Are cats lactose intolerant & can they have milk?

Cats love milk. Or so the media has made people believe. For years we've seen cats in movies, TV shows, and even paintings flock to a bowl of milk. But can cats actually have milk or has the film and TV industry been lying to us?

The short answer is no. Cats don't need milk as part of a healthy diet. And we're here to explore (and debunk) the popular myth.

Many adult cats are lactose intolerant. As kittens, while still being nursed by their mother, they can produce the enzyme, lactase. This allows them to break down the lactose into energy, making it harmless. But, as they get older and no longer need to nurse, they stop producing the enzyme. 

This means that cats can develop an intolerance to dairy products making them unable to digest the sugar lactose. When the lactose stays in your cat's stomach, undigested, it can make them uncomfortable with stomach cramps and can even lead to diarrhoea.

Though not all cats are lactose intolerant, the vast majority are. Really, the only way to find out is to give them milk. But obviously, we don't recommend this as you'll risk making them sick. 3am cleanup? No, thank you.

If you already know that your cat does enjoy milk without any of the messy side effects, we still don't recommend it. Milk offers cats no nutritional benefits. It’s full of calories. And kind of pointless. 

If you really want to treat your cat, we recommend a much healthier alternative, like our Chicken and Salmon Nibbles. 100% meat. 100% delicious. And 100% perfect for every cat.

Cow milk is bad for cats. Not only does it contain lactose, but it's also very high in fat. This could be why some cats will try to lick any remaining drops of milk from your cereal bowl. Giving your cat cow milk alongside a balanced and complete diet (like KatKin’s fresh food) can lead to them rapidly gaining weight.

You've probably seen lactose-free milk for cats sold in pet stores and supermarkets. And it's easy to believe that if it's marketed toward being 'made for cats', then it must be good, right? Wrong. While these kinds of milk will have less lactose in them, they're still very high in fat. That said, it can be given as an occasional treat, just make sure to adjust their daily calories accordingly. As it's not a complete and balanced meal, they'll be getting fewer nutrients overall and will probably scream at you later for more food.

Oat milk can be safer for your cat than cow milk as it doesn't contain lactose. But the extra sugar, salt and oats used might also be hard for them to digest and lead to bloating, cramping and vomiting. Naturally, a cat's diet is made up of meat protein and fats. So oats and oat milk have no place in their lives.

Soy milk is another alternative that doesn't have lactose, but it still isn't a good option for cats. Full of sugars, this type of milk is also hard for cats to digest properly. They simply don't have the enzymes needed to absorb the protein from it, making it unnecessary. A high amount of soy products in your cat's diet may also lead to liver damage in the future.

Almonds are generally safe for your cats to eat in moderation.But they're high in calories. And almond milk is too. A 100ml serving contains no nutritional value – but up to 50 calories. The average cat needs around 200 calories per day. The additional sugars and sweeteners also aren't great for your cat's teeth.

Yes, milk is bad for cats. Whether it's cow's milk, lactose-free milk or plant-based milk, it can all do more harm than good. Your cats might like the taste of milk, but there are no benefits to it. And as long as your cat has a balanced and complete diet, they will be perfectly happy without it. So ignore what your favourite tv show or movie is showing you and leave the milk in the fridge for the humans.

We all know cats are sneaky. If you spill some milk, they'll be there. Or if you leave some in a glass, they'll try their very best to squeeze their heads in for a taste. If they do manage to drink some, don't panic. Monitor their behaviour for the next 12-24 hours for any digestive issues.

If you notice them vomiting or any difference in their bowel movements, you'll need to call your vet right away.

Alongside their balanced and complete food they only need fresh, clean water to drink. Make sure to refresh bowls of water daily or try a cat fountain to encourage them to drink more. If you want to give them a treat that's also hydrating, try some unsalted tuna juice. 

Put your cats' health first with our fresh cat food containing 100% human-grade meat, gently cooked in its own juices and frozen to stay fresh without preservatives.