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Cat milk: a safe treat for your cat

Cat milk: a safe treat for your cat

Written by Mara | July 15, 2026

Many cats seem to love milk. However, a saucer of regular milk is not always a good idea. Adult cats often have more difficulty digesting milk sugar (lactose), which can lead to stomach and intestinal problems. Cat milk has been specially developed to let cats safely enjoy a tasty treat. In this blog, you will read what cat milk is, what the difference is compared to regular milk and how often you can give it.

What is cat milk?

Cat milk is a milk drink that has been specially formulated for cats. Unlike regular cow’s milk, cat milk contains little or no lactose, making the risk of diarrhoea or other digestive problems much smaller.

Some types of cat milk also contain extra vitamins or minerals as a supplement to the diet. Cat milk is intended as a treat and not as a replacement for complete cat food or fresh drinking water.

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Why not give your cat regular milk?

Although cats often enjoy drinking milk, many adult cats are lactose intolerant. After weaning, the amount of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, decreases. As a result, regular milk can lead to diarrhoea, flatulence or abdominal pain.

By choosing special cat milk, you can still treat your cat every now and then without the large amount of lactose found in regular milk.

When should you give cat milk?

Cat milk is suitable as a snack or reward. For example, you can give it after playing, as an extra treat moment or to slightly encourage fluid intake in cats that do not drink much.

Always give cat milk in moderation. It contains calories and is not a replacement for a complete diet.

Cat milk for kittens

There is an important difference between cat milk as a snack and a milk replacer for kittens.

Cat milk sold as a treat is intended for adult cats and older kittens that already eat independently. Young kittens that are still dependent on milk need special kitten milk or a mother’s milk replacer. This contains the right balance of nutrients for healthy growth.

Always provide fresh drinking water

Even if you give cat milk every now and then, fresh drinking water remains the most important drink for your cat. Therefore, always make sure enough clean drinking water is available.

Do you still have questions about cat milk? Please contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.

Frequently asked questions about cat milk

What is the difference between cat milk and regular milk?

Cat milk contains little or no lactose and is therefore easier for cats to digest than regular cow’s milk. Regular milk can lead to diarrhoea or other stomach and intestinal problems in many adult cats. Cat milk has been specially developed as a safe treat for cats.

Can you give cat milk every day?

Yes, cat milk can be given daily, provided this is done in moderation. See cat milk as a snack and not as a replacement for complete food or fresh drinking water. Also take into account the extra calories that cat milk contains.

How often can a cat drink cat milk?

You can give a cat a small amount of cat milk several times a week or daily, as long as this fits within a healthy diet. Follow the feeding advice on the packaging and make sure your cat always has access to fresh drinking water.

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About the author

Mara van Brussel-Broere, Veterinarian at Vetsend

Graduated as a companion animal veterinarian from Utrecht University, she uses her practical experience to advise customers and share knowledge at Vetsend. She finds it important to provide pet owners with clear information about health and wellbeing.