When felines are just newborn kittens, they need their mother’s milk to survive. However, after weaning, milk is not necessary but may be consumed occasionally. It’s also important to note that some felines are lactose intolerant which means that consuming milk will result in stomach distress. Lactose intolerance indicates that the digestive system is extremely sensitive to lactose, a sugar component in milk. This usually begins at felines at three months old which signifies that they’ve been weaned and consuming some cat food. This lactose intolerance typically occurs in felines, unlike kittens, whose digestive tract doesn’t contain sufficient lactase, a specific enzyme that can digest lactose found in milk.
If you want to offer milk to your feline, make sure to observe for any manifestations of diarrhea. If there is any, do not provide milk and wait for it to resolve eventually. Another alternative is to provide milk that is lactose-free which is found in your local pet store.
Your veterinary clinic Webster NY is a valuable source of information about your pet’s diet and nutritional needs.
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