Siamese cats are among several cat breeds with a surprising intolerance for lactose. This means they lack the enzyme that breaks down lactose. When they consume milk or other dairy products, they can’t digest them properly.
This can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Additionally, dairy products can trigger allergies in Siamese cats. It’s best to avoid giving your Siamese cat milk or other dairy products.
I’ll share everything you need to know about your cat’s lactose intolerance in this article.
How Can I Tell if My Siamese Cat is Lactose Intolerant?
There are a few signs that show your cat is lactose intolerant after consuming milk or dairy. First, if your cat experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal distress.
Second, if your cat seems particularly gassy or bloated.
My Siamese cat, Robyn, is lactose intolerant. It’s not a big deal since she’s never been a big fan of milk anyway. But it creates some challenges when trying to find foods she can eat. I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error to find foods that don’t have milk in them, or she gets sick.
At What Age Do Cats Become Lactose Intolerant?
Weaning kittens is a crucial process in their development. Once they are old enough to be weaned, around six or eight weeks old, they may lose their ability to digest lactose. They might experience intestinal upset and diarrhea if they drink milk.
You need to watch their diet and ensure they get enough nutrients. You can talk to your vet about the best diet for your kitten if you think he may be intolerant to lactose.
Do Siamese Cats Need Milk?
There is a common misconception that milk contains nutrients you can’t find in commercial cat food. However, this is not the case.
Cats can get nutrients from a well-formulated diet without drinking milk.
Milk is not a natural part of a cat’s diet, and its digestive systems are not designed to process it properly.
It’s best to switch to giving your cat water if he seems to be having trouble digesting milk. You can also get a specially formulated cat milk replacement.
Will Lactose-free Milk Hurt Siamese Cats?
You can try a cream or lactose-free milk product as an alternative to traditional cat milk. You can give these food options to your cat without them experiencing digestive issues.
Most pet stores sell these products, often containing taurine and other essential nutrients. They come in a variety of flavors and from different brands.
Check the label to see that it is appropriate for your cat. You may also want to consult your veterinarian to see if they have other recommendations.
I was in the pet store the other day and saw they had a new kind of milk on the shelves. It was lactose-free, and I thought, “Hey, I should try this for my cat.”
Batman has always loved milk. But lately, he’s been getting a little tummy trouble after drinking it. I thought this lactose-free milk would be a good alternative.
I brought it home and offered it to him; he loved it! He drank it right up, and he’s been feeling much better. I’m so glad I made the switch to lactose-free milk for him. It’s been such a relief for both of us.
Why Do Cats Like Milk If They Are Lactose Intolerant?
There are a few reasons why cats may like milk despite being lactose intolerant. For one, milk is a good source of hydration, and cats may be attracted to its high water content.
Likewise, some cats may simply enjoy the taste of milk. It won’t cause any harm if your cat ingests small amounts of milk or milk products on occasion.
Dairy products are not entirely off-limits for cats with lactose intolerance. A small amount of whole milk, yogurt, or cream will not cause any problems.
Research by Little (2015) found that kittens can consume up to 6g of lactose per kg of body weight during nursing. Adult cats can consume up to 1.3 grams per kilogram of body weight per day without experiencing any adverse gastrointestinal effects.
According to Handl and Fritz (2018), the maximum amount of lactose a cat can have is 2 g/kg body weight. This is equivalent to 50 mL/kg body weight of whole milk. This would be 200-250 mL of milk for the average cat.
However, if your cat shows discomfort after consuming milk, it’s best to avoid giving it to them. You can also look for a lactose-free milk substitute designed for cats.
Just the smell of milk makes Batman’s mouth water. He can’t help it – he loves the taste of milk too much. He can’t resist the temptation of that creamy white liquid.
I can’t help but worry about him, though. Milk is a double-edged sword for my cat. He’ll have an upset stomach if he drinks too much of it. So I have to be careful to give him a little bit at a time.
He always looks so disappointed when I pour a small amount for him. I can’t help but feel guilty. I should be giving him water instead, but it’s not the same.
Maybe one day, he’ll outgrow his lactose intolerance. I’ll have to be content for now with giving him small sips of milk – and watching him enjoy every moment of it.
Conclusion
Most cats are lactose intolerant. However, Siamese cats appear susceptible to this digestive malady.
There are still lots of tasty treats that your Siamese cat could eat if he is lactose intolerant. Of course, you should always talk to your vet before changing your cat’s diet.
We gathered all the health tips tailored toward maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide
