Is it true cats can be lactose-intolerant? What are the signs?

In this regard, cats are very similar to people. Kittens are born with the enzyme, lactase, which digests the lactose (milk sugar)found in their mother’s milk. As cats age, just like people, less and less lactase may be present in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the inability to digest lactose and an intolerance to dairy products. Some cats will continue to be able to handle milk with no problems, but others will develop the typical signs of lactose intolerance, namely, the GI symptoms of flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These signs usually appear within 8-12 hours of consuming milk.

Adult cats really have no need for milk or other dairy products, so while it sounds cute in fairy tales, there is no reason to give milk to your cats. However, if you’d like to use it as an OCCASIONAL treat, you can offer your cat a tablespoon or two and monitor for a reaction. If there is no problem, you can feel more comfortable allowing your feline to have a lick every now and then. Just don’t use milk as a substitute for fresh water and a healthy, well-balanced cat food.

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