Milk is generally not a good food for cats. Most cats are lactose intolerant and are unable to digest milk, which causes them to have diarrhea, painful gas, or vomit. Also, milk does not contain the amount of nutrients that are necessary for a cat’s healthy diet, so if your cat is able to tolerate milk without getting sick, you should only give it as a special treat once or twice a week. But, there are some alternatives that you can consider in order to help your cat have a tasty drink without the discomfort.

If you are looking for a milk that is safe for your cats or kittens to drink, consider a kitten milk replacer such as KMR (Pet Ag KMR Milk Replacer Food Supplement for Kittens & Small Animals Liquid (8 fl.oz.; Ready To Use Liquid)) . Kitten milk is a tasty treat, but should only be given in small quantities and should not ever replace your cat’s diet entirely. Cans have a good shelf life but must be refrigerated and used quickly after opening.

A less expensive, yet healthier option is to feed a specialized cat milk such as Whiskas Catmilk +Plus (6.75 oz.). The Catnabbit! Cats are especially fond of Whiskas Catmilk Plus. It has added taurine for healthy eyes and healthy hearts, and it is easy on their digestive systems. Because it stores unopened on the shelf instead of the refridgerator, it lasts longer than ordinary milk. Of course, once it is opened it should be stored in the refridgerator. Our cats can go through one 6-oz carton a week, and they seem to really enjoy the taste. It is relatively inexpensive for a treat, especially considering how good it is for them!

If you absolutely insist on giving milk to your cat, consider using skim milk or cream, because those are healthier choices than ordinary milk. Skim milk is lower in fat, and cream is reportedly lower in lactose, so in small amounts they may be safer for your cat than most milk products.

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