Comment

Comment by Lawrence Wagner on November 5, 2011 at 3:09pm

Sandra is exactly right.  Cow's milk can cause problems for some cats and it does not help them stay hydrated if it makes them sick to the tummy.

 

It is vital that cats always have access to water 24-7. I keep water available in as many places I can find. I have a bowl in my den, 2 bowls in the kitchen where their food dishes are, ceramic cups on the kitchen cabinet and a ceramic cup on the bathroom counter.  When they are out in the back yard, there are bowls of water on the patio table.

 

I only give my cats milk on rare occasions and I don't use milk exactly.  I get "Half & Half" at the store and only put out enough in a small bowl to cover the bottom, nothing more. 

 

Let your parents know that cows are not the normal prey of cats and they seldom drink milk after they have been weaned by their momma. We need to understand that a cat's diet needs to be as close to natural as we can make it which is what cat food companies do when they make cat food.  We can't rely on what cats "like". Some cats like chocolate!  And chocolate is toxic to cats.

 

If your mom or dad continues to replace water with milk, you may need to keep a bowl of water hidden in your room or take it to them regularly and wait for them to drink some. I've chased cats around with bowls of water often if I felt they've not been drinking enough. They need water and milk is no substitute for it.

 

Good luck!

Comment by Llynda Chapman on October 21, 2011 at 5:09pm

Isobel only ever drinks water but Dargo does like the occasional drop of milk

Comment by Sandra on October 13, 2011 at 3:48pm

You can tell your parents that cow's milk isn't good for cats (Google it).  They are inherently lactose intolerant.  It can give them diarrhea, stomach cramps, cause vomiting, make their litter box smell more,

Yes, they like it - but they also like to drink anti-freeze.  It's up to us humans to give them the best food we can.

If your parents want to give your cats a treat (which seems to be the problem here), suggest they give them a little bit of plain yogurt, some "cat's milk" (available in the pet food section of your grocery store), or even a small amount of cream once or twice a week.  (Cream has less lactose in it.)  But emphasize to them that regular cow's milk is not good for cats!  There are so many other ways they can give your cats treats.