Changing a Way of Thinking

There is a misconception pertaining to cats that has been practiced for a very long time. Have you ever heard someone say when a stray cat suddenly shows up, "Give her some milk." Feeling sorry for the cat and assuming they are hungry, what many people will do is pour some cow's milk into a saucer and place it in front of the unexpected visitor.

Did you know that most cats are Lactose intolerant? This is because they lack the enzyme needed to digest milk. If they drink cow's milk it can cause diarrhea, bloating, gas and vomiting. An alternative is goat's milk which contains 20 to 30% less lactose.

It's especially important to never give kittens cow's milk because their digestive system is even less tolerant and the side effects can have an even bigger impact. The only thing kittens should be drinking in formula designed specifically for them. There are times when SNUGGLE Pet Rescue does use goat's milk to supplement a kitten's diet. It's a nutritious source of hydration and essential nutrients that can help keep kittens healthy and growing. Goat milk can also help to soothe their digestive system and provide them with some relief from diarrhea. If you are considering feeding your kitten goat milk, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first to make sure it is the right food for them.

Old habits can be hard to break but if enough people pass along the reasons why cats should never be given cow's milk, there will be less cats in the future with upset stomachs. A bowl of dry food or some cooked chicken cut up are much better choices.