Can Kittens Drink Milk Instead Of Water

The image of a cat happily lapping up milk is such a common one that many people don t even question it.

Can kittens drink milk instead of water. This varies however and some cats can digest milk sugar into adulthood. Chances are you imagined a kitten drinking from a bowl of milk possibly with a bow around her neck. Kittens drink their mother s milk when they are young so drinking milk probably brings back feelings of comfort safety and protection. Ideally cats should only be given water to drink.

Also milk is 85 water so cats who enjoy wet food may. So although milk is not essential in a. Milk fills your cat s stomach quickly so it is an efficient way to get enough calories. Special milk for cats is available but this is very high in calories so should only be given as an occasional treat never instead of water.

Since cats don t have the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose drinking milk can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as an upset stomach diarrhea vomiting loss of appetite and weight. But it may surprise you to learn that sipping at cows milk is actually detrimental to their health no matter how much they make like the taste of it. Although kittens can drink their mother s milk many cats lose the ability to process it after being weaned. However kittens who are old enough to separate from their mothers are old enough to drink water instead of milk.

Water is necessary on a regular basis to help cats stay hydrated. H20 is vital for keeping kittens healthy and lively. Cats with certain health conditions particularly those affecting the urinary tract eg cystitis or kidney disease may benefit from being encouraged to drink more. What can i give my cat instead of milk.

They no longer need milk to survive. Fresh clean water is actually all cats will ever need. If you do wish to give your cat milk then you can buy lactose reduced cows milk lactose is the sugar found in milk from your pet food store vets or supermarket some even have added vitamins and minerals. If your cat drinks milk and suffers from regular bouts of diarrhea the result could be fatal.

According to purina senior nutritionist jan dempsey cats generally lose their ability to digest the sugar found in milk after weaning because solid food takes its place and they no longer need this ability. At around 4 weeks old as soon as kittens start eating foods that aren t their mother s milk it is. It s also about the very important introduction to drinking water. The weaning process isn t just about kittens beginning to eat normal wet and dry kitten specific protein rich foods.

Instead of milk simply give your cat what it really needs. The worst that can happen. Most cats love the taste of milk and that s no surprise. This is most commonly found in kittens because it causes dehydration.