Is it true that many cats are lactose intolerant (or can't digest milk)?
by 
Koz_Dracon - Nelson Remembered
ANSWERS: 11
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What do you think they drink from their mother?
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They lose the ability to digest milk, just as most animals, including humans, do. Older cats, adults usually get diarrhea if you give them milk to drink.
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Yes it's true. I have a couple of cats that can't tolerate cow's milk. It gives them diarrhea.
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All cats are lactose intolerant. They do not have the correct enzyme in their gut (lactase) to break down the cow milk sugar. It will give them the runs. You can give them tiny amounts of cow based dairy (cheese contains little lactose but is high in fat) but it is easier to avoid it. You can get specially formulated cat milks that do not contain lactose.
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every cat is born with the enzyme (lactase) to digest lactose. As they are weaned they stop making lactase, unless they get lactose from another source than their mothers milk. If a cat keeps getting milk on a regular basis, it will keep making lactase and be able to digest milk. Since most cats aren't supplied with milk since weaning they become lacose intolerant. Once lactase production stops it's definite.
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Yes, very true. They may still want to drink milk, but it will make them sick. They either get diahrrea or, like my cats, throw it up. I've found products like Cat Sip and Whiskas lactose free milk for cats that some of my cats really love.
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I don't know if they are actually lactose intolerant, but I have heard that once a kitten is weaned, it does not need milk provided that they get their proper nutrients in their cat food. My cats get Iams and water. And the odd crumb off the floor :-) No milk.
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Yes coming straight from the vets mouth, another random fact is that Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant too
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You bet they are lactose intolerant. I just paid $450 to find out my cat, who stopped eating and drinking, has gas. What did he eat to cause this? CHEESE. I thought he was dying as he hadn't eaten or drank any water for 2 days. It was very scary but thanks to an emergency vet service that is open on Sundays, we were able to turn him around quickly. By the time I got him (I live an hour and half from the facility), he was drinking water and the next day, finally eating food. Do not go down that road. Never give your cat milk OR cheese. (note, cats can have liver failure if they don't have water in 48 hours time)
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THanks for your comments. My cat is still recovering, not quite eating as much as he should or drinking but his personality is back and he stopped hiding which is good. He is definitely still in a little pain though. I think the best advice is to just not give them milk or cheese (or dairy in general). Better safe than sorry!!
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yes, when they begin to grow and eat meat, they'll devolp this intolerant trait. so don't give milk to them, at least, just a few, to bathe wiskers. awww! kitty wiskers! X3
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