk substitute designed to mimic the mother cat’s milk and provide essential nutrients. As the kittens grow, you’ll want to introduce them to a combination of milk replacer and soft kitten food to adjust to solid food over time.
See this video on how to wean kittens from the Kitten Lady.
What Kind Of Milk Do You Give An Orphan Kitten?
When caring for an orphan kitten, selecting the right milk replacement is crucial for their well-being. Opt for a commercial kitten milk replacer, which is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of young kittens. A milk replacer typically contains essential nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that mimic a mother cat’s milk. For example, PetAg KMR Liquid Milk Supplement for Kittens.
If a kitten does not receive proper nutrition during the first few weeks of life, it can be severely detrimental. A newborn kitten’s survival without milk is limited, so swift action is essential if the mother is absent or unable to nurse. In a pinch, if no kitten formula is available, an emergency option is to use a homemade formula recipe. However, these alternatives should be temporary solutions until proper kitten milk replacer can be obtained. The goal is to provide complete and balanced nutrition necessary for growth and health as soon as possible.
The Kitten Lady has a lot of resources for kitten care, including which supplies to get and more.
Pro Tip: Get to know more about Hannah Shaw, the Kitten Lady.
How Much Cow’s Milk Can I Give a Cat?
So how much cow milk is safe for a cat? When it comes to cow’s milk and cats, it’s crucial to tread carefully. Since many cats are lactose intolerant, giving cow’s milk to your cat, even in small amounts, can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. If you’re considering treating your feline friend to a bit of milk, it’s best to opt for lactose-free alternatives or specially formulated cat milk. Just a tiny quantity might be alright for some cats, but it’s important to pay attention to their reactions. As a general rule, it’s safer to stay away from cow’s milk altogether.
Can Cats Have Oat Milk?
Oat milk, while often considered a dairy-free alternative for humans, doesn’t necessarily translate as a suitable option for cats. As we’ve mentioned, felines have specific nutritional needs and digestive systems. Oat milk, like other plant-based milk alternatives, lacks the specific nutrients that cats require and is virtually pointless to give to cats.
What Type of Diet Do Feline’s Eat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet primarily consisting of animal protein. High-quality commercial cat foods are formulated to meet these dietary needs. They offer a balanced mix of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Fresh water should be the primary source of hydration for felines, along with nutritionally balanced cat food. Also, you can use meat broth without sodium to provide some additional nutritional value. If you’re ever unsure about what’s safe for your cat, consult with your vet.
Don’t Fall for the Age-Old Myth of Cats and Milk
Now that you know most felines are lactose intolerant, you can set aside the myth of cats’ love for milk. Instead, keep your fur baby happy with a meat-based diet and lots of fresh, plain water. Keeping our cats healthy and happy starts with their diet.
Does your cat like the smell of milk? Observe their reaction the next time you pour a glass.
Stay Informed – Join the HypePets Community!
If you’re like us, your pets are like family. Stay up to date on the latest news, info, tips, and gear to help your pet live its best life!
