Cats love milk, but is it safe for them to drink condensed milk? As cat owners, we want to treat our furry friends, but we also need to be aware of what foods are healthy or harmful for them. Condensed milk might seem like an appealing treat, but there are good reasons to be cautious before sharing it.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, here’s the quick answer: veterinarians caution against giving cats condensed milk. While small amounts won’t necessarily be toxic, condensed milk contains too much sugar and fat for cats’ limited ability to digest dairy.
It can cause digestive upset and other health issues over time. Stick to cat treats and foods designed for feline nutritional needs for the healthiest diet.
Condensed Milk Has Too Much Lactose and Fat for Cats
Cats Lack the Enzymes to Properly Digest Dairy
As obligate carnivores, cats lack the digestive enzymes like lactase to break down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products like condensed milk. Lactose intolerance is common in felines, with over 90% unable to properly digest dairy.
When cats consume dairy, the undigested lactose travels to the large intestine where it ferments, causing uncomfortable gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting in some cases. This can lead to dehydration and other health issues if the cat consumes dairy regularly.
The High Sugar Content Can Lead to Obesity and Diabetes
Condensed milk has very high sugar content, with one tablespoon containing around 12.4 grams of sugar (via USDA). This is exceptionally rich for cats’ small bodies to process.
The influx of sugar into cats’ systems can cause blood sugar spikes, setting off a chain reaction that leads to weight gain over time. Obesity is a key contributor to diabetes in cats, with overweight cats 3.9 times more likely to develop the disease according to Cornell University.
Too Much Fat Can Cause Pancreatitis and Gastrointestinal Upset
With nearly 8 grams of fat per tablespoon, condensed milk far exceeds cats’ daily fat requirements in just tiny servings. Too much dietary fat can directly harm cats’ pancreases and GI tracts.
The high fat intake can lead to painful pancreatitis causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and even liver problems in cats. It can also upset cats’ digestive systems, causing diarrhea, constipation or vomiting.
Healthy Alternatives Cats Can Eat
Hydrating Foods Like Meat Broths and Plain Water
Keeping your cat hydrated is extremely important for their health. Cats have a low thirst drive, so they don’t always drink enough water on their own. Instead of condensed milk, try giving your cat plain, filtered water or hydrating foods like meat broths.
You can make homemade chicken, beef, or fish broths without salt or seasonings. Pour the broth over your cat’s wet food or serve it on its own in a bowl. Cats typically love the smell and flavor of meat broths. Just make sure the broth is cooled to room temperature before serving.
If your cat isn’t interested in plain water, try adding a couple ice cubes to their water bowl or fountain. The sound of the ice clinking together can entice them to drink. You can also place water bowls in different locations around your home, so there’s always water within reach.
Low-Fat, Low-Sugar Cat Treats
Instead of offering condensed milk as a treat, look for healthy cat treat alternatives. Low-fat, low-sugar options are ideal. Here are some cat-approved treats to try:
- Freeze-dried chicken or salmon
- Dried anchovies or sardines
- Kitty crack (dried catnip)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Crumbled hardboiled egg
You can also make homemade cat treats using simple ingredients like cooked chicken breast, beef liver, tuna, salmon, or cheese. Just bake bite-sized pieces at a low temperature until dried out. Store homemade treats in the fridge for up to a week.
Small Amounts of Full-Fat Canned Cow or Goat Milk
While condensed milk is too high in sugar, some cats can tolerate small amounts of full-fat cow or goat milk. Look for canned varieties with no added sugars. Give your cat a teaspoon initially and monitor them for any signs of an upset stomach.
Goat milk is lower in lactose than cow milk, so it may be easier for some cats to digest. Never give your cat skim or reduced fat milk, as the lack of fat can cause digestive upset.
Ultimately, milk should be an occasional treat. It’s healthiest to focus on a balanced wet food diet, clean water, and low-calorie treats. But for the occasional milk-loving kitty, a small spoonful of full-fat canned milk likely won’t do harm.
Signs of a Negative Reaction to Condensed Milk
Diarrhea or Loose Stools
One of the most common signs that a cat has had a bad reaction to condensed milk is diarrhea or loose stools. Since many cats are lactose intolerant, the lactose in the condensed milk can cause gastrointestinal upset, resulting in loose poop or even diarrhea.
This reaction usually occurs within a few hours of the cat ingesting the condensed milk.
According to a 2021 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), over 50% of cats developed diarrhea after consuming cow’s milk or dairy products. So if your cat suddenly has loose stools after you gave them some condensed milk, it’s very likely the cause.
Vomiting
Along with digestive issues like diarrhea, some cats may vomit after drinking condensed milk. The lactose and sugars in the milk can irritate a cat’s stomach and cause nausea or vomiting.
A study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that around 30% of cats vomit after consuming cow’s milk. So if your cat throws up, especially within 12 hours of ingesting condensed milk, it’s likely the culprit.
Loss of Appetite
If a cat feels nauseous or has an upset stomach from condensed milk, they very well may lose their appetite. Since they don’t feel well, they are hesitant to eat.
According to veterinarians, loss of appetite or refusal to eat are common signs a cat isn’t feeling right. So if your cat stops eating like they normally would, closely examine them for other signs of condensed milk reaction.
Excessive Thirst
As condensed milk has high amounts of added sugar, this can disrupt a cat’s blood sugar levels. Rapid changes in blood sugar can cause dehydration or excessive thirst as the cat tries to rebalance themselves.
The sugary milk may also irritate a cat’s stomach lining or intestines, also causing dehydration over time. So excessive drinking behavior may be a key indicator of negative reaction in cats, according to veterinarian guidelines.
How Much Condensed Milk Can Cause a Toxic Reaction?
Depends on the Cat’s Size and Rate of Consumption
The amount of condensed milk that can make a cat sick depends on the feline’s size and how fast they consume it. According to veterinarians, a few licks likely won’t cause an issue. However, veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter cautions that just “a tablespoon or two” could overwhelmed a cat’s digestive system and cause nausea or vomiting.
For example, in kittens and smaller cat breeds like Siamese cats, just a spoon or two of condensed milk may be enough to trigger digestive upset. Larger cats like Maine Coons can typically handle slightly larger amounts.
Additionally, downing condensed milk quickly rather than slowly licking it puts felines at greater risk.
Look for Gastrointestinal Signs Like Abdominal Pain
Cat owners should monitor their pet closely after ingesting condensed milk. Early signs of toxicity may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or hiding. Vomiting in particular should not be ignored as it is the body’s way of expelling harmful substances.
According to WebMD, condensed milk could also cause pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition that requires prompt veterinary treatment. Therefore, if any concerning symptoms develop post-ingestion, don’t hesitate to call the vet.
Seek Veterinary Care if Concerned About Toxicity
While most cats will recover with time after sampling small amounts of condensed milk, it’s still not worth the risk. According to the ASPCA, pet owners should call poison control or their veterinarian if they believe their cat has consumed toxic levels of milk.
Vets can induce vomiting if caught early to flush the GI tract. For more severe cases involving dehydration or chemical imbalances, the cat may need intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, or other supportive care.
While condensed milk toxicity is often not fatal if treated promptly, prevention is key to keep curious cats out of harm’s way.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s generally not advisable to share condensed milk with cats. While a small treat likely won’t cause major issues for most cats, the high amounts of sugar and fat can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and other health problems over time.
Stick to high-protein, low-fat cat foods and treats designed specifically for feline nutritional requirements. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s diet or health.
If you think your cat consumed too much condensed milk, watch closely for signs of digestive distress or toxicity. Seek veterinary care right away if you have any concerns. With some care around diet and treats, you and your cat can enjoy a long and healthy friendship together.
