Can cats drink milk?

Cats cannot drink milk. This is because milk is rich in lactose, and many cats happen to have lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance means that cats lack the lactase enzyme needed to break down lactose. If a cat drinks milk, it may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Therefore, it is best not to give cats milk, and if they must drink milk, goat's milk can be a suitable substitute.

Cat Drinking Milk

There are two main reasons why cats cannot drink milk: first, both cats and dogs can be allergic to milk, and if the allergy is not handled promptly, it may cause shock; second, cats' digestive functions in the intestine are not as good as humans, and milk contains a large amount of lactose, so many cats will experience intestinal reactions such as diarrhea and vomiting due to lactose intolerance. Therefore, it is not recommended to feed milk to cats.

Symptoms of Cat Diarrhea

Cat diarrhea presents with soft or watery stools, and even some with blood. Usually, when a cat has diarrhea, it will show signs of poor mental and appetite status. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and shock. If a cat has diarrhea, it is necessary to check for the cause, such as viral, bacterial, or internal parasite infections. Identifying the cause and treating it accordingly will yield better results.

What to Feed a Cat with Diarrhea

Owners need to consider the cause of their cat's diarrhea before deciding whether to feed it and what to feed it. First, if the diarrhea is caused by improper diet or gastroenteritis, the owner should fasting the cat for one day and feed it appropriately with probiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to regulate the intestines. During treatment, it is best to feed the cat prescription food. Second, if the cat has diarrhea due to internal parasites, the owner should promptly administer deworming medication and feed the cat normally. Third, if the cat has diarrhea due to viral diseases, the owner should stop feeding the cat, take it to the hospital for treatment in a timely manner, and supplement nutrients through intravenous drip.