Can Cats Drink Cat Milk?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
Cats can drink small amounts of lactose-free milk made for cats. These products are sold as treats and are made with the lactose reduced or removed, which addresses the main reason regular milk is a problem. The ASPCA explains that pets do not have significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, so milk and dairy can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset. Cornell Feline Health Center adds that milk is not generally recommended as a treat because many cats are lactose intolerant.
What Cat Milk Offers a Cat
Cat milk is a treat, not a food and not a replacement for water. Adult cats do not need milk of any kind, and a complete cat food covers their nutrition. Removing lactose does not remove the milk protein. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists milk products among the foods cats are most often allergic to, and says itching directed at the head and neck is fairly common. If your cat scratches more or gets loose stools after cat milk, stop giving it.
How Much Cat Milk Can a Cat Have?
WSAVA advises keeping treats under 10% of daily calories, which is roughly 22 to 25 treat calories a day for a 10-pound adult cat. Calories in cat milk vary by product, so check the label. For scale, WSAVA lists 2 fluid ounces of reduced-fat cow's milk at 27 calories, so 1 to 2 tablespoons of a similar liquid would be roughly 7 to 14 calories. A tablespoon or two in a saucer is plenty, and it counts against the treat allowance, so cut back other treats that day. Kittens, seniors and cats with diabetes, kidney disease, urinary stones, pancreatitis or food allergies should have the vet's approval first.
How to Serve It
Pour a small amount into a shallow dish and pick it up after your cat has had a chance to drink. Refrigerate an opened carton and use it within the time on the label. Do not swap in regular cow's milk, cream, half-and-half or goat's milk, which still contain lactose; Merck's guide for cat owners says milk can upset a cat's stomach. Lactose-free milk made for people is a different product with its own ingredients, so stick with one made for cats. A milk treat is also not the same thing as kitten milk replacer. A kitten that still needs milk should get a replacer chosen with your veterinarian. Always keep fresh water available, because no milk replaces it.
If your cat has a medical condition, a food allergy or a special diet, ask your veterinarian before offering cat milk.
Common Questions
Can cats drink regular cow's milk?
It is better not to give cats regular cow's milk. The ASPCA explains that pets do not have significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, so milk can cause diarrhea or other digestive upset. Cornell Feline Health Center adds that many cats are lactose intolerant. A milk made for cats, or simply fresh water, is the better choice.
Can kittens drink cat milk?
A cat milk treat is not a substitute for a mother's milk or a kitten milk replacer. Weaned kittens get what they need from a complete kitten food and fresh water. If a kitten is orphaned or still nursing, ask your veterinarian which kitten milk replacer to use and how to feed it, rather than offering a treat milk or cow's milk.
Can cats drink lactose-free milk for people?
Lactose-free milk for people is less likely to cause diarrhea than regular milk, but a milk made for cats is the better choice. Removing lactose does not remove milk protein, and the Merck Veterinary Manual lists milk products among the foods cats are most often allergic to. If you do share it, keep it to a tablespoon and stop if your cat scratches or has loose stools.
Can cats drink cat milk every day?
A tablespoon or two of cat milk can fit into a cat's daily treat budget if other treats are cut back. WSAVA advises that treats stay under 10% of daily calories, roughly 22 to 25 calories for a 10-pound cat. Check the label for calories, since they vary by product, and keep fresh water available because milk does not replace it.
Why do cats like milk so much?
There is no single proven reason, and liking milk does not mean a cat's stomach handles it well. The Merck Veterinary Manual's guide for cat owners says milk is not a recommended treat and can upset a cat's stomach. A lactose-free milk made for cats, given in small amounts, lets your cat enjoy the taste with less risk of diarrhea.