Do Cats Really Love Milk?

Cats, unlike dogs, are true carnivores which means they thrive on meat only diets and require no vegetable, grain, or dairy supplementation. Cows milk is not recommended for cats because it can be too rich for their digestive systems. This is because most cats can't digest milk properly because it contains lactose and most cats are lactose intolerant. The proteins in cow milk are too large for cats to properly digest which can cause intestinal upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Kittens especially can have difficulty digesting milk. There are other things that you can provide for your cat which are healthier. For young kittens that have been separated from their mothers before the age of weaning, try kitten milk subsititute. Recently, special new lactose-free milk has been developed and is now sold at pet food stores and most large pet supply stores. It is formulated to contain the same vitamins as the mother's milk and is gentle on kittens' digestive systems. These specially formulated kitty "milks" do not have cow's milk in them and are treated with the enzyme lactase to break down the milk sugar and make it digestible. Please consider looking for one of these the next time you would like to treat your kitty with milk.

Not all cats react badly to milk, but it is better be on the safe side. Generally speaking, milk is not recommended for cats, however, some experts advise that cream is better than regular milk if you must give it to your cat, most likely because cream has less lactose than whole or skim milk.

Essential to a cat's health is plenty of clean water. Change your cat's water dish regularly and keep it within easy reach.

Our Locations

Office Hours

Main Office (By Appointment Only)

Monday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9 .00 to 12.00

Sunday:

Closed

  • "When my dog Blackie was diagnosed with severe pancreatitis, Dr. Nelmapius prescribed a strict treatment plan but also course of laser therapy. Every time he gets the therapy I can immediately tell he just feels better and after each treatment I could see improvement and the outbreaks have become less frequent and less intense almost to the point of a complete cure."
    Melanie Acanda
  • ""I must mention Liz. Such a wonderful loving person and dear friend. Liz drove all the way to my house to bring me medicine that I needed for my very sick Shih Tzu, Bijou. She also was so caring to a little stray dog that found us one morning and was in need of special attention. That little dog was in terrible shape and she cleaned him up for us and comforted him"
    Fred and Joyce Pennington
  • "I really liked the attention, including the details, from Doctor N. I also liked the check-up phone calls from Christina and the other caring staff"
    Brittany Caddic
  • ""We found a little sickly stray. He has since become our special little dog since Dr. Nelmapius had to do several surgeries on him to fix major damage from abuse that he received before he found us. I have often said I wish I had a Doctor for my health issues that is as dedicated to each of his patients as Dr Nelmapius"
    Fred and Joyce Pennington
  • "I appreciated the time Doctor N. and his staff at Safari took with us. He personally took the extra time to make sure that I understand everything that is taking place."
    Bridget Catledge