Many cats are lactose intolerant.
The side effect of consuming milk is vomiting and/or diarrhea. Growing up, cats
stop prodcing lactase, an enzyme that can help digest and metabolize lactose, a form of sugar
in cow’s milk. Unlike adult cats, the kittens naturally produce enough
lactase that helps in digesting the milk from their mother. But later on, the
production of lactase gradually lessens when they start consuming solid foods.
Another effect on those lactose intolerant cats is the presence of allergies
like skin rashes. While those that are not lactose intolerant can manage to
drink milk without any side effects.
In addressing this problem,
lactose-free milk formula for cats is available in the market today. But this
should not be a substitute for their meal requirement although it is a good
source of calories, because they don’t have the essential nutrients needed by
cats.
You can also call your vet clinic Cherry Hill NJ if
you have any questions about your pet’s diet.