You should not give your cat any milk, whether pure or diluted. Most adult cats have a natural lactose intolerance. This means that they cannot tolerate the milk sugar (lactose) contained in the milk. So, even though many cats like to drink milk, this often leads to digestive problems such as diarrhoea or other health issues. This intolerance of milk is produced in cats and most mammals after they are weaned off breast milk. While kittens are still in their breastfeeding phase, they can easily tolerate the lactose in milk. Their body produces the enzyme lactase. This is responsible for the processing and digestion of lactose. After the young animals have been weaned off the breast milk, their body’s lactase production continues to decrease. That is why cats are able to consume little or no lactose over the rest of their lives. Just like many people, they become lactose intolerant.

In terms of breast milk, cat’s milk is different from cow’s milk. This is due to the fact that the energy and nutrient requirements of mammals differ naturally. Cats are born blind and deaf. They only start to crawl after weeks. Calves, however, get up shortly after birth and make their first shaky attempts at walking. They need much more energy than newborn kittens. Cow’s milk is therefore much fattier than cat’s milk, which by contrast contains more protein. Both milk varieties have approximately the same proportion of lactose.

Many cats love milk. However, cow’s milk, even if it is largely “lactose-free”, is not adapted to the needs of cats. Special cat milk contains less lactose, is easy to digest and optimally oriented to the nutritional needs of your cat.

Cat milk is a tasty snack and can contribute to a balanced diet in the various phases of a cat’s life. The vitamins promote vitality and well-being while calcium promotes strong bone structure. If it contains taurine then this amino acid can help boost the cardiovascular system and vision. In addition, cat milk helps with hydration. But please note: milk is not suitable as a drink for cats. This is and remains water. With a splash in the water bowl, however, you can encourage reluctant cats to drink when they would not otherwise do so. If your cat likes eating and loves milk, cat milk is ideal as a reward or a snack between meals.

For kittens growing up without a mother there is a special kind of milk (often in powder form), which is a substitute for breast milk. This is enriched with all of the vital nutrients, such as biologically wholesome protein, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Development is promoted and resilience is improved, especially during the growth phase. These products are also suitable as feed supplements for young cats in addition to breast milk, as well as for pregnant and lactating cats and for malnourished or weakened cats.