We’ve all seen cat owners give milk to their cats. Most love drinking fresh milk and will lap it up from a tiny saucer. But can Ragdolls drink milk? Is it good for them? What are the benefits and how much should you give them?
Yes, Ragdolls can drink milk in moderation, and not every day. This breed has a tendency to be lactose intolerant so it’s important to watch how much milk they drink. Too much can give them diarrhea or make them vomit.
If you have a Ragdoll, then you know they crave milk whenever they see you drinking it. They may try to drink from your glass, or they might even lick the carton clean.
Let’s take a closer look at the truth behind Ragdolls and milk.
Can Ragdoll Kittens Drink Milk?
Ragdoll kittens can typically digest milk without issues until they are 6-8 weeks when they are weaned from their mother. At that point, they lose the enzyme that makes it possible to digest lactose.
That said, regular dairy isn’t a good option, even for nursing kittens. If your kitten is too young to eat kitten formula, feed it mother’s milk replacer. It has all the nutrients Ragdoll kittens need to grow up healthy.
Is Milk Safe for Ragdolls?
Cow, goat, coconut, or any other type of milk is not toxic for cats. However, they don’t provide any nutritional value for your feline friend. Instead, there’s a good chance your Ragdoll will get diarrhea or vomit if they drink too much.
Plus, milk can cause weight gain in cats. If your cat is overweight, you should avoid giving them milk altogether.
Are All Ragdolls Lactose Intolerant?
Ragdolls and other breeds such as Rex, and Sphynx are more prone to digestive problems, which can occur from eating foods other than cat food. Not all Ragdolls are lactose intolerant, but there’s a good chance your cat will have some trouble digesting milk.
If your cat suffers from an upset tummy, diarrhea, or vomiting 8-12 hours after eating dairy products, it’s likely because of the lactose.
Can Ragdolls Drink Cow Milk?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Avoid giving your Ragdoll whole cow’s milk or cream cheese. These products are high in saturated fat, which is bad for both humans and cats.
Instead, give your cat skim, 1%, or organic milk, as they contain less fat. You can also give them lactose-free milk if you’re worried about their digestion.
Can Ragdolls Drink Chocolate Milk?
No, chocolate milk contains high amounts of sugar and chocolate which is bad for cats. Avoid giving your Ragdoll or any other cat any amount of chocolate milk.
If your cat takes a small drink from your glass when you’re not watching or licks the carton, it won’t kill them. Dark chocolate, candy bars, and baking chocolate are more dangerous for your feline friend. But avoid giving your cat any type of chocolate milk.
What Kind of Milk Can Ragdoll Kittens Drink?
If you have young kittens that don’t have access to their mother, you may need to step in until you can find a foster mother. You will need to give them a commercial kitten milk replacer or make your own.
Kitten milk replacer contains all the nutrients and vitamins a kitten needs to grow up strong and healthy. It can be found at most pet stores or online. Kittens can be fed with a bottle or a syringe.
Kitten milk replacer isn’t the same as the mother’s milk, but it’s the next best thing. Home formulas are not as good as the store-bought kind, so avoid making your own if you can.
If you have no option, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a recipe for a homemade milk replacer.
Should You Give Your Ragdoll Milk?
Cats unlike us, don’t require anything but water. That said, it’s not hard to find YouTube videos of pet owners giving their Ragdoll cats milk. It’s true that most cats will drink milk if, given the chance, they don’t crave it.
Young kittens the mother’s milk that is specially formulated for them. Once they reach weaning age, around six to eight weeks old, their diet should consist of dry food that replicates the nutrient levels in mother’s milk.
We know that some pet parents will give their Ragdolls milk because they like sharing human foods with them. If you do, make sure it’s only a small amount that won’t upset their stomach.
Do Ragdolls Get Any Nutritional Value from Drinking Milk?
Believe it or not, besides nursing Ragdolls that rely on their mother’s milk to survive, cats don’t get a lot of nutritional value from drinking milk. Milk is a great source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients for humans but not so much for cats.
Alternatives to Milk for Ragdolls
If your Ragdoll is known to have lactose intolerance, then you should only give them milk in very small amounts. A little bit of milk goes a long way with this breed.
Avoid the popular human substitutes (some have high amounts of sugar) as they are not appropriate for a cat’s digestive system. We’ve listed some of the most popular milk substitutes available on the market.
Oat Milk: This milk is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. It has a slightly sweet flavor and many people say it tastes like cream. It is non-dairy, lactose-free milk that is made from oats.
Hemp Milk: Hemp milk is another good non-dairy alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. It has an earthy, nutty flavor that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Almond Milk: Almond milk is the most popular dairy-free milk option. It’s low calorie, and high in calcium and
Almond Milk: Almond milk is another great choice for those with lactose intolerance. It’s low in calories, has no cholesterol, and is high in calcium.
Soy Milk: Soy milk is a good source of protein and vitamins. It also contains isoflavones, which are beneficial for age-related diseases such as loss of cognitive functions, heart disease, etc.
Rice Milk: Rice milk is light and refreshing, making it a great choice for those who don’t like dairy or soy products. It’s low in fat, calories, and cholesterol.
There are several types of non-dairy milk products available. However, before giving any to your cat, be sure to check with your veterinarian to see if it’s a good choice for them.
Final Word
There aren’t any real benefits to giving your cat milk. Instead, cats should not be given anything but water, to stay hydrated. If you want to give your cat a treat, there are many other options available that are better for their health than milk.
If you have a Ragdoll, then it’s important to be aware of the breed’s lactose intolerance and only give them milk in very small amounts. There are several types of non-dairy milk products available that are a good alternative to cow’s milk.
If your cat requires extra nutrition, it’s best to add wet food to their diet, instead of milk.
Related Articles
Sources
https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/feline-digestive-disorders