Do Cats Need Milk?

Contrary to what cartoons and films tell us, cats do not actually need milk and in fact laying out for a cat a ceramic bowl or saucer of milk can do a lot more harm than good. Kittens drink their mother’s milk, however once a kitten has been weaned onto solid food it is common for a lactose intolerance to develop. If a cat was to consume milk there is a high chance of an allergic reaction which would more than likely result in vomiting and other unpleasant digestive problems.

Milk provides nothing for a cat nutritionally speaking and should generally not be made available at all, but certainly not in place of food or water. All a cat needs is healthy cat food and water which is an essential part of a cat’s diet. There must always be a bowl of clean, fresh water available throughout the day and night. Cats are quite fussy creatures and even if there is just one bit of food floating in the water bowl it is likely the cat will turn its nose up and not drink from it at all.

Cats would drink milk if it was in front of them, and on the whole they do seem to enjoy it. If your cat has had some milk and not suffered from digestive problems as a consequence then it may be possible to provide a little milk every now and again as a treat. Not all cats develop a lactose intolerance which is why some are able to indulge in milk without problems. If your cat likes milk but has problems drinking it, there may be a substitute available designed for cats that would fill the gap and can be provided alongside healthy cat food and water.

If a cat was to drink only milk instead of water, it would not survive very long. Milk doesn’t provide a cat with any of the nutrients it needs and shouldn’t really be given. The best advice is to avoid giving your cat any milk, the second best advice is to test the waters and if there are no problems, give your cat a ceramic bowl or even better a saucer of milk (just like in the cartoons) as an occasional treat!

Do any of you give your cats milk on a regular basis? Send in your thoughts about milk and cats below.

What food is best for cats?

Cats differ from one to the next when it comes to the best food for them. There are a number of different factors that will affect the type of food you give them. The age of a cat is a factor as nutritional needs change during their life depending on their age. Kittens need a different diet to old cats for example. The condition of your cat is another factor to take into consideration. Overweight cats need a special diet, as do underweight cats and there is no one size fits all solution. The health history of a cat is also important as existing conditions like diabetes or other illnesses mean a very particular diet may be required. Your vet can advise you on what food would be suitable if your cat is suffering from ill health. Cost also plays a part in cat food as prices vary considerably between brands. Generally speaking, the more expensive a food, the healthier and better for your cat it will be, but budgets often cannot stretch so a cheaper food should be found.

Cats have different tastes. Whilst some cats love tuna, others may loathe it. It is a good idea to try out your cat on a variety of foods to see which they prefer. Taste preferences should not be forgotten about when it comes to selecting a cat food. Understanding cat food labels is very important when choosing a food, as clever wording can mean something that looks healthy and delicious, may in fact not be. Look closely at the ingredient list on the back of the product when choosing a food and make sure the first product listed in a high protein item such as chicken or tuna.

If you are switching to a new food, your cat may need a little time to get used to it. If they turn their nose up the first day, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t ever like it, so a bit of patience and perseverance is required. If your cat continues to avoid a food, it is probably time for a change, and if your cat appears to become unwell and shows signs of sickness or diarrhea it could also meant the food is not appropriate.

Do any of you have any comments about the best food for cats? Send in your thoughts and advice below.

How much water does a cat need?

The water that a cat needs varies considerably from cat to cat. As size of the cat, age, activity level and even weather conditions play a role in determining the amount of water a cat needs, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. One thing that is sure however is that cats need plenty of water each day, and prolonged dehydration can lead to bad health and even death. Water is vital for flushing out toxins, and keeping tissues healthy so a good clean bowl of fresh water every morning is important. It should be replaced as soon as it runs dry. Dry cat food has very little moisture in it, so it is important to remember that cats will need to drink more if they are on a dry food diet.

Cat owners can use the drinking habits of their cats as a way of determining any ill health. A dramatic change in the amount a cat is drinking can be a sign that the cat is unwell and possibly needs vet attention. Cats drink larger volumes of water in very hot weather as humans do, so make sure you are particularly vigilant in making sure they have enough to drink in summer.

If you believe your cat may be dehydrated, pull the loose skin gently at the back of the neck. If it falls back into place quickly then your cat is fine, if it takes time to go back, your cat is dehydrated and needs fluids immediately. If you want to encourage your cat to drink, a fantastic trick is putting ice cubes in their water bowl. This makes it interesting for them and gives them something to play with.

Having a dirty water bowl could be a reason why your cat doesn’t want to drink. Plastic tends to soak up smells and grime, so ceramic or stainless steel are much better to use. If some food drops into a cat’s water, they may turn their nose up at it as they don’t like spoiled water. Be sure to thoroughly clean your cat’s water bowl every day, and run it through the dishwasher whenever possible too.

Do any of you have any other information about cats and drinking water? Has your cat ever suffered from dehydration? Do you have any tips for encouraging your cat to drink? Send in your comments below.