Milk is not good for cats: myth or reality
Cartoons, movies, books and other content, have taught us since childhood that, one of the most loved and sought after foods for our cats is milk, but is this really the case? The answer to this question may surprise many people, which is why a false myth must be debunked: the milk, which we normally drink and buy in supermarkets, is NOT suitable for our feline friends.
Despite what we are used to seeing, as lovable owners placing a generous portion in a bowl, the food we find in the refrigerated counter of a supermarket is not the same thing, since, processed. Cats, basically, are carnivorous animals, and although we see them very attracted to similar, creamy foods, what really attracts them are the fats contained within them. This is to explain that although they may seem to us to be suitable for their diet, in most cases, dairy products are not. In fact, a large majority of adult cats are intolerant to milk and, its consumption, can cause major problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, etc. We are certainly not talking about serious threats to the health of our animals but, in order for them to continue their daily life peacefully, it would be better to avoid offering it to them even if they are very much desired. This also depends on the cat's age.
Kittens, who like any other kitten feed on their mother's milk, are somewhat more tolerant to the latter than their adult counterparts. In fact, their digestive system, produces a greater amount of lactase, which allows them to acquire the food more easily than in later years, when production will decrease. Although this makes the intake of small amounts of cow or goat milk possible, the option is still not recommended and, the best solution, will be to select a food that has more suitable nutritional values and that does not risk creating problems for the animal. An excellent example is the primolatte, nourishment for cats ranging from a few days old to adulthood, including times of pregnancy and lactation, where the mother may need specific nutritional content.
As previously mentioned, in adulthood, the digestive system of many mammals decreases lactase production, making it difficult to digest lactose and develop an intolerance. The macronutrient thus fails to be broken down and absorbed, passing through the large intestine and becoming activated in contact with the bacterial flora, causing digestive problems. The immune system is also endangered; a true allergy could arise, which would go on to create further problems, such as coughing and stomach pain. The development of intolerance is not present in all cats, there are cases when the degree of danger is lower and we can allow a small amount of milk to our animals, keeping in mind, however, that, the latter is not present in their diet and is not necessary to their wellbeing.
In old age, our four-legged friends, may need to consume lactose only in extreme cases and strictly recommended by the veterinarian, such as various diseases. Highly discouraged, on the other hand, especially in this period of the cat's life, are autonomous choices of feeding processed milk, since, they can lead to far more serious problems than if he were in his youth or adulthood.
As a due specification, if we have a cat in need of help with us, having nothing but a little milk available, the latter can be used to enable the animal to survive and feed itself. The preference, in these cases, will have to fall on goat's milk and not cow's milk because, the former has less percentage of lactose in it and manages to be more easily digested by the adult kitten or cat. This does not detract from the fact that, as soon as possible, foods best suited to the cat's lifestyle will have to be researched and bought, either by going to specialized outlets or by ordering them online, as can be done on our website.
In conclusion, the myth of milk to the cat, is based on the many stories that have been told and presented to us throughout our lives and by the appreciation that, undoubtedly, the animal has towards this food. The importance of breaking down this belief lies in the need to best protect our kitten by following these small tips and the essential directions of the veterinarian.