Can Cats Have Milk? Why They Really Shouldn’t Drink The Stuff

Unfortunately, most cats are lactose intolerant.

By
Franny Syufy
Photo of Franny Syufy
Franny Syufy
Franny Syufy is a cat expert with over two decades of experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association, won the prestigious PurinaOne Health Award for her writing. Franny has also authored two books on cat care.
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Updated on 10/16/25
Reviewed by
Nelva J. Bryant
Nelva J. Bryant, DVM, MPH
Reviewed by Nelva J. Bryant
Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. She has worked with airlines and the Centers for Disease Control to improve pet travel through veterinary oversight. Dr. Bryant is a Veterinary Review Board Member for The Spruce Pets.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board
Brown cat looking down at bowl of milk closeup
Credit:

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Key Takeaways

  • Most cats are lactose intolerant, which means they cannot properly digest the lactose in milk, leading to potential digestive issues such as diarrhea, gas, and dehydration.
  • Milk is not a necessary or nutritionally complete part of a cat's diet and can cause displacement of appetite from more essential, meat-based nutrients.
  • There are safer alternatives for providing your cat with a milk-like treat, including lactose-free products specifically designed for cats.

Can cats have milk? Although many people believe that milk is good for cats, the reality is that it's a myth. Unfortunately, milk is not the healthiest beverage for felines. In fact, it can cause a series of ailments, including an upset stomach, cramps, gas, and severe diarrhea. A large majority of cats are lactose intolerant and/or become dehydrated when they are fed cow's milk.

Explore why cats are drawn to milk and the potential risks involved.

Is It Safe to Give Cats Milk?

While your kitten may seem perfectly content lapping up a bowl of milk, it's not good for him or her. In many ways, milk can become your kitten's "comfort food" that is reminiscent of their mother's milk. However, being a good kitten parent means not making this a part of your feline's regular diet.

No matter how you cut it, milk does not contain the essential nutrients cats need to grow. Too much milk can even displace their appetites for meat-based diets and cause nutritionally-deficient diseases. Additionally, one of the most common reasons milk isn't recommended for adult cats is that many of them have problems digesting it.

Potential Side Effects From Milk

Most cats lack the enzyme lactase, which helps them digest the lactose in milk. When undigested, lactose makes its way through the cat's digestive system and takes in water from the intestines. Simply put, lactose can't pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream very easily. This can cause:

Milk Alternatives for Cats

Instead of milk, simply give your cat what it really needs: clean water. Water is necessary on a regular basis to help cats stay hydrated. If your dog

Additionally, several lactose-free milk substitutes for cats have developed over the years, including CatSip and CatSure. CatSip is real Grade A milk from a dairy that's been specially developed to lessen the risk of digestive problems in cats. CatSure, on the other hand, is a definitive, balanced liquid nutritional meal that allows cats to make the best of their golden years. It includes high-quality protein and amino acids for healthy living and is made particularly for adult and senior cats.

FAQ
  • What liquids can cats drink?

    The best case scenario is that your cat is only drinking water, but there are milk alternatives out there specifically made for cats.

  • Why do cats love milk?

    Cats usually enjoy the taste of milk due to its high fat content; however, this can also lead to digestive issues, such as an upset stomach.

  • What kind of milk is safe for cats?

    Talk to your veterinarian about cat-safe milks before feeding any to your cat. Each cat is different—for example, not all cats are lactose intolerant and may be able to drink cow's milk with few complications.

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