Stop Giving Your Cat Stomach Aches: Why Cats Shouldn’t Drink Milk

How many times have you seen a stray cat and thought of giving it milk? It's only natural since cats love milk so much, right? Wrong. Cats may love milk, but that doesn't mean it's good for them. All milk is good for is a stomach ache. Keep on reading to learn why your cat shouldn't drink milk.

Tabby kitten drinking milk from a white plate

Do you remember how many times Tom and Jerry fought over Tom's milk bowl? We grew up thinking cats and milk are an inseparable pair! But oh, we're we fooled. Cats actually can't drink milk; rather, they shouldn't. Now don't go stressing yourself out over the many times you've given your cat or the one on the street some milk. All you've done is probably just upset their stomach a bit. Let's see the real reason why cats shouldn't drink milk.

Why Cats Shouldn't Drink Milk

Simply put, cats shouldn't drink milk because they can't digest milk, especially the one we humans drink.

Kittens Can, But Adult Cats Can’t

When kittens are nursing, their bodies make lactase, an enzyme that helps digest milk sugar (lactose). But as they grow up and stop drinking their mother’s milk, they make less lactase. Without it, they can’t break down milk properly.

Cow’s Milk is Harder to Digest

Store-bought cow’s milk is pasteurised, meaning it’s heated to kill bacteria. This changes its proteins and makes it even harder for cats to digest, even if they can handle small amounts of lactose.

What Happens When Cats Drink Milk?

If a cat is lactose intolerant, milk can cause:

An upset stomach

Since their body can’t break down lactose, it stays in their stomach and causes stomachaches and gasses.

Diarrhea

Lactose pulls extra water into their intestines which causes loose stools.

Vomiting

Some cats may throw up after drinking milk because it irritates their stomach.

Gas and bloating

Undigested lactose ferments in their gut, so it creates gas and cramps.

Constipation or excessive grooming

Some cats might struggle with constipation or clean their bottom more than usual because they feel uncomfortable.

Why Do Cats Still Like Milk?

Even though milk isn’t good for them, cats are still drawn to it because:

It reminds them of being a kitten.
It has a creamy, rich taste.
It’s more flavorful than water.

Final Thoughts

Most cats can’t digest milk, and even if they don’t show symptoms, it’s best to avoid it. You could offer safe alternatives or stick to water to keep your cat happy and healthy.