Picture this: a fluffy cat delicately lapping up milk from a porcelain saucer. Itâs cute. Itâs classic. Itâs also… not exactly the healthiest move.
For decadesâthanks to Victorian artwork, old-school cartoons, and childhood storiesâweâve been fed the idea that cats love milk. But is it actually good for them? Spoiler: not really.
Letâs bust this age-old myth once and for all and answer the question: Is it safe for cats to drink milk?

Where Did the Milk-and-Cat Love Story Begin?
Our cultural obsession with cats sipping milk probably started in the 19th century, when urban living and animal artwork soared in popularity.
Artists like Alfred-Arthur Brunel de Neuville became famous for painting scenes of cozy kittens drinking from bowlsâfueling the idea that milk was a feline favorite.
But romanticism aside, the biology behind cat digestion tells a different story.
The Truth: Most Cats Are Lactose Intolerant
According to the Peopleâs Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), adult cats actually struggle to digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Just like many adult humans, cats can develop lactose intolerance after weaning.
What Happens If They Drink Milk Anyway?
When lactose-intolerant cats consume milk, it can cause:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Bloating or gas
Not exactly the relaxing snack you had in mind, right?

But What If My Cat Loves Milk?
Thatâs not uncommon! According to Hastings Veterinary Hospital, some cats crave milk simply because they associate the creamy texture or fatty taste with comfort from kittenhood.
But just because they want it doesnât mean itâs good for them. Kind of like how we all want chocolate cake for dinnerâbut know itâs not the best long-term choice.
Milk = Pizza? Yes, Really.
Hereâs a fun (but sobering) fact:
A saucer of cowâs milk for a cat is like a human eating an entire 12-inch pizza in one go. Thatâs how calorie-dense and fatty it is.
According to Dr. Nathalie Dowgray from the International Society of Feline Medicine, cats donât need cowâs milk if theyâre already eating a balanced, high-quality diet. In fact, milk is often just unnecessary extra fat.

Special Case: Kittens Without Mothers
Now, there is one exceptionâkittens who are hand-reared because their mother is absent. But even then, cowâs milk or goatâs milk wonât cut it.
Instead, these kittens need a proper kitten milk replacer, designed to support their rapid growth with the right blend of protein, fat, and nutrients.
Kittens start transitioning to solid food around 3 to 4 weeks and should be fully weaned onto adult cat food by 8 to 10 weeks. After that? No more milk necessary.
So⌠Can Cats Drink Anything Besides Water?
Short answer: Not really.
There are specially formulated âcat milkâ products available in pet stores and supermarketsâthese are usually lactose-free and designed to be safe for cats in small amounts.
But theyâre still treats. Fresh, clean water should always be your catâs main drink of choice.

If Not Milk, What Can I Treat Them With?
Treats that wonât lead to tummy trouble include:
- Freeze-dried meat snacks
- Homemade tuna cubes
- Soft, lickable cat treats
- Catnip (if theyâre into it)
Or better yet, try your hand at DIY cat meals that are both safe and delicious. Check out these ideas:
10 Recipes for Homemade Cat Food That All Cats Will Enjoy
What If Youâve Already Been Giving Them Milk?
Donât panic! One sip wonât hurt most cats. But if youâve been making it a regular treat, itâs probably time to stop. Watch for signs of digestive distress, and switch over to water or specially formulated cat milk if your feline really misses the ritual.

Also, keep in mind that not all cats forget easily. Some will definitely notice when their milk routine disappears.
Hereâs more on feline memory:
Do Cats Forget or Miss Their Owners?
Final Thoughts: Let the Myth Melt Away
That timeless image of a kitty sipping milk may be adorableâbut itâs not the healthiest choice. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, and milk is more indulgent than nutritious.
So the next time your furry friend gives you those eyes near the fridge, offer fresh water or a safe treat instead. Their belly (and your vet bills) will thank you.