Can cats drink milk? This question puzzles many cat lovers. Simply put, most adult cats are not suitable for drinking the milk we consume daily, mainly due to the characteristics of their digestive systems.

Although cartoons often show cats happily licking milk, this is actually a misconception. As cats grow up, the lactase enzyme in their bodies that digests lactose in milk gradually decreases or even stops secreting. This is similar to some humans who feel uncomfortable after drinking milk, a condition known as "lactose intolerance." Undigested lactose ferments in the cat's intestines, causing a series of digestive problems.

Signs of Lactose Intolerance in Cats

When cats consume milk or other dairy products containing lactose, they may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Vomiting: The body tries to expel undigestible substances.
• Diarrhea: Undigested lactose absorbs water in the intestines, leading to loose or watery stools.
• Bloating and Abdominal Pain: Intestinal fermentation produces gas, causing discomfort and pain.
• Lack of Appetite or Lethargy: Physical discomfort may cause cats to lose appetite or appear listless.

These symptoms generally appear within 8 to 12 hours after drinking milk, with severity depending on individual differences and intake. Some cats may show mild symptoms that are easy to overlook, while others can suffer greatly. Long-term milk feeding may lead to chronic digestive problems and even affect the overall health of the cat.

Why Is Cat Milk Different From Cow's Milk?

Kittens can digest their mother's milk well during nursing because they have sufficient lactase in their bodies. However, the composition of cat milk and the cow's milk we drink is vastly different. Cat milk contains higher protein and fat and specific nutrients needed for cat growth, while lactose content is relatively low. In contrast, cow's milk has a higher lactose content and nutritional composition not fully aligned with a cat's carnivorous needs. Feeding cow's milk to kittens can cause lactose intolerance and malnutrition, affecting their normal development.

Can Adult Cats Drink Milk?

Even if some adult cats seem to tolerate milk without immediate discomfort, it is not recommended to feed milk regularly or in large quantities. Apart from lactose issues, the high-fat content in milk can lead to obesity, which in turn causes various health problems such as diabetes and arthritis.

Giving milk to cats is more like a "placebo" or a continuation of the comforting memory of sucking mother's milk during their youth, making them feel comfortable and secure. They are attracted to milk mostly because of its fat and protein flavors. However, for the long-term health of cats, it is recommended to choose beverages more suitable for them.

Suitable Dairy Product Alternatives for Cats

If cow's milk is unsuitable for most cats, are there any other dairy options? There are some pet-specific dairy products on the market, usually specially treated to reduce or completely eliminate lactose.

• Pet-specific Milk: These products often contain added lactase to break down most lactose, reducing the risk of digestive problems. Some also add taurine (an essential amino acid for cats), vitamins, and other nutrients. However, pet milk can still be high in fat and should only be given occasionally as a treat, not as a replacement for daily water and food.
• Pet Goat Milk Powder: Compared to cow's milk, goat milk has smaller fat globules and is easier to digest and absorb. Although goat milk also contains lactose, the content is usually lower than in cow's milk, making it a better choice for some lactose-intolerant cats. Professional pet goat milk powders often add nutrients needed by cats.
• Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR): For kittens unable to get enough mother's milk, kitten milk replacer is the best choice. This formula is specially balanced to closely resemble cat mother's milk, meeting all the nutritional needs of growing kittens. It contains abundant protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and taurine, and is easy for kittens to digest and absorb. Many brands offer liquid and powder forms. Remember, kitten milk replacer is different from pet milk; it is a complete nutritional replacement designed specifically for kittens aged 0-8 weeks.

Besides these specialized pet dairy products, some might consider plant-based milks for humans, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Although these plant milks do not contain lactose, they may have ingredients that are difficult for cats to digest or harmful, such as added sugars, thickeners, preservatives, or even toxic substances (like oxalates in almonds). Therefore, it is not recommended to feed these plant-based milks to cats. Also, mineral-rich bottled water may cause urinary stones in cats, so it is best to provide fresh, plain water.

Correct Ways to Provide Drinks for Cats

Water is the most important drink for cats. Providing clean, fresh drinking water at all times is vital for their health, especially to prevent urinary diseases. You can encourage cats to drink more water by using pet water fountains or placing water bowls in different locations.

If you want to give your cat a special "treat," you can occasionally offer small amounts of lactose-free pet milk as a snack, but strictly control the quantity and monitor for any discomfort. For kittens needing nutritional supplementation, pregnant or lactating cats, or sick and recovering cats, consult a veterinarian to select appropriate kitten milk replacers or nutritional supplements.

Overall, although the image of cats loving milk is deeply ingrained, from a scientific feeding perspective, regular cow’s milk is not suitable for them. Understanding cats’ digestive characteristics, choosing appropriate pet-specific dairy products, and ensuring they get enough drinking water daily is the true "cat owner’s code" to safeguarding their health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my cat seem fine drinking milk?

A: Cats' tolerance to lactose varies individually; some cats have relatively high lactase activity or consume very little milk, so no obvious lactose intolerance symptoms appear. However, even without immediate reactions, long-term milk feeding carries health risks like obesity and chronic digestive issues.

Q: Can kittens drink milk?

A: Nursing kittens can digest their mother's milk but should not drink cow’s milk. Cow’s milk composition differs greatly from cat milk and cannot meet kittens' nutritional needs, easily causing lactose intolerance and malnutrition. If artificial feeding is required, specialized kitten milk replacer (KMR) must be used.

Q: Is goat milk better suited for cats than cow’s milk?

A: Goat milk has smaller fat particles and is easier to digest, with lower lactose content. For some lactose-intolerant cats, goat milk might be easier to accept. However, goat milk still contains lactose and is not suitable for all cats. The best choice remains lactose-free pet dairy products or kitten milk replacers.

Q: Besides milk, what human foods are harmful to cats?

A: Besides milk, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, raw eggs, raw fish, raw meat, bones (especially cooked), alcohol, and caffeine may harm cats and should be avoided.

Q: How do I know if my cat is lactose intolerant?

A: If your cat shows vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain within hours of drinking milk or dairy products, it is likely lactose intolerant. If unsure, consult a veterinarian for diagnosis.

References

• PetMD. Can Cats Drink Milk?.
• NetEase. Why Some Cats Can Drink Milk Safely While Others Have Adverse or Fatal Reactions.
• Science Popularization China. Can Cats Drink Milk? Even Cat Owners Might Not Know.
• Optimeal®. Can Cats Drink Milk and Should They?.
• PDSA. Vet Q&A: Can cats drink milk?.
• Purina. What Do Cats Drink & Is Milk Bad for Cats?.
• Triangle Animal Clinic. Can Cats Drink Milk?.
• Are Cats Allowed to Drink Milk? (The Answer is No & Here's Why).
• Monster Tribe. Can Cats Drink Milk?.
• Blog. Are cats lactose intolerant?.
• Reed Cat Litter. Do You Know Cats Cannot Drink Milk? Three Main Reasons.
• Animal Hospital Shopping Network. Zeal Cat & Dog Pet Milk 1000ml (New Zealand).
• VCA Animal Hospitals. Food Intolerance in Cats.
• BJ's Raw Pet Food. Comparing Organic Goat Milk and Other Dairy Alternatives for Cats.
• NetEase. Can Cats Really Drink Milk? Breaking Three Major Milk Myths!
• Dutch. Are Cats Lactose Intolerant? Is Milk Bad For Cats?.
• Petfinder. Is Milk Bad for Cats and Kittens?.
• Royal Canin MY. BABYCAT MILK.
• Pets at Home. Kitten Milk & Weaning Substitutes.
• Untamed. Is milk bad for cats? Find out NOW!.
• Presqu'ile Animal Hospital. Addressing Lactose Intolerance in Felines.
• Hill's Pet Nutrition. The Truth About Cats And Milk.
• Tesco Groceries. Tesco Milk For Cats 200Ml.
• ZEAL 100% New Zealand Lactose-Free Pet Milk 380ml.
• Cat Lover's Garden. 【Breeder Lab】Pet Goat Milk/80ml.
• Clinical and Morphological Manifestations of Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Cats with Regular Consumption of Lactose.
• Beaphar Lactol Milk Replacer Kitten 250g.
• What is Worth Buying. 【Kitten Goat Milk Powder】Review and Recommendations.
• Vetsend.co.uk. Optima Pet Milk | Order.
• Holistapet. Can Cats Have Milk? The Truth and Healthier Alternatives.
• PetSmart. Kitten Milk Replacer, Formula & Nursing Kits.
• Amazon UK. Milk Replacers For Cats - Pet Supplies.
• Reddit. Milk Substitutes that are healthy for cats?.
• Epet Mall. Dog’s Favorite Milk - ZEAL Pet Milk.
• Maddies Fund. Orphaned Kitten Emergency Milk Replacer Recipes.
• AKWG. CHAPCHAP Pet Milk Rich in Colostrum Protein and Good for Joints.
• Cindy's Recipe Lactose-Free Cat & Kitten Pet Milk 250mlx12.
• PetBaja. Oropharma Pet Milk 400g.
• Pawpots UAE. Can Cats Have Milk? The Truth and Healthier Alternatives.
• mybest. Veterinarian-supervised Top 10 Cat Milks Ranking 【2025 Latest】.
• Sina. Cat Lactose Intolerance? Can't Drink Milk? A Practical Handbook for New Cat Owners on Cats Drinking Milk.
• Don’t Blindly Choose Zero-Lactose; How to Scientifically View "Lactose Intolerance" in Cats and Dogs.
• PawPawDear. KMR Stage 2 Kitten Weaning Nutritional Milk Powder 14 oz.
• Health Management. Cat and Dog Food Adverse Reactions.
• Morinaga Sunworld Co., Ltd. Golden Cat Milk.
• HKTVmall. Overview of Cat Milk Products.
• NetEase. Cat Vomiting and Diarrhea After Drinking Milk? Lactose Intolerance is Just One Factor, Milk Protein Also Plays a Role.