Cats generally don't tolerate milk very well. — AFP
We like to imagine cats lapping up a saucer of milk with delight. It's an image we see everywhere, from children's books to vintage advertisements.
But, charming as it is, this image is based on a preconceived notion. In fact, milk is not recommended for cats, and can even cause them digestive problems.
The relationship between cats and humans goes back over 9,000 years.
Attracted by the rodents that swarmed around early crops, felines drew close to humans, forging a relationship that would last for millennia. Farmers soon found them invaluable as pest hunters.
It was in this agricultural context that cats discovered milk, whether by prowling around cows or licking up spillage.
Before animal feed was industrialised, cats fed mainly on leftovers. And some well-meaning humans even gave them a bowl of milk to enjoy.
In 1877, a certain Dr Gordon Stables recommended an ideal breakfast for cats, consisting of porridge and milk.
The image of the cat drinking milk has thus taken root in our collective imagination, relayed by fairy tales, films and cartoons, as Julia Henning, a PhD student in feline behaviour at the University of Adelaide's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, explains in an article on The Conversation.
A health risk
Unfortunately, science has now shattered this myth.
While kittens can digest their mother's milk, everything changes after weaning.
After six to 12 weeks, production of lactase, the enzyme essential for digesting lactose, drops drastically. As a result, most cats become lactose intolerant.
And this has an impact on their health. From diarrhoea and gas to abdominal pain and even vomiting, digestive problems linked to milk consumption are common. In some more sensitive felines, a milk allergy may even occur in addition to intolerance.
This sometimes explosive cocktail can lead to more serious complications, such as dehydration or malnutrition.
So why do cats seem to love this beverage so much? Like us, cats sometimes have a weakness for things that do them harm.
Cow's milk contains high levels of fat and protein, making it highly palatable to these exacting carnivores. One protein in particular – called casein – releases a substance with a mild soothing effect once digested. Over time, this can create a positive association with the drink.
But beware! This in no way justifies regular consumption.
Cats are good at hiding their discomfort. In nature, to show weakness is to take a risk. A cat that drinks milk with pleasure may suffer in silence soon afterward.
Are there alternatives to try? Indeed, some caring owners are looking for compromises.
Lactose-free milk or specially formulated cat milks can be given very occasionally.
While these products avoid digestive problems, they offer no nutritional benefits. As for plant-based alternatives such as oat, soy or almond milk, these are just as problematic and potentially irritating for cats' digestive systems.
In short, it's best to avoid milk in all its forms. Cats neither need nor want it. Their health depends on an appropriate diet, rich in animal proteins and tailored to their specific needs.
So the next time you're tempted to offer them a saucer of milk, opt for a cuddle or a treat that's designed just for them. Their stomachs will thank you. – AFP Relaxnews
