We know it very well. The sight of wide-eyed, fluffy PERSIAN kittens eating a plate of milk with relish and a curious look on their faces.
Persian cats and milk, it’s a love story we’ve heard dozens of times. But is it really that simple? Sure, Persian cats love milk, cream, and other dairy products, but does that mean they can eat them? Can Persian cats drink milk? Is milk good for them?
To learn more about this, continue reading the following paragraphs.
Do Persian cats have lactose intolerance?
Lactose is the sugar content of milk. In order for humans and Persian cats to digest lactose, the enzyme lactase must be present in the digestive system.
This enzyme is present in kittens and babies from birth, but the amount of lactase produced naturally decreases after weaning.
Most animals do not need milk after weaning, and Persian cats are no different.
This is because the digestive tract of young kittens is designed to process lactose, but as they get older, their ability to digest lactose steadily decreases.
For this reason, Persian cats that cannot process dairy products at all are sometimes called “lactose intolerant.”
When a Persian cat with lactose intolerance consumes lactose, vomiting and diarrhea usually occur within 12 hours of consumption.
The Persian cat may also experience thirst, abdominal pain, constipation and dehydration.
The good news is that not all Persian cats have problems after drinking milk. Some of you may have already given your Persian cat milk or cream and have not noticed any negative effects. This is perfectly normal.
Some Persian cats react badly to milk, while others tolerate it normally.
Even if there are no adverse effects from dairy products, it is not recommended that Persian cats be fed milk regularly.
This is because milk is not a complete food for Persian cats and kittens. Milk should make up no more than 10% of their diet.
If you have a small kitten that you have fostered or rescued, do not feed it cow’s milk, but a milk substitute made specifically for kittens. It has all the essential nutrients that every kitten needs.
Can your Persian cat drink lactose-free milk?
So, if concerned about lactose in milk, why not give your Persian cat a lactose-free alternative? You can easily order lactose-free milk on the Internet, and you can find it on the shelves of most supermarkets.
It is advisable to avoid giving your Persian cat “human” food. If necessary, choose lactose-free or lactose-reduced dairy products made specifically for cats.
However, Persian cats do not need milk after weaning. They do not need milk, especially if they are getting enough protein and nutrients from a high-quality diet.
It is better for Persian cats to drink water as their main source of hydration. Cow’s milk and lactose-free kinds of milk can help rehydrate your Persian cat, but they add unnecessary fat and calories to the diet and can cause weight gain over time.
Can Persian cats drink goat’s milk?
Goat’s milk contains less lactose than cow’s milk, so it is easier for Persian cats to digest. However, some Persian cats may have difficulty digesting it, so test a small amount first. Goat’s milk also contains less fat than cow’s milk.
However, if your Persian cat prefers goat’s milk and tolerates it well, you can occasionally add this healthy treat to her regular diet.
Can Persian cats eat dairy products?
So now we know that cow’s milk can cause gastrointestinal problems in Persian cats (especially those sensitive to lactose).
But what about other dairy products? Can your Persian cat eat yogurt or cheese? How about butter?
Can Persian cats eat yogurt?
So is yogurt good for Persian cats? Plain unsweetened yogurt can sometimes be used as a treat for Persian cats. Flavored yogurt is not suitable because it often contains sugar, which is difficult for Persian cats to digest.
Check the ingredients for artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, and flavorings that may be harmful to your pet.
Yogurt is usually a good choice because it contains less lactose than milk and is high in protein and healthy probiotics.
If you give your pet a small amount to try and she has no adverse effects the next day, you can probably give her yogurt.
However, because of its high-fat content, yogurt can quickly become a calorie overload, so only give it on rare occasions. Also, never give yogurt to Persian kittens, as it can cause digestive problems.
Can Persian cats drink kefir?
Kefir, like yogurt, can provide your Persian cat with probiotics. Since bacterial fermentation is used in the production of kefir, most of the lactose is consumed during fermentation. Double-fermented kefir contains even less lactose.
Persian cats can still develop stomach symptoms, so it is important to start carefully and slowly.
Can Persian cats eat sour cream?
Double cream and sour cream are high in fat. Even if your Persian cat is lactose intolerant, the high-fat content in the cream and sour cream can certainly cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.
It’s okay if your Persian cat sneaks a lick of cream here and there. Just don’t forget about the extra calories. Too much fat can cause weight gain over time, especially in older, less active Persian cats or those that live only indoors.
Can Persian cats eat whipped cream?
Persian cats should not be allowed to eat canned whipped cream. Not only is it high in sugar, but other preservatives and additives are not suitable for their health.
Can my Persian cat eat cooked whipped cream? If you buy whipped cream and whip it yourself, the feline can eat it once in a while.
However, keep in mind that whipped cream is high in fat and can cause gastrointestinal problems. Moreover, it has low nutritional value but high-calorie content.
Can Persian cats eat cheese?
Is cheese harmful to Persian cats, even if they enjoy it? Technically, cheese can be given to Persian cats in minimal amounts.
If your Persian cat is lactose intolerant, it is okay to feed him small amounts of cheese from time to time. Moldy cheeses such as blue cheese are harmful to pets and should be avoided.
Cheese such as cheddar and Swiss cheese contains less lactose, while mozzarella, curly cheese, and cream cheese contain more. In general, hard cheeses contain less lactose than soft cheeses.
Can Persian cats eat processed cheese?
Processed cheeses, spreads, and cream cheeses should be carefully monitored for ingredients they contain that are not suitable for Persian cats. Additives such as garlic and onions are harmful too and should be avoided.
It is especially important to consider the salt content of cheese. Persian cats with heart disease should be kept on a low-sodium diet and cheese should be avoided.
Furthermore, Cheese is very high in calories and fat, then if you’re worried about your Persian cat’s weight, it’s best to keep this to a minimum.
Can Persian cats eat butter?
In the butter-making process, the fat is separated from the buttermilk. Buttermilk contains lactose, but the fat is used to make butter. This means that butter itself contains relatively little lactose. So can Persian cats eat butter?
Just because a food is low in lactose doesn’t mean it’s good for your Persian cat. Butter is mostly fat. So even though it tastes good, it is also very caloric for Persian cats. If your feline has a small tummy, it’s probably best not to give butter to her.
Can Persian cats eat ice cream?
Persian cats are very curious about ice cream and will beg you to let them have some. It’s tempting to give it to them, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
In fact, chocolate is very bad for Persian cats, so if your ice cream is chocolate-flavored, don’t share it with your furry friend.
Sugar-free products usually contain xylitol, a sweetener that is dangerous to Persian cats and other pets.
If the ice cream contains nuts such as macadamias or walnuts, do not share such treats with your Persian cat. Walnuts are toxic to Persian cats, and macadamia nuts can cause lethargy and tremors.
Can Persian cats eat custard?
Custard, whether homemade, instant, or ready-made, is high in sugar and fat. In most cases, a few licks won’t cause much of a problem, especially if your Persian cat is lactose tolerant.
Heavier Persian cats, however, should avoid custard, as they will gain weight quickly.
Remember that large amounts of sugar and fat can cause stomach upset, so even if your Persian cat does not have a lactose problem, large amounts of these two nutrients can cause stomach upset.
Can Persian cats consume whey?
Whey is a byproduct of the cheese-making process. It is a convenient way to supplement the human body’s protein needs.
Furthermore, Whey protein powder is commonly added to shakes and smoothies by people who live an active lifestyle and want to increase their muscle mass.
So, is it safe to give protein shakes to Persian cats?
Whey protein is actually ideal for Persian cats because it is high in protein and contains a variety of essential amino acids.
What is not good for Persian cats are other ingredients added to human whey supplements, such as flavors, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, and preservatives.
Talk to your vet about the benefits of whey for your Persian cat. Some food brands use whey in their products, but it is best not to feed whey to your Persian cat unless you are sure it does not contain harmful additives.
Takeaway
It’s an old misconception that Persian cats need milk in their diet. In fact, Persian cats do not need dairy products after kittenhood, and in many cases cannot digest them.
Persian cats on a balanced diet can live healthy and happy without dairy products. If orphaned or shelter kittens require milk, they should be fed a specially formulated kitten milk substitute to ensure adequate nutrition.
It’s best to replicate the diet and lifestyle that cats lead in the wild. In other words, if a food group such as dairy is not something your cat would eat in the wild and there is no other need for it, it is best to eliminate it.
If there is no need for it, you don’t have to worry about including milk and dairy products in your Persian cat’s diet.
If you must share dairy products, make sure they are free of potentially harmful additives, start small, and always give them in small portions.
However, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian before adding any new food.
