Cat-Care - The one-sentence answer
- Most adult cats are lactose intolerant: avoid cow’s milk and be cautious with cheese; use water or cat-formulated lactose-free options if you want a “milk treat.”
- Core principles
- Lactose intolerance is common: adult cats often lack lactase to digest milk sugar.
- Hydration first: plain water and wet food are better than any milk substitute.
- If you must, go lactose-free: cat-formulated lactose-free “milk” in tiny amounts.
- Cheese is not harmless: salt and fat can upset stomachs; offer tiny crumbs rarely.
- Treats aren’t meals: keep all dairy-style treats under 10% of daily calories.
- 14-day starter checklist
- Days 1–2: Set the hydration routine. Provide multiple water stations away from food and litter. Consider a shallow bowl or fountain; refresh water daily.
- Days 1–3: Ditch regular milk. Remove cow’s milk from the cat’s menu, even if your cat “begs”—most adults will get soft stool or diarrhea.
- Days 2–4: Evaluate current treats. List all dairy items (milk, yogurt, cheese). Stop them for now. Replace with wet food “toppers” or a few kibbles reserved as treats.
- Days 3–7: Trial a safe alternative only if desired. Choose a cat-formulated lactose-free milk. Offer 1–2 teaspoons max the first time, plain and separate from meals. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or bloating for 24–48 hours.
- Days 4–8: If no issues, cap at small portions. Offer no more than a tablespoon a few times per week, never daily. Skip entirely if your cat is overweight or has a sensitive stomach.
- Days 5–9: Cheese check. If you choose to test cheese, pick a tiny crumb of a hard, plain cheese (e.g., cheddar) with lower lactose. No seasonings, no garlic/herb rinds. Observe for GI signs; discontinue at the first issue.
- Days 6–10: Build better habits. Use play–hunt–eat–sleep to satisfy the “treat moment.” A 5-minute wand play before meals reduces begging at the fridge.
- Days 7–12: Record outcomes. Note stool consistency, any vomiting, and appetite. Weekly weigh-in at the same time helps catch sneaky weight gain from treats.
- Days 8–14: Expand safe options. Try cat treats, a spoon of wet food, or a lick mat with a smear of plain pumpkin purée. Keep ingredients simple and cat-safe.
- Day 10–14: Set house rules. Water first, no cow’s milk, lactose-free only if tolerated, cheese as rare crumbs at most, and treats under 10% of daily calories.
- Common mistakes and corrections
- “Cats need milk for calcium” → Balanced cat food already meets calcium needs; milk isn’t required.
- “My cat drinks milk with no problem” → Digestive issues can be delayed or subtle; better to avoid or switch to lactose-free.
- “Cheese is a safe daily treat” → High fat and salt; reserve for rare crumbs, if at all.
- “Yogurt is always fine” → Some yogurt still contains lactose and added sugars; skip unless cat-specific and tolerated.
- When to contact a veterinarian
- Sudden distress, collapse, or severe abdominal pain after dairy ingestion.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours.
- Refusal to eat for over 24 hours, marked lethargy, or dehydration signs (tacky gums, sunken eyes).
- Kittens, seniors, or cats with chronic disease showing any unusual sign.
- Disclaimer
- Educational only, not medical advice; when in doubt or if symptoms appear, seek veterinary care promptly.