Can cats drink milk? What to know if your cat has some
Cats do not need cow's milk, and many develop digestive upset after drinking it. Fresh water is the routine drink.
Quick answer: Can cats drink milk? Cats do not need cow's milk, and many have trouble digesting its lactose. Milk may cause digestive upset, so offer fresh water instead. [1][4][6] If your cat has already had milk, stop offering it and check for vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort. Call a veterinarian if your cat seems unwell or symptoms are severe or persistent. [5][6]
Key takeaways
- Fresh, clean water should always be available; cats do not need milk. [1][4]
- Cow's milk can cause digestive upset in cats that have trouble digesting lactose. [1][5][6]
- After your cat drinks milk, check for vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort. [5][6]
- Cow's milk is not a suitable replacement for a mother cat's milk or kitten milk replacer. [3][6]
Can cats drink milk safely?
Cats do not need cow's milk, and it is not generally recommended as a treat. Many cats are lactose-intolerant and may develop gastrointestinal problems after having dairy. [1][4] Milk also adds calories without balancing a cat's diet, making it a poor choice as a regular drink. [6]
The veterinary sources used here do not give a serving of cow's milk that is safe for every cat. They describe digestive problems in many cats, rather than a predictable reaction in every cat. [1][5][6] If your cat had a taste, check for signs of digestive upset instead of assuming it will be fine or that it will become sick. [5][6]
Is milk bad for cats?
Lactose is a sugar in milk. Lactase is the enzyme that helps digest it. As cats mature, many produce less lactase, so lactose may remain undigested. It can draw water into the intestines and be fermented by bacteria, contributing to digestive upset. [6]
After cow's milk, signs of lactose intolerance can include diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Gas can also occur. [5][6] VCA recommends giving your veterinarian a detailed diet history to help identify possible triggers when assessing food intolerance. [5]
What should cats drink?
Keep fresh, clean drinking water accessible at all times. Cats get water from both what they drink and what they eat, so a cat eating wet food may drink less from a bowl. [1][2][4] Offer fresh water as the routine drink. Cats do not need cow’s milk, and many have digestive problems after dairy. [1][4] For other pet drink topics, visit the Drinks for Pets homepage.
If you are concerned about how much your cat drinks, consider its food as well as its water bowl. Cornell notes that wet food or water added to food can increase water intake, and some cats prefer a fountain. Preferences vary. [2] A sudden change in drinking behavior warrants a conversation with your veterinarian. If dehydration is a concern, contact a veterinarian promptly. [1][2]
Simple next steps
Stop offering milk
Do not make cow's milk a regular drink or treat. Cats do not need it, and many do not tolerate it well.
Make fresh water available
Keep clean drinking water accessible.
Check for signs of illness
Look for vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort. Note when any signs started and how they change; a veterinarian may use that history when assessing food intolerance.
Call a veterinarian when needed
Seek veterinary care if illness lasts more than 24 hours, your cat is vomiting and cannot keep water down, or it is particularly lethargic. Call sooner if symptoms are severe or you are concerned about your cat.
What about kittens and milk alternatives?
Can kittens drink milk? Very young kittens need milk, but that does not mean cow's milk is appropriate. Whenever possible, newborn kittens should receive their mother's milk. For an orphaned kitten or one that needs supplemental feeding, veterinary guidance recommends an appropriate commercial kitten milk replacer rather than cow's milk. Ask a veterinarian about feeding a kitten that has not been weaned onto solid food. [1][3][6]
Cow's milk differs from a mother cat's milk in important nutrients and contains more carbohydrate, including lactose. It is not a stand-in for kitten milk replacer. [3] The cited guidance does not establish lactose-free milk or products marketed as cat milk as replacements for water or appropriate kitten feeding. Keep fresh water available for cats, and ask your veterinarian if you need help feeding a kitten. [1][3][4] For other drink questions, you can return to the home page.
Frequently asked questions
Will a little milk hurt my cat?
The veterinary sources used here do not specify an amount of cow's milk that is safe for every cat. Many cats have trouble digesting lactose, which can cause digestive upset. [1][5][6] If your cat had a little, stop offering milk and check for symptoms. Contact a veterinarian if your cat seems unwell or you are concerned. [5][6]
How long should I watch for symptoms after my cat drinks milk?
Check for digestive signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort. [5][6] Seek veterinary care if illness lasts more than 24 hours, your cat cannot keep water down, or it is particularly lethargic. Call sooner if symptoms are severe or you are worried about your cat. [6]
What if my cat drinks very little from its water bowl?
Water in wet food contributes to a cat's intake, so bowl drinking does not show the whole picture. Keep fresh water accessible. Cornell notes that wet food, water added to food, or a fountain may help some cats. Consult a veterinarian about a sudden change in drinking or a concern about dehydration. [1][2]
Is lactose-free milk safe for cats?
Do not treat lactose-free milk as a replacement for water or as a necessary part of your cat's diet. Veterinary guidance says cats should have fresh water available and do not need milk. The sources used here do not establish whether lactose-free milk is suitable for every cat. Ask your veterinarian before offering it. [1][4]
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Nutrition: General Feeding Guidelines for Cats
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Hydration
- VCA Animal Hospitals; article contributors include members of the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition: Feeding Orphaned Kittens
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Feeding Your Cat
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Food Intolerance in Cats
- PetMD; written by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP: Can Cats Drink Milk?