For centuries, humans have been pondering this question. And for years people have been coming up with their own theories about why cats are so crazy about drinking milk. In ancient Egypt, the god Bastet was worshiped as a feline goddess who drank only fresh milk.
As time passed and more scientific research was being done on felines, it became clear that there is an enzyme in cat saliva called lactase that breaks down the lactose in cow’s milk into simpler sugars that cannot gets easily digested by the cat’s digestive system, and can cause upset stomachs and diarrhea. It also lacks taurine, an amino acid cats require for proper cardiac function.
Why you shouldn’t feed your cat cow’s milk
Cats are obligate carnivores and have very different nutritional needs than humans. In fact, they’re so different that they can’t even digest the sugars in cow’s milk. Cats rely on their feline friends, the bacteria in their stomach, to help them digest their food. But cow’s milk has a different set of sugars and proteins than what cats are used to. Cow’s milk doesn’t just make your cat sick because it’s not meant for them; it also has the potential to give them actual diseases.
Ways to ensure your cat stays hydrated
Cats are extremely finicky about what they eat and drink. Cats are not known to drink a lot of water, and they need more than most people realize. It’s necessary to know how much water to give your cat, and what kinds of liquids they can have. Cats are known for getting dehydrated very easily. Cats require a lot of water, which is critical for optimal organ function. Water aids in the regulation of your feline’s body temperature, the elimination of waste, the digestion of food, the lubrication of tissues, and the prevention of dehydration.
The first step in ensuring your cat stays hydrated is to provide them with fresh, clean water at all times. You should also pay attention to your cat’s temperament and behavior. If it seems like they are feeling particularly ill or tired, you should take it as a sign that they are not drinking enough water, take them to the vet.
Photo by Sam Lion from Pexels
Best drinks for your feline friend
Kittens, as we know, drink milk. Most cats are lactose intolerant because they lack the enzyme lactase, which is required to digest the lactose sugar found in milk.
Kittens, like adult cats, should not consume cow’s milk. Cow’s milk isn’t good for cats because it doesn’t provide all of the nutrient content they need, especially if it’s consumed in place of a healthy diet.
If you want to give your cat milk, the best option is to buy special cat milk from a pet store or supermarket. These products typically contain much less lactose or are completely lactose-free, reducing the possibility of cats becoming ill from drinking milk.
Other treats to feed your bundle of fur
Goat’s milk is lower in fat than cow’s milk, as it contains less lactose, but still has fat intake and should be consumed in moderation. Soy is also safe for cats and is used as a protein source in many commercial cat foods. Because almonds are non-toxic to cats, small amounts of almond milk are safe for them to consume.
Why cats like cream so much
They can smell the protein and fat in dairy products and are drawn to them. Milk, cheese, and yoghurt can contain a lot of fat and protein. Perhaps there isn’t much fat in milk now that we offer skimmed versions of everything, but cats will still detect or smell the protein and fat that are present.
