Despite being a common practice, it should not give your cat milk milk, as the vast majority of these animals are lactose intolerant.
Cats have a long history with humansthat dates back to over 9000 years. Attracted to human villages by the rodents that plagued (sometimes literally) our ancestors, cats affirmed themselves as useful ruminants and domesticated slowly.
Farmers started employ them as pest controllers. It was through this system that cats and milk became known.
Before the commercialization of pet foods, cats were fed mainly with Family table remains. It was not known much about your nutritional needs. In his 1877 book on cats, Scottish doctor Gordon Stables insisted that cats needed two bowls -“one for water and one for milk”-and suggested porridge and milk porridge as an excellent feline breakfast.
From these origins, cats and milk were even more rooted in the collective zeitgeist through representations of Milk lovers In art, books, movies and cartoons. There is even the classic cliché of the misaligned street cat that is saved from the rain to taste a milk of milk from a lovely strange.
Although it is not surprising that cats and milk persisted as an unquestionable combination, the investigation now tells us that Cats should not drink milk.
The vast majority of cats are lactose intolerant
Like all mammals, cats begin life to drink mother’s milk. But after childhood, milk is a completely unnecessary part of a cat’s diet.
After weaning (about 6-12 weeks of age), the kittens stop producing the lactase enzymenecessary to digest lactose from milk. For the vast majority of cats, this means that they are lactose intolerant.
However, as in humans, the level of intolerance varies depending on the amount of enzyme your body naturally produces.
However, do not hurry to give milk to your kitten. The fact that the kittens can digest lactose does not mean that they should drink cow’s milk. Cats are animals much smaller than cows And as such, the amount of lactose in the milk of cat mothers is much smaller than in cow’s milk. It is best to let them drink from their mother or buy a suitable cat formula for kittens.
Lactose intolerance is not the only reason for not giving milk to your cats. Although it is rare, the cats too may develop an allergy to milk or dairy products.
What happens to cats who drink milk?
Lactose is a type of sugar. When it cannot be decomposed to be absorbed by the bloodstream, lactose travels through the intestines to the colon, where bacteria inside the body ferment it.
This fermentation decomposes lactose in acids and gases that cause unpleasant symptoms, including Liberation of excess gasesswelling, constipation, abdominal pain and occasionally nausea and vomiting. In cats, the most common symptom observed is diarrhea.
Chronic or persistent diarrhea can cause other complications, such as dehydration, electrolytic imbalance and malnutrition. In some cases, it can even constitute a life -threatening.
Cats that consume milk or dairy products regularly as part of your diet are added risk of these health complications.
If milk is so bad for cats, why do they love it?
We often like things that are bad for us. But to answer this question, we must first remember that cow’s milk is intended to feed and grow a baby cow.
To get it, it contains a variety of proteins and fats which are highly palatable, especially for cats. Cats need high levels of proteins and fats for great health and daily operation.
Cow’s milk, in particular, is also rich in casein, a protein that is decomposed by the body in alpha-carved. In some studies, it was associated with a calming effect on cats. Although this does not cause a cat to want to drink milk initially, it can create a comforting association with milk over time.
Can I give milk from time to time like treat? What about the alternatives to milk?
The short answer is: no.
Dairy is not a natural part of the cat diet. Although they may like the taste, it is likely that milk cause discomfort and health problems To your hairy friend, so it is best to avoid him totally.
And if you think your cat is one of the few lucky that is not lactose intolerant, think again. Cats are Very good to hide the discomfort Because in nature, showing weakness would make them a target for predators.
If it is absolutely necessary, opt for lactoseless milk or milk formulated specifically for cats, and keep it as a very occasional delight.
Although it does not disturb your stomachs in the same way as normal cow’s milk, it offers no nutritional benefit to your cat.
As for alternatives to milk, such as oat, soy or almond milk? Any unusual additions to your cat’s diet are likely to cause digestive disturbances, so It is better to avoid them too.
The end result? Don’t give your cat milk. He doesn’t need him, probably can’t digest him and it is likely to cause more pain than it’s worth it.
