Are Cats Lactose Intolerant?
Cats are obligate carnivores and their diet does not typically include dairy products. However, many people still wonder if cats can tolerate lactose due to the fact that some cats seem to enjoy milk or other dairy products. The answer is yes, cats can be lactose intolerant just like humans.
What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme called “lactase” which helps break down and absorb this sugar into the bloodstream. People who are lactose intolerant may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, cramps after consuming milk or any other dairy product containing lactose.
Do Cats Have Symptoms When They Are Lactose Intolerant?
Yes, cats can show symptoms similar to those experienced by humans when they are lactose intolerant. These symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain after drinking milk or eating any food containing even small amounts of lactose (such as cheese). Additionally, some cats may also develop skin problems such as itching due to an allergic reaction caused by consumption of dairy products that contain casein (a protein found in cow’s milk).
Why Are Some Cats Considered To Be Less Tolerable To Dairy Products Than Others?
The primary factor determining a cat’s tolerance for dairy products is its age; kittens have higher levels of the necessary enzyme -lactase- than adult cats do so they tend to be more tolerant towards them (although it should be noted that kittens should never consume cow’s milk!). Additionally there might be individual differences between different cats which could make one cat more tolerant than another towards specific foods including diary items .
Can I Feed My Cat Milk Or Other Dairy Products ?
No – it is best not feed your cat with any kind of milks or other diary items – while some felines could tolerate certain types of these foods , most will develop unpleasant digestive system related issues if fed with them on regular basis . If you want your pet get used to something sweet , provide him/her dry treats instead .
