Cats and dairy products

Despite the prevalent thought that cats love milk, most are not able to digest it well. Just like people, cats can be lactose intolerant.  Lactose intolerance is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to digest a sugar, known as lactose, which is naturally found in milk and dairy products. Cats often develop symptoms of lactose intolerance when they eat dairy products. To digest lactose, a milk sugar, the feline digestive systems must contain the enzyme lactase.

While kittens are able digest milk, this is due to the undeveloped digestive system of the young kitten. Some cats can handle the occasional bowl of milk with no problems, while other cats may have severe reactions to dairy products. The cause of this disparity is most likely due to slight genetic differences between cats.

When adult cats eat milk or cheese, many of them will develop lactose intolerance symptoms such as gas, bloat, upset stomach, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting and loose bowel movements. The most common symptom of lactose intolerance in cats is diarrhoea.