Kittens can’t digest lactose properly, so giving them cow or other animal milk can make them sick with diarrhea and dehydration, especially if they’re very young.
The best milk for kittens is either their mother’s milk or KMR (kitten milk formula).
What Happens if I Give My Kitten Cow’s Milk?
Giving kittens cow’s milk or milk from another animal can make them throw up or have diarrhea. In serious cases, it can lead to rapid dehydration, which is really bad for their health. Dehydration is when the body doesn’t have enough water to work properly. If you think your kitten is dehydrated, take them to the vet or an emergency clinic right away.
If an adult cat drinks cow’s milk, they might have stomach problems too. But the bigger problem is if they keep drinking it for a long time. Cow’s milk has a lot of fat, and that can make cats gain too much weight and become overweight.
Read Also: What Should I Do If My Kitten is Not Eating
Can I Give My Kitten Goat’s Milk And Other Alternatives?
Now that you know cow’s milk isn’t good for kittens, you might wonder about other options. Can kittens drink goat’s milk? What about soy milk, almond milk, or other types?
Just like cow’s milk, giving any kind of milk to your cat isn’t necessary. Alternatives to cow’s milk, like goat’s milk or plant-based milk, are often high in fat, which can make cats gain too much weight. They also have oils, sugars, or thickening agents that can make kittens’ stomachs upset.
Many types of milk also contain additives and preservatives. Plus, they don’t have all the right nutrients that kittens need. The only milk that’s good for kittens is their mom’s milk when they’re the right age for it.
Read Also: How Much Should I Feed My Kitten?
What Milk Can I Feed My Kitten?
Newborn kittens should only drink their mother’s milk until they’re about four weeks old. At that point, most kittens start to have trouble digesting the sugar in the milk.
But if a kitten doesn’t have a mom or needs to be fed by hand, they can be given “kitten milk formula” until they’re four or five weeks old. This special milk has the same nutrients as their mom’s milk but with less sugar, or sometimes none at all.
Dr. Ryan Miller, from PaawFriend, usually tells owners to give kittens formula milk when they’re under four weeks old or when they’re being weaned. After that, they should just drink water.
You can check out our comprehensive article on How to Feed and Care For a Newborn Kitten With no Mother for more.
How About Adult Cats? Can They Drink Cow Milk?
Cow’s milk isn’t good for most cats, especially if they’re having it instead of a balanced meal. Dr. Ryan says it’s not a good idea for cats to drink cow’s milk by itself because it doesn’t have the right nutrition they need.
Whole milk, two percent milk, and skim milk can also make cats gain too much weight because they have too much fat. Dr. Ryan says the fat in milk can make cats gain weight and upset their stomachs. If your cat has loose poop, it could mean they have lactose intolerance.
Should I Take My Kitten to The Veterinary If They Drink Cow Milk?
Sometimes, kittens accidentally get into things they shouldn’t. If your curious kitten drinks cow’s milk, what you do depends on how much they had and how they’re feeling.
If they only had a little and seem to have some gastrointestinal issues, just keep an eye on them. Usually, their digestive problems will get better within a day.
But if your kitten had a lot of milk and has been sick for more than a day, or if they can’t drink enough water and seem weak, it’s important to take them to the vet.
The video below shows why you should never give cow milk to newborn kittens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What human milk is safe for kittens?
No human milk is totally safe for kittens. They should only consume their mother’s milk or a kitten milk formula specifically designed for their nutritional needs.
What can I feed my baby kitten if I don’t have formula?
If you don’t have kitten milk formula, you can learn how to prepare Kitten Emergency Milk Replacer Recipes. This is just a temporary solution. Try to get them the proper formula as soon as you can.
Can a kitten drink water?
Yes, kittens can drink water. In fact, providing fresh water for kittens is important for their hydration, especially if they are no longer nursing from their mother.
Can kittens Eat Eggs?
Yes, kittens can eat eggs, but it’s not the ideal choice due to their low-calorie needs. It’s better to provide kittens with nutritionally balanced kitten food and treats specifically designed for their life stage.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to prioritize kittens’ nutritional needs by providing them with their mother’s milk or kitten milk formula. Cow’s milk and other alternatives can lead to health issues for kittens and adult cats. Always monitor kittens closely and consult a veterinarian if they ingest cow’s milk or show any related symptoms. Overall, ensuring the right nutrition is crucial for kittens’ well-being.
