Why milk is by no means a treat for your cat
Cow's milk contains high levels of fat and protein, making it highly palatable to felines.- but this doesn't mean it is good for them. (Envato Elements pic)
PARIS : The relationship between cats and humans goes back over 9,000 years. Attracted by rodents that swarmed around early crops, felines drew close to humans, forging a relationship that would last for millennia.
Farmers soon found them invaluable as pest hunters. It was in this agricultural context that cats discovered milk, whether by prowling around cows or licking up spillage.
The image of the cat drinking milk has thus taken root in our collective imagination, relayed by fairytales, films and cartoons. Unfortunately, science has now shattered this myth.
While kittens can digest their mother's milk, everything changes after weaning. After six to 12 weeks, production of lactase – the enzyme essential for digesting lactose – drops drastically. As a result, most cats become lactose intolerant.
This has an impact on their health: from diarrhoea and gas to abdominal pain and even vomiting, digestive problems linked to milk consumption are common. In some more sensitive felines, a milk allergy may even occur in addition to intolerance.
This sometimes explosive cocktail can lead to more serious complications, such as dehydration or malnutrition.
Like us, cats sometimes have a weakness for things that do them harm. Cow's milk contains high levels of fat and protein, making it highly palatable to felines.
The next time you're tempted to give your cat a saucer of milk, give them a cuddle instead. (Envato Elements pic)
One protein in particular, casein, releases a substance with a mild soothing effect once digested. Over time, this can create a positive association.
But this in no way justifies regular consumption. Good at hiding their discomfort, a cat that drinks milk with pleasure may suffer in silence soon afterward.
So, are there alternatives? Lactose-free or specially formulated cat milks can be given very occasionally. While these products avoid digestive problems, they offer no nutritional benefits.
As for plant-based alternatives such as oat, soy or almond milk, these are just as problematic and potentially irritating for cats' digestive systems.
In short, it's best to avoid milk in all its forms, as cats neither need nor want it. Their health depends on an appropriate diet rich in animal proteins and tailored to their specific needs.
So, the next time you're tempted to offer them a saucer of milk, opt for a cuddle or a kitty treat instead. Their stomachs will thank you.
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