Can cats drink milk?
It's best not to. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so cow's milk can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Cats get no benefit from milk; fresh water is all they need to drink.
Updated:
Why
Milk contains lactose, a sugar that needs the enzyme lactase to be digested. Cats have very little lactase, so most are lactose intolerant and dairy often upsets their stomach. Kittens drink their mother's milk, but orphaned kittens need special kitten milk, not cow's milk.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
What to do
If your cat drank milk and has vomiting or diarrhoea that doesn't settle, or seems unwell, contact your vet for advice.
How to give it
If you want to offer milk, choose a milk made for cats (usually low-lactose or lactose-free) and count its calories in your cat's daily food.
Questions and answers
Are adult cats lactose intolerant?
Yes, most are. Cats lack significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk, so milk can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain.
What should kittens drink?
Kittens need their mother's milk. If a kitten has to be bottle-fed, give only special kitten milk, because other milks don't have the right balance of nutrients.
Is cat milk from the shop OK?
Milk made for cats usually has much less lactose or none. It still has calories, so count it in your cat's daily food. Your cat only needs water to drink.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Vet Q&A: Can cats drink milk? — PDSA Vets (17 Nov 2020)
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.