A couple of weeks back, when hubby and I went to Vegas, my sister stayed with the kids and the pets. Since we have come back, Dexter has been rushing to the fridge whenever it's opened and I've been kinda scratching my head at this new behaviour. Two days ago, sis came for a visit and both Dex and Katie bolted and sat in front of the fridge as soon as they saw her, she went and took out the milk and gave them both some, she does this with her kit daily. I was surprised, I've gotten the impression over the years that this is a no-no. They did love it but it's not a trend I plan on continuing.
Is there a specific reason that one shouldn't or indeed should allow cats to drink milk?
Cats are lactose intolerant and cow's milk is not a good idea. Goat's milk is more easily digested and KMR is even better. Perhaps a treat of those would be wiser.
(08-28-2010 10:02 AM)JanH Wrote: [ -> ]Cats are lactose intolerant and cow's milk is not a good idea. Goat's milk is more easily digested and KMR is even better. Perhaps a treat of those would be wiser.
Is it okay to give an adult cat KMR as a treat once or twice a week? I might have to try this. Can it be mixed in with his food?
We let the nursing queens have KMR if they want it and have never noticed any problem from it.
Lactose intolerance, that makes sense, it is just some that are intolerant? I ask as my sister has been giving her cat milk since kittenhood and she's a healthy 10. How do you feel about the KMR to help cats gain weight? Katie has never been a big eater and I wonder about adding this to her diet for weight gain?? She is still on kitten food but will only eat dry and has access to it always but if there is no harm and she is liking milk, would the KMR help for weight gain? I know that she is naturally a smaller boned girl but since her spay, she is appearing a bit skinny. Stool is normal no change in her usually small appetite.
Lactose intolerance is the rule for adult cats (and most adult creatures, humans being an exception) and even KMR is supposed to be only at "treat" levels for adult cats. I think it is a bit more digestible than cow's milk. I believe the KMR label speaks to treat levels for adults.
I would not think it a good choice for weight gain. I would look for a more accepted kitten or kitten/adult food for the higher calorie levels of those foods. Sometimes sick cats are supplemented with NutriCal for extra calories. I would be reluctant to take such steps in either direction too fast since it may just be a growth phase that will take care of itself.
Being lactose intolerant myself I can appreciate that. At 7 months it could well be another growth spurt for Katie, i'll adopt a wait and see outlook for the time being, thanks.
I grew up on a dairy farm and the farm cats would sit up and my Dad would shoot a squirt of milk right from the cow. They'd manage to catch it every time. We used to love watching that. My boys have never tasted milk. Those farm cats sure did love it.
Sue
The reason you should not give cats milk is because most cats are lactose intolerant, and so it upsets their tummys. I give Oliver a very tiny bit of goat milk every now and then because it has only tiny amounts of lactose in it. (i just pour a little in the palm of my hand) I can't drink cows milk because i am allergic to it, so i normally have goats milk on hand
Oliver rushes to the fridge when it's opened too, but its not for milk (he hasn't found out where that comes from yet) its so he can lay in it, he loves laying on cold things.
I've read that kittens lose their ability to digest lactose in milk as they age. Most cats don't do well with milk products and may develop stomach upset. The KMR is a good food for kittens. Or for a treat, my cats liked this lactose free milk which is specifically designed for cats....
http://www.petco.com/product/7072/Cat-Si...SiteSearch