Most people are probably used to how popular media depicts cats as always drinking milk. It’s sort of like rabbits and carrots at this point, ingrained into our thoughts and the media that we consume. But what do scientists actually say about this?
According to the pet care site Purina, cow’s milk contains more lactose than a cat can usually handle, which can be a problem. Lactose intolerance in cats causes diarrhea. Additionally, too much milk can lead to obesity problems, as the fat content is too much for a healthy cat. Cats only ever naturally drink milk as kittens, when they’re still nursing from their mother’s breasts.
The site also indicates that cats are always at risk of dehydration as many owners forget that they need water, just like us. Water comprises 60-70% of a cat’s body, similar to us. Like in humans, water ensures that the body is kept in a physiological state of balanced electrolytes, wherein metabolism, brain function, and the like can be done efficiently and effectively.
The signs and symptoms of a cat being dehydrated include but are not limited to:
- Dry gums
- Lethargy or depression
- Loss of appetite
- Decrease in skin elasticity
- Elevated heart rate
A way to test dehydration is by pinching a cat’s skin. If their skin stays pinched even when you release it, the cat is most likely dehydrated. While you can solve this with some water, a trip to the vet is ideal so they may help guide you on how to prevent it from happening again in the future.
On milk, it is advised that cats don’t intake too much milk as it will most likely cause an upset stomach, especially when too much is ingested at once. Remember that what may not be too much for us could very well be too much for them. Milk can still be a part of a cat’s diet, but ideally not as a pure drink. They can enjoy its creamy taste when intaking any dessert with milk as part of the ingredients. Be careful of other ingredients that could pose harm, though. Make sure you research before making food for your cat.
It is also the responsibility of people creating entertainment franchises or media to stop spreading misinformation about cats’ diets, as these false sentiments could lead to real harmed cats in the real world.
References:
Purina. (2020, September 10). Do Cats Drink Water? Cat Hydration & Dehydration Prevention. Nestlé Purina Petcare Company. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/health/guide-to-cat-hydration#:%7E:text=Yes%2C%20they%20do.,their%20body%20weight%20is%20water.
Purina. (2022, June 16). Can & Should Cats Drink Milk? Nestlé Purina Petcare Company. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/nutrition/can-cats-drink-milk
