A tortoiseshell cat curiously sniffs the rim of a white mug on a kitchen counter. Sunlight filters through a window in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene. The cat‚Äôs fur pattern is a mix of black, brown, and orange.

Pet Blog / cat

Can My Cat Drink Milk?

April 2, 2020

This post is written by holistic veterinarian at "I and love and you", Dr. Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT.

My childhood cats, Pinky and Sugar, are the reason I am a veterinarian today. When I look back at their diets, I cringe! I remember my mother feeding them a bowl of cow’s milk when we ran out of Meow Mix. But hey, this was the early 1980’s! We knew very little about proper feline nutrition.

Unfortunately, most cats are lactose cats really enjoy milk and cheese (I mean, who doesn’t?). However, they often lack the enzyme to digest lactose (milk sugar). This leads to abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Next time you run out of cat food at an inopportune time, you have a few more options than my mother did. Luckily I and love and you is sold through many grocery stores that are open late or 24 hours a day. Alternatively, you could serve some plain lunch meat (my personal cat’s favorite), cooked chicken breast or lean beef. Be sure to avoid onion in all forms.