Can Cats Drink Milk?

Cats and milk are often portrayed as the perfect pair, from storybooks to cartoons, we grow up believing that a saucer of milk is the ultimate treat for a cat. In reality, however, most cats cannot digest milk properly, and offering dairy can lead to digestive upset or longer-term issues.

This guide explains whether cats can drink milk, why lactose is a problem, which dairy products may be safer, and how to offer alternatives that keep your cat healthy and happy.

Do Cats Like Milk?

Many cats absolutely love the taste of milk. The fat and protein in dairy are appealing to them, which is why they may beg for a sip if they see you drinking it. However, enjoyment doesn’t always mean it’s safe.

Why Most Cats Cannot Digest Milk

Kittens produce an enzyme called lactase, which allows them to digest their mother’s milk.
However, as cats grow older and transition to solid food:

• Lactase levels drop significantly
• Lactose (milk sugar) becomes harder to digest
• Undigested lactose ferments in the gut
• This leads to diarrhoea, gas, cramping, and discomfort

This condition is known as lactose intolerance and it affects the vast majority of adult cats.

What Happens If a Cat Drinks Milk?

Symptoms vary depending on the amount consumed and the cat’s level of intolerance.

Common reactions include:

• Soft stools or diarrhoea
• Gas or bloating
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Dehydration (especially dangerous for small or elderly cats)

Even small amounts can upset sensitive cats.

Are Any Cats Able to Drink Milk?

A small minority of cats retain enough lactase to tolerate milk in tiny amounts. However, there’s no way to know whether your cat is tolerant without risking digestive upset. As a general rule, it is safest to assume your cat cannot drink milk.

What About Other Dairy Products?

Different dairy products contain different levels of lactose. Some may be tolerated better than milk, while others should still be avoided.

Cow’s Milk

• High in lactose.
• Most common cause of digestive issues.

Not recommended for any adult cat.

Cream

• Lower in lactose than milk but very high in fat.
• Can cause:
  • Pancreatitis
  • Obesity
  • Diarrhoea

Not recommended.

Cheese

• Lactose levels vary depending on the type.
• Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan contain less lactose than soft cheeses.
• Possible risks:
  • Lactose intolerance
  • High salt content
  • High fat content
  • Possible artificial additives

A tiny amount as a rare treat is usually safe for most cats, but should never be part of a regular diet.

Yoghurt

Plain, unsweetened yoghurt contains live cultures that help break down lactose.
This means some cats tolerate yoghurt better than milk.

• However, yoghurt can still cause:
  • Diarrhoea
  • Gas
  • Stomach upset

Only offer a teaspoon at most, and never flavoured or sweetened varieties.

Butter

• Very low in lactose but extremely high in fat.
• Risks include:
  • Pancreatitis
  • Weight gain
  • Soft stools

Best avoided.

Goat’s Milk

• Sometimes marketed for pets.
• Lactose levels are slightly lower than cow’s milk, but not low enough to prevent intolerance in most cats.

Goat’s milk is not a safe alternative for lactose-intolerant cats.

Plant-Based Milks

• Examples include:

  • Almond milk
  • Oat milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Soy milk

• These are not recommended because:

  • Some contain harmful additives
  • Almond and coconut milks are high in fat
  • Oat milk can be sugary
  • Soy can trigger allergies
  • Some brands contain xylitol (deadly to cats)

Avoid completely.

Safe Milk Alternatives for Cats

If you want to give your cat a milky treat, several pet-safe options exist.

Lactose-Free Cat Milk

Supermarkets and pet shops sell specially formulated cat milk containing:

• No lactose
• Added nutrients
• Lower fat content

Brands such as Whiskas Cat Milk or Dreamies Cat Milk are widely available.

This is the safest option for cats who enjoy the taste of milk.

However:

• It still contains calories
• It should be offered in moderation
• It should not replace water

Lactose-Free Cow’s Milk (Human Version)

Some cats tolerate lactose-free human milk because the lactose has been broken down.

But there are drawbacks:

• Higher sugar content
• No nutritional benefit for cats
• May still cause stomach upset
• Never choose flavoured or sweetened varieties

If you do try it, offer only a teaspoon to test tolerance.

Do Cats Need Milk?

Cats do not require milk at any stage after weaning. They obtain all necessary hydration from:

• Fresh drinking water
• Wet cat food
• High-moisture diets suited to their needs

Offering water-rich foods is far healthier and safer than giving milk.

Why the “Cats and Milk” Myth Won’t Go Away

The image of a cat lapping up a bowl of milk has been repeated for generations. Historically:

• Farm cats were often fed leftover cow's milk
• Many cats lived outdoors with shorter lifespans, so digestive upset went unnoticed
• People assumed enjoyment meant healthiness

Modern veterinary science shows that the image is misleading and milk is inappropriate for most cats.

Can Kittens Drink Milk?

Kittens should drink:

• Their mother’s milk, or
• A kitten-specific formula (such as Cimicat or Royal Canin Babycat Milk)

They must not drink:

• Cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk
• Any milk marketed for human babies
• Homemade substitutes

Improper milk can cause diarrhoea, malnutrition, or even life-threatening dehydration.

Once weaned (around 8–10 weeks), kittens no longer need milk of any kind.

How to Treat a Cat Who Has Drunk Milk

If your cat has accidentally drunk milk, monitor for:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Excessive gas
• Loss of appetite

Make sure:

• They have access to fresh water
• Their litter tray habits are normal
• They don’t become dehydrated

If symptoms persist longer than 12–24 hours, contact your vet.

Key Points for Cat Owners

• Most cats are lactose intolerant
• Cow’s milk commonly causes diarrhoea and stomach upset
• Cheese, cream, and yoghurt may be tolerated better but are still not ideal
• Lactose-free cat milk is the safest treat
• Cats do not need milk at all in their diet
• Kittens should only have species-appropriate milk

Conclusion

Cats may love the taste of milk, but for most of them, it simply isn’t a safe or healthy choice. Adult cats are typically lactose intolerant, and dairy products can cause digestive upset, discomfort, or long-term health problems.

If you want to offer your cat a milky treat, choose a specially formulated lactose-free cat milk and offer it only in small amounts. For everyday hydration, fresh water and a high-quality diet remain the best options.