Pet ate something toxic? ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435
Tailwise

Dairy & eggs

Can cats eat milk?

A little In moderation

Not really. Despite the image, most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk often gives them diarrhoea. Water is all they need.

Why Lactose

By Maya HartReviewed by Dr Elin Rosen, DVM ·
Photo: Alabama Extension (CC0) via flickr

If your cat ate some

  1. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
  2. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Signs to watch for

  • Diarrhoea
  • Gas
  • Vomiting

How much, how often

Lactose-free "cat milk" as an occasional treat.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

  • Offer lactose-free pet milk instead
  • Never give milk to replace water

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs In moderation

Only a little. Many dogs lose the ability to digest lactose after weaning, so milk can cause diarrhoea.

How much: A few laps at most.

Can dogs eat milk?

Cats In moderation

Not really. Despite the image, most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk often gives them diarrhoea. Water is all they need.

How much: Lactose-free "cat milk" as an occasional treat.

Safer treats your cat can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can cats eat milk?

Not really. Despite the image, most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk often gives them diarrhoea. Water is all they need.

How much milk can a cat have?

Lactose-free "cat milk" as an occasional treat.

What makes milk risky for cats?

Lactose.

What are the signs to watch for in cats?

diarrhoea, gas, vomiting.

What should I do if my cat ate milk?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Is milk safe for dogs too?

Only a little. Many dogs lose the ability to digest lactose after weaning, so milk can cause diarrhoea.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

More foods for cats

One useful email a week

Seasonal safety alerts, one new guide and one quick answer. No spam, unsubscribe in a click.