Dairy-free alternatives to milk are all the rage, but are they safe for your feline friend?
Because most cats are lactose intolerant, offering them an alternative like almond milk makes sense. However, just because cats may drink almond milk doesn’t mean it provides meaningful health benefits. Some veterinarians say it might even do more harm than good. Here’s what you need to know about giving your cat almond milk.
Just because it’s safe to drink doesn’t make this cow’s milk alternative the best choice for a regular snack.
Cats thrive on a protein-rich diet. The feline digestive tract needs meat to stay healthy and fit, and it does not break down plant-based material very well, all reasons why cats shouldn’t eat a purely vegan diet, according to the ASPCA (Trusted Source). Their digestive tracts are not suited to break down carbohydrates, either. Since plant-based milk offers no nutritional value to cats, they’re simply lapping up empty calories.
Some almond milk options come packed with artificial sweeteners. In addition to providing no nutritional benefits, these added sugars are not healthy for obese or diabetic cats. Pet parents should always check the list of ingredients first. Xylitol is a popular sweetener found in many human foods that is toxic to cats.
While almond milk is usually lower in calories than cow’s milk, it may still pack on unwanted weight. Sweetened almond milk averages between 70 and 80 calories per cup. And with 61% of cats in the U.S. falling into the overweight or obese categories, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, extra calories are something most felines simply don’t need.
Cats tend to have sensitive tummies, especially when it comes to human food. Even though almond milk is technically safe, your cat may experience some problems if they drink too much or it doesn’t agree with them. Be on the lookout for the following adverse reactions:
But it’s not all bad news. Assuming your cat does not suffer any negative side effects, introducing some almond milk may provide a few benefits. Proponents of nut milk point to the fact that it’s a source of vitamin E. Just as in humans, this antioxidant supports healthy hair and skin and is a necessary part of a cat’s diet. While most cats get their supply of vitamin E from cat food, a little extra dose now and then isn’t a bad idea!
Let’s face it: Cats love a nice bowl of milk. Here are a few feline-friendly options you can safely offer as an occasional treat.
Cat parents should always avoid these types of milk, which can cause illness even in small amounts.
No, almond milk is not toxic to cats, so don’t panic if your cat happens to sneak a taste of almond milk from your breakfast bowl now and then. However, drinking it too much or too often is not recommended due to the added sweeteners and the chance of gastric upset. If your cat struggles with obesity or gastrointestinal issues, it’s best to steer clear of regular milk and dairy substitutes.
Cats cannot receive all of their essential nutrients from a vegan diet since they require protein which often comes in the form of meat.
Cats should not drink large amounts of almond milk or any liquid other than water. Pet owners can offer a few laps at the bottom of their bowl, but giving your cat more than 1 cup of almond milk daily is likely too much.
The short answer is no milk is good for cats, considering they are lactose intolerant. However, some milk such as cow’s milk and macadamia nut milk will cause adverse or even allergic reactions in some cats and must be avoided completely. Macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, vomiting, and tremors in cats. They’ve even made the American Veterinary Medical Association’s list of the top seven foods (Trusted Source) to avoid giving your cats and dogs.
