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Hey there, cat lovers! We all know cats and milk have a special connection – but is giving cats milk actually good for their health?
Our article dives into this topic. Read on to find out if you should keep giving your furry friend its favorite treat!
The real deal behind offering milk to cats: Is it healthy?
It is a myth that cats should be given milk. Although cats are known to love this treat, it is not beneficial for their health as they don’t digest it well.
This is because cats lack the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose in milk. If they consume large amounts of dairy, they can suffer from diarrhea and other digestive issues.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they have evolved to get most of their nutrients from meat-based sources.
Therefore, giving them milk could lead to nutritional imbalances and other health problems.
Why do we think cats need milk?
Many people believe that giving cats milk is beneficial for their health due to the popular misconception that cats require milk in their diet.
In reality, cats have no need for dairy as their bodies are unable to digest lactose – the sugar found in milk – and so giving cats milk can actually cause them harm.
The belief that cats should be given milk likely originates from the fact that mother cats produce milk to feed their kittens, so it is assumed that all cats need this nourishment into adulthood.
However, while kittens may still require mother’s milk for a few weeks after birth, by the time they reach adulthood they are capable of digesting solid foods and therefore do not need to consume milk.
Giving cats milk can cause them to suffer from digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea and gas, which can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous – especially in kittens.
Therefore, it is best to provide other forms of hydration such as water or specially formulated cat milks which are developed with lactose-free ingredients.
Ultimately, the belief that giving cats milk is beneficial for their health is simply a myth, and it is important to take care when feeding them in order to ensure they remain healthy and happy.
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