As cat parents, we would want to do everything to make sure our kitty is always happy and healthy. We give them toys, we spend time with them, play with them, groom them regularly, and of course, we give special attention to their diet.
We always try and give them the healthiest meal possible and are always inquisitive about whether they can or not eat/drink certain things.
And, one such thing that gets most cat parents curious, and also what we shall now help you learn more about, is almond milk and can cats drink almond milk or not. Let’s dive into it!
Can Cats Drink Almond Milk? The short answer to this question is yes, cats indeed can have almond milk but in moderation. Almond milk is plant-based and is made from water and almonds. It is lactose and dairy-free and thus a great option for cats that are lactose intolerant.
Is It Safe For Cats To Have Almond Milk?
You may have always heard that cats love milk. But the fact is they cannot digest milk as easily as humans. Cats are not able to produce too many lactase enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of milk, and, this can cause lactose intolerance symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting.
If your cat loves milk but is not able to digest lactose then almond milk can serve as a safe alternative. However, you need to be careful as the nut-based milk can irritate the bellies of some cats. Also, make sure that you offer almond milk to your kitty only in moderation.
Furthermore, do check the brand that you are choosing to make sure it is safe for your cat. It will be best to avoid flavored almond milk as they contain flavorings, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners that can upset the stomach of your feline friend.
If you do want to feed almond milk to your cat it must be unsweetened and without any flavors.
How Is Almond Milk Beneficial For Cats
As almond milk is lactose-free it is a safe alternative for those kitties who are not easily able to digest milk enzymes.
Almond milk is rich in vitamin E and this can nourish the skin and coat of your cat. Vitamin E is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and this can help with skin problems like eczema.
Furthermore, the potassium present in almond milk supports cellular function, and the magnesium that it contains helps with urinary problems and bowel movements.
How Much Almond Milk Can You Feed Your Cats?
Whenever you offer your cat some new human food, you must always start with a small amount and check how they react to it.
You can start by offering them just a few teaspoons and wait and monitor them. If you notice no negative reactions at all then you can increase the amount but never too much.
The cat food that you feed your kitty should cover their nutritional requirements, so it will not be a good idea to give them almond milk as their dietary supplement.
Remember, the contribution from treats and unbalanced food should be less than 10 percent of the total daily calories of your cat. So, it will be a good idea to feed them almond milk not more than half a cup and that too only occasionally.
What Are The Drawbacks of Feeding Almond Milk To Cats?
Almond milk, generally, will result in health problems only if you offer your cat too high an amount.
Excessive almond milk can upset their digestive system and result in –
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Vomiting
If you notice your cat experiences any of these symptoms after drinking almond milk, reduce the amount and check again for any symptoms, or better still, do not offer them almond milk at all.
Other Types of Milk That You Can Offer Your Cat
If you really want to feed milk to your cat then you must only offer those that are safe and less likely to cause any problems.
Plant-based milk – Apart from almond milk, the other plant-based options that you have include soy, oat, rice, and coconut. They do not contain lactose and are generally lower in calories and fat compared to cow’s milk. But make sure you go through the labels first and avoid those that contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and sweeteners.
Cow, sheep, and goat’s milk – If you want to offer your cat a lactose drink then you can go for sheep, cow, or goat’s milk. But remember, these options contain lactose and may not be suitable for some cats.
Lactose-free dairy milk – This is cow’s milk but with lactose removed. This is a good option for cats that are lactose intolerant.
How to Make Almond Milk for Your Cat At Home
Ingredients needed –
- Springwater – 4 cups
- Natural almonds – 1 cup
- Strainer
- Blender
- Storage container
Method
1. Soak the almonds overnight and then drain and throw them into your blender.
2. Add water and blend for around a minute, or until you get a smooth consistency.
3. Next, strain the milk in your storage container.
4. The milk is ready to be consumed and you can refrigerate and use it for 5 days.
2 Types of Milk That You Must Never Feed Your Cats
You should anyway think twice before offering milk to your feline friend, but, there are some types of milk/milk-based products that you must avoid at all costs.
- Cream – Whole milk cream is very heavy and rich for the digestive tract of your cat and so must completely be avoided.
- Condensed milk – This type of milk is high in sugar and fat and can result in abdominal discomfort.
Final Thoughts
So, can cats drink almond milk? Yes, they certainly can, but only in moderation and as an occasional treat. If, however, you notice them suffering from any side effects after consuming almond milk then you must stop feeding it to them altogether.
Even if your cat digests this nut-based milk well, never feed an excess of it, as it contains too many calories and can eventually prove to be harmful to their health.
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