Can Kittens Drink Pet Milk
Mother s milk is a kitten s best feeding option but isn t always available.
Can kittens drink pet milk. The result may eventually be lactose intolerance. Kittens orphaned prior to 4 weeks old need to drink a kitten milk replacement formula. What happens when cats drink milk. Can kittens drink puppy milk.
It s probably safe for cats to lap up puppy milk replacement in small amounts but it won t contain the proper nutritional balance necessary for proper development. Organic skim milk or milk with a 1 fat content is preferred. The aspca states that this milk provides all of a kitten s required nourishment. These formulas come in either canned liquid or powdered form.
When a lactose intolerant cat drinks milk the undigested lactose passes through the intestinal tract drawing water with it according to the. You can find these formulas in pet supply stores along with the other items necessary to feed your little one such as nursing bottles and nipples. Once a cat is weaned can it still drink milk. However being a good kitten parent means not making this a part of your feline s regular diet.
The only milk that is healthy for kittens to drink is either their mother s or they will need a kitten milk replacer which can also be called kmr or kitten milk formula. When a cat drinks milk undigested lactose will stay in their intestines rather than passing into the bloodstream and end up fermenting says dr. Lactose free cow s milk is also a safer option. This applies only to mom s milk though as cow s milk can often lead to tummy distress and diarrhea troubles in kittens so be careful and keep it away from them.
In many ways milk can become your kitten s comfort food that is reminiscent of their mother s milk. Water is the best fluids for your cat but if you do want to give milk you can purchase cat milk from supermarkets or pet stores which is lactose free. Yes some cats can drink a very small amount of cow s milk but you should be careful. When a kitten weans most will become intolerant to lactose which are the natural sugars in the milk.
In general you should avoid giving cats whole cow s milk or cream because of the higher fat and sugar content. The answer isn t a straightforward yes or no. No other sustenance not even water is yet required.