Can Cats Drink Breast Milk?

Knowing that both human babies and kittens start their life drinking milk, most people have a reasonable question, can cats drink breast milk?

Well, drinking breast milk from a mother cat is natural and beneficial. However, if you are wondering about human milk, the answer is NO. Human breast milk is not an ideal source of nutrients for cats.

Keep reading to learn why cats cannot drink human breast milk and what kind of milk is suitable for cats:

Cats and Breast Milk

Just like babies, young kittens cannot eat solid food. So, to survive, they need milk. Well, it’s noteworthy to mention not all types of milk are the same. While some kinds of milk are suitable for your feline, others are quite harmful.

Here are some of the common types of milk and their relation with cats:

Can Kittens Drink Human Breast Milk?

Human breast milk is simply a no-no for cats. This is because human breast milk contains minerals and vitamins that are not suitable for cats. For instance, human milk is loaded with carbohydrates and fats that are essential for human babies but can cause severe health complications to your feline.

Can Cats Drink Dog Breast Milk?

What about dog milk? Is dog milk fine for kittens? 

Well, kittens require their mother’s milk within 24 hours of birth. This is because after giving birth to a litter of kittens, a mother cat produces colostrum which offers antibodies that your feline needs to fight different illnesses. 

Afterward, if the mother cat is unavailable, you can offer your kitten dog milk. Compared to human milk, it’s recommended you feed your feline dog milk but in moderation. 

Can Cats Drink Sheep Milk?

Well, sheep milk is suitable for humans, but it’s certainly not an ideal addition to your feline’s diet. This is because sheep milk has higher lactose levels than other variants of milk, including dog milk, goat milk, and cow milk.

Furthermore, sheep milk also contains fatty acids, linoleic acids and casein. So, if your feline has a casein allergy and is lactose intolerant, you should keep them away from sheep milk.

Cats and Lactose Intolerance

Did you know cats can be lactose intolerant as well?

Just like humans, most cats are also lactose intolerant, which means they cannot process dairy effectively. Lactose intolerance is actually not that rare in cats. To process milk, both felines and humans require an enzyme known as lactase. 

Generally speaking, cats lose their ability to produce lactase once they get 6 months old. Here are some of the most common symptoms of lactose intolerance in cats:

• Excessive gas
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea

Final Verdict

Can cats drink breast milk? Well, young kittens require their mother’s milk because it contains antibodies that protect them from different illnesses. Afterward, you can offer your kitten dog milk if the mother cat is not available.

However, if you are wondering about human milk, then it’s simply off-limit. Human milk contains fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients that are not suitable for felines.