{"id":3035,"date":"2023-01-19T04:50:47","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T04:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/?p=3035"},"modified":"2023-01-19T04:50:48","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T04:50:48","slug":"why-do-cats-like-milk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats like Milk?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#Kittens_and_Milk_Why_Do_Cats_Love_It\" title=\"Kittens and Milk: Why Do Cats Love It?\">Kittens and Milk: Why Do Cats Love It?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#Folk_Tales_Comics_and_Cats_The_Milk_Connection\" title=\"Folk Tales, Comics and Cats: The Milk Connection\">Folk Tales, Comics and Cats: The Milk Connection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#Cats_and_Lactose_Intolerance_Whats_the_Relationship\" title=\"Cats and Lactose Intolerance: What\u2019s the Relationship?\">Cats and Lactose Intolerance: What\u2019s the Relationship?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#The_Fat_Content_in_Milk_What_Cats_Really_Crave\" title=\"The Fat Content in Milk: What Cats Really Crave\">The Fat Content in Milk: What Cats Really Crave<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#Cats_and_Cream_Why_This_Dairy_Treat_is_a_Favorite\" title=\"Cats and Cream: Why This Dairy Treat is a Favorite\">Cats and Cream: Why This Dairy Treat is a Favorite<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#KMR_Kitten_Milk_Replacement_What_is_it\" title=\"KMR Kitten Milk Replacement: What is it?\">KMR Kitten Milk Replacement: What is it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#Lactase_What_Enzyme_Do_Cats_Need_to_Digest_Milk\" title=\"Lactase: What Enzyme Do Cats Need to Digest Milk?\">Lactase: What Enzyme Do Cats Need to Digest Milk?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#Lactose_Intolerance_in_Cats_What_Are_the_Risks\" title=\"Lactose Intolerance in Cats: What Are the Risks?\">Lactose Intolerance in Cats: What Are the Risks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#Purchasing_Cat_Milk_Alternatives_What_You_Should_Know\" title=\"Purchasing Cat Milk Alternatives: What You Should Know\">Purchasing Cat Milk Alternatives: What You Should Know<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-milk\/#Kittens_and_the_Lactose_Enzyme_How_Does_it_Work\" title=\"Kittens and the Lactose Enzyme: How Does it Work?\">Kittens and the Lactose Enzyme: How Does it Work?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Cats are naturally attracted to milk because it was their primary source of nutrition when they were kittens. While kittens have enzymes, called lactase, which allow them to break down the lactose in milk, once cats are weaned they lose that ability. This means that while they may like the taste of milk, it can cause them a range of ailments, including upset stomachs, cramps and diarrhea. The <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-fats\/\">fat content in milk is an added bonus for cats<\/a> as it is a sweet treat that many cats enjoy. However, it is best to not give your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-cats-eat-milk-bone-dog-treats\/\">cat milk<\/a> as a regular drink and instead offer them a lactose-free alternative.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"kittensandmilk:whydocatsloveit\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kittens_and_Milk_Why_Do_Cats_Love_It\"><\/span>Kittens and Milk: Why Do Cats Love It?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kittens, as we know, drink milk. Most cats are lactose intolerant because they lack the enzyme lactase, which is required to digest the lactose. So why do cats like milk? It turns out that cats love the taste of milk because it is high in fat. And just like humans, cats crave the sweet treat. They will often choose to drink it even if it results in an upset stomach. If your cat is fed a balanced diet, providing them with a small amount of milk now and then as a treat can be a nice way to show them some extra love.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"folktalescomicsandcats:themilkconnection\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Folk_Tales_Comics_and_Cats_The_Milk_Connection\"><\/span>Folk Tales, Comics and Cats: The Milk Connection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s no surprise that folk tales, comics and popular sitcoms have been portraying cats and milk sharing a connection for decades. Cats are known for their attraction to dairy products, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-put-things-in-their-water-bowl\/\">bowl of milk is an iconic image associated with cats<\/a>. But why do cats love milk so much? It all comes down to the fat content in the milk and the fact that cats can\u2019t resist its creamy texture. Studies have shown that the lactose enzyme, which is the enzyme <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cats-watermelon\/\">cats need<\/a> to digest milk, is only produced when they are kittens. This means that even though cats may be attracted to milk, it could be potentially dangerous for them if they are lactose intolerant. However, there are alternatives you can get for <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-bring-you-their-kittens\/\">cats such as KMR Kitten<\/a> Milk Replacement which provides essential nutrients for kittens without having to resort to cow\u2019s milk.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"catsandlactoseintolerance:whatstherelationship\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cats_and_Lactose_Intolerance_Whats_the_Relationship\"><\/span>Cats and Lactose Intolerance: What\u2019s the Relationship?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to assume that <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-butter\/\">cats and milk go together like peanut butter<\/a> and jelly, but that isn\u2019t necessarily the case. While many cats enjoy milk, the majority of cats are actually lactose intolerant. This means that when they drink milk, they don\u2019t have enough of the enzyme lactase to properly digest it and often suffer from GI upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. It\u2019s important to remember that even if your cat is one of the lucky ones that can enjoy milk, there is still a risk of milk allergy and it\u2019s best to consult your veterinarian before introducing milk into your cat\u2019s diet.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"thefatcontentinmilk:whatcatsreallycrave\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Fat_Content_in_Milk_What_Cats_Really_Crave\"><\/span>The Fat Content in Milk: What Cats Really Crave<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-bites-you-when-you-pet\/\">pet owners might assume that cats<\/a> are drawn to milk because of its sweetness, but the truth is they may actually be craving the fat content. Milk is mostly water, but it also contains fats and <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-protein\/\">proteins that cats<\/a> can\u2019t get anywhere else. The <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-get-fat\/\">fat gives cats<\/a> the energy they need to stay active, and can help them maintain their muscle mass and coat condition. Cats can get some of these nutrients from other sources, but milk may be the most efficient and convenient way for them to get all the fatty goodness they need.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"catsandcream:whythisdairytreatisafavorite\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cats_and_Cream_Why_This_Dairy_Treat_is_a_Favorite\"><\/span>Cats and Cream: Why This Dairy Treat is a Favorite<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-cats-eat-whip-cream\/\">Cats\u2019 love of cream<\/a> is not just a matter of taste. Like milk, cream is high in fat, which cats find very appealing. Cream is also rich in proteins, which cats find irresistible. While <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-cats-eat-vaseline\/\">giving cats a small amount of cream as a treat is generally safe<\/a>, it should be noted that cream can contain lactose, which cats may have trouble digesting. Therefore, it\u2019s best to check with your veterinarian before giving your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-cats-eat-dairy\/\">cat any dairy<\/a> products.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"kmrkittenmilkreplacement:whatisit\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"KMR_Kitten_Milk_Replacement_What_is_it\"><\/span>KMR Kitten Milk Replacement: What is it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kmr Kitten Milk Replacement (KMR) is a powdered supplement designed to provide essential nutrients to orphaned or rejected kittens. It closely mimics the nutrient profile of a mother\u2019s milk, and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to keep kittens healthy and strong. Kmr can also be used as a supplemental feeding for nursing kittens, or as a top dress on <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wet-cat-food-cats-cant-resist\/\">food for weaned kittens and adult cats<\/a>. To prepare KMR, simply mix one part powder with two parts warm water, and gently stir or shake until the powder is dissolved. When taking care of orphaned kittens, KMR can be a huge help in providing them with all the necessary nutrients they need before transitioning to a normal diet.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lactase:whatenzymedocatsneedtodigestmilk\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lactase_What_Enzyme_Do_Cats_Need_to_Digest_Milk\"><\/span>Lactase: What Enzyme Do Cats Need to Digest Milk?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The lactase enzyme is essential for cats to be able to digest milk properly. Kittens produce more of this enzyme, allowing them to break down the lactose in milk, but adult cats have less of this enzyme, making it harder for them to digest milk. This is why it\u2019s important for cat owners to understand the risks associated with feeding their cats dairy products and to provide alternatives that are easier for cats to digest. It\u2019s also important to know that there are special milk replacements specifically designed for kittens, like KMR Kitten Milk Replacement, that can provide the necessary nutrition without stressing their digestive system.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lactoseintoleranceincats:whataretherisks\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lactose_Intolerance_in_Cats_What_Are_the_Risks\"><\/span>Lactose Intolerance in Cats: What Are the Risks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats who are lactose intolerant have difficulty digesting milk, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, and discomfort. In extreme cases, it can even lead to dehydration and weight loss. While this is not life-threatening for cats, it certainly doesn\u2019t make them feel very good. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important for <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-like-to-sleep-with-their-owners\/\">cat owners<\/a> to be aware of the risk of lactose intolerance in cats and take steps to ensure their cats receive the proper nutrition.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"purchasingcatmilkalternatives:whatyoushouldknow\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Purchasing_Cat_Milk_Alternatives_What_You_Should_Know\"><\/span>Purchasing Cat Milk Alternatives: What You Should Know<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When it comes to purchasing milk alternatives for your cat, it\u2019s important to know what you\u2019re looking for. Be sure to check the label and make sure that the milk substitute you choose is specifically designed for cats. This will ensure that it contains the right balance of lactase enzyme, fat, and other <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-nutrient-needs\/\">nutrients that cats need<\/a>. Additionally, always read the ingredients list and make sure that the product does not contain any ingredients that could be harmful to your cat.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"kittensandthelactoseenzyme:howdoesitwork\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kittens_and_the_Lactose_Enzyme_How_Does_it_Work\"><\/span>Kittens and the Lactose Enzyme: How Does it Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kittens have an easier time digesting milk than adult cats do because their bodies produce an enzyme called lactase. Lactase is responsible for breaking down the sugars found in milk, primarily lactose, so that cats can digest and absorb them. As kittens age and become adults, their production of lactase decreases significantly, which can lead to problems with digestion and intolerance of milk products. For this reason, be aware of the differences between adult cats and kittens when it comes to milk and other dairy products.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats are naturally attracted to milk because it was their primary source of nutrition when they were kittens. While kittens have enzymes, called lactase, which allow them to break down the lactose in milk, once cats are weaned they lose that ability. This means that while they may like the taste of milk, it can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3135,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"modified_by":"admin","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_milk.jpg",1536,1024,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_milk-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_milk-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_milk-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_milk-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_milk.jpg",1536,1024,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_milk.jpg",1536,1024,false],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_milk-120x120.jpg",120,120,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Cats are naturally attracted to milk because it was their primary source of nutrition when they were kittens. While kittens have enzymes, called lactase, which allow them to break down the lactose in milk, once cats are weaned they lose that ability. This means that while they may like the taste of milk, it can&hellip;","_wp_old_slug":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3035"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3035"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3035\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3135"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3035"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}