Can Cats Drink Almond Milk?

Can cats drink almond milk? Cats might drink a little bit of unsweetened almond milk every now and then, but it is not the best choice. This kind of milk does not have protein that cats require and can give them digestive trouble. Water should always be their primary beverage. Stay with treats that cats approve of, or try cow’s milk without lactose or cat milk replacements to make your kitty feel safer and happier.

Understanding Cat Digestion

Before we completely get to the answer of “Can cats drink almond milk?” We should also understand the cat’s digestion. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their digestive systems are made to process a diet based on meat.

This indicates that they possess pointed teeth for ripping apart flesh, robust stomachs with intense acidity to break protein down and small intestines tuned for rapid nutrient uptake. Also, they do not have the enzyme that helps break down lactose, the sugar present in milk – so this might cause some discomfort in their stomachs.

Almond Milk’s A Breakdown

Perhaps, a detailed breakdown of Almond milk can offer us a more precise response to “Can cats drink almond milk?”. As known, Almond milk is prepared by mixing almonds and water. It serves as one of the main substitutes for cow’s milk that humans use. However, it isn’t an ideal choice for cats. It does not provide the protein they desire and might disturb their delicate stomachs. There could be unhealthy added sugars and thickeners in certain brands.

Why Almond Milk Isn’t Ideal for Cats

Now we know the answer of “Can cats drink almond milk” but why. Even though almond milk may look like a harmless treat, there are a couple of reasons why it’s not the best option for cats:

Missing Nutrients: Cats require more protein in their diet, and almond milk is low in this crucial nutrient. It also does not contain other essential nutrients found in meat such as taurine.

Digestive Discomfort: Though almond milk has no lactose, it could give certain cats a digestive discomfort because their bodies are not made to process drinks from plants.

Added Sugars and Ingredients: Numerous commercial almond milk brands have extra sugars, flavors, and thickening agents. These ingredients can be harmful for cats causing weight gain or other health problems.

Safer Alternatives for Cat Treats

After the answer of “can cats drink almond milk” hope can still be seen in some alternatives. Flavoring for your cat’s food does not need to be almond milk.

-You can put a little catnip in your cat’s water dish to make them more interested in drinking.

– A small cooked piece of chicken, fish or a little scrambled egg is a nice treat.

– Seek out treats that are made for cats, containing a lot of protein and less fillers. Depending on your cat’s taste, select freeze-dried meat treats, crunchy kibble treats or creamy lickable ones.

– Blend the cooked chicken or fish broth and put it into ice cube trays for a cool and interesting bite.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Let’s suppose you have not read the “can cats drink almond milk” guide and fed your cat some almond milk. What to do now? If your cat has taken a tiny sip of almond milk, then it’s probably not going to cause any serious issues.

If your cat shows signs of digestive problems after consuming something different like vomiting, loose stools or changes in litter box habits; consult with the veterinarian so that they can check for possible health problems and help the cat return back to good health and happiness.

Cat-Friendly Milk Alternatives

When it comes to “can cats drink almond milk” answer is no but what about other milk alternatives?

Lactose-Free Cow’s Milk: You may think this is a more safe choice because it doesn’t contain lactose, but still it isn’t giving the right amount of protein for cats. Before you give it as an occasional treat, talk about this option with your vet first.

Cat Milk Substitutes: These products that you can find on the market are made purposely for cats and could be an improved choice when you don’t have anything else available. But, they still do not provide all the essential nutrients found in a cat’s usual food.

Homemade Cat Treats

For your feline friend, you can try these simple and tasty homemade cat treat recipes:

Chicken and Cornmeal Cat Treats

– 5 oz can of chicken

– Cornmeal

– 1 egg

Combine all the ingredients, press onto a baking sheet, make cuts with a knife and bake it for about 3-4 minutes. Turn it over and bake again for another 3-4 minutes.

Carrot and Catnip Kitty Treats

– Shredded carrot

– Catnip

– 1 egg

– 1 tbsp oil

– Flour

Combine all the elements, make the dough flat and cut it into shapes. Bake for 12 minutes at 350°F till they turn a little golden.

Tuna Cat Treats

– 1 egg

– 1 drained can tuna in spring water

Take out the egg white and beat it up until it becomes stiff. Blend the tuna along with 2 tbsp of the egg white until everything becomes smooth. Combine this tuna mixture into the leftover egg white, folding gently. Put the mixture into a pastry bag and squeeze it out in rounds on a baking sheet. Bake them at 170°C for about 20 to 25 minutes until they become dry. You can keep them in a container that is sealed tightly for around two weeks.

Speaking of ‘can cats drink almond milk’, if your cat takes a small drink of almond milk, it might not cause harm. But remember – water is always the top choice to keep your cat hydrated.

Concentrate on giving them a balanced diet that matches their nature as carnivores and look into safe treats approved by vets so you have a happy and healthy kitty.