Explaining the Symptoms and Treatments When a Cat Drinks Milk

Don't you have the image that cats love milk?

In fact, milk is not good for cats. Although it seems healthy, cats can get an upset stomach if they drink it.

It's reassuring to know what symptoms cats show and how to deal with it if they accidentally drink milk.

Reasons why cats should not drink milk

Milk is a nutritious food, but not for cats.

The nutrients in milk can harm your cat's health, so you should not give milk to your cat.

Cannot break down lactose

It is well known that cats get diarrhea when they drink milk. The reason for this is that they cannot properly digest the ingredients in milk.

Milk contains an ingredient called "lactose", but adult cats do not have much lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose.

Therefore, they suffer from indigestion called "lactose intolerance."

Causes milk allergy

The proteins called "casein" and "whey" contained in milk can act as allergens and cause allergic symptoms. Even a small amount can cause anaphylactic shock, so be careful.

Increases the risk of kidney disease and urinary stones

The nutrient contained in milk is "calcium", but if a cat takes too much calcium, it is more likely to form urinary stones. Similarly, "phosphorus" also increases the risk of urinary stones and chronic kidney disease.

Causes obesity

Cow's milk contains more lactose than cat's milk, and less protein and fat. Its high calorie content can also lead to obesity.

Symptoms when a cat drinks milk

If your cat drinks milk, the main concerns are "lactose intolerance" and "milk allergy."

Both often show symptoms within 30 minutes to 1 hour. If your cat accidentally drinks milk, observe carefully for the following symptoms.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance

Most adult cats cannot break down lactose and develop digestive symptoms.

• Diarrhea
• Soft stools
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Symptoms of milk allergy

In the case of milk allergy, similar to lactose intolerance, symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting may be observed. Skin symptoms such as hives and itching may also occur.

In severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur. Be careful as cheese and yogurt can also cause milk allergies.

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Skin itching
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing

What to do if your cat drinks milk

What should you do if your cat licks milk?

Some cats may not show symptoms even with a small amount, but some symptoms may appear after some time. Observe for at least 2 hours.

If vomiting or diarrhea continues, or if the cat keeps itching, consult a veterinarian.

Even diluted or warmed milk can upset a cat's stomach...

Even if milk is diluted or warmed, cats cannot digest lactose and will get an upset stomach.

Kittens can digest lactose, but the ingredients in cat's milk and cow's milk are different. Giving cow's milk often causes diarrhea, so even if you rescue a hungry kitten, giving cow's milk is not allowed.

Always give cat-specific milk.

Beware of accidental ingestion of dairy products!

Many cats may be very curious and come close when their owners drink milk, or beg for yogurt or cheese.

However, as mentioned above, cats cannot digest lactose and may develop milk allergies, so milk is not good for cats.

Be careful about accidental ingestion of milk-rich drinks such as café au lait and tapioca milk tea. For curious cats, it is safe to use containers with lids.

Summary

There is an image that cats love milk, but in reality, they often get an upset stomach.

The causes are lactose intolerance and milk allergies. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, there is also a risk of anaphylactic shock.

While milk is a nutritious food for humans, it contains many unnecessary components for cats. It can increase the risk of obesity and kidney disease, so there is no need to give milk to cats.

Take measures to prevent accidental ingestion of milk.

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