Almond milk is a relatively recent craze. People are replacing dairy products with dairy alternate products.
They have numerous health benefits for humans, but what about their pets? Is almond milk safe for our cats and are they able to drink it?
That is what we’re going to explore.
The Short Answer
Yes. Cats can drink almond milk.
Almond Milk: What Is It?
Almond milk is rich in healthy vitamins and substantial minerals that are beneficial for your body.
It is made from plant based ingredients, plus almonds and some water. There is no dairy. There is no lactose. So, if you happen to have a cat that is sensitive to dairy and lactose, this may be a suitable alternative to cow’s milk.
The Ingredients
The ingredients vary from brand to brand. However, the main two stays consist across the market. You need almonds, and you need water.
You can make almond milk by crushing down almonds and mixing with water. The mixture will go cream like, and that’s how you know that it’s ready.
One cup of almond milk provides:
The Nutritional Value of Almond Milk for Cats
By now, you know that almond milk is akin to a superfood drink.
But just what are the actual nutritional values? And, what do they have to offer for cats? Let’s break it down with the key nutrients and highlight what the relevance is for a cat.
Protein
- Immune systems
- Hair Growth
- Skin Health
- Nervous Systems
Fiber
- Digestive Systems
- Calcium
Potassium
- Muscle strength
- Muscle Function
Vitamin D
- Hair
- Skin
- Claws
Vitamin E
- Antioxidant
- Cell Health
Almond Milk and Cats: Are They Compatible?
A pure and simple batch of almond milk won’t harm your cat and can even provide some all important vitamins and minerals for their systems.
The Benefits
Lactose And Dairy Intolerance
Cat’s aren’t really built for the consumption and absorption of dairy products such as cow’s milk.
It can lead to a dairy intolerance or a lactose intolerance. It is quite common in humans too. The enzymes in the milk don’t function properly in our symptoms and cause adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and exhaustion.
The standard things you’d expect from an allergic reaction.
It’s the same for cats. Even if they love a bowl of milk, their body may not be able to process it.
So, trying a milk alternative product can avoid this problem all together while still providing your cat with a tasty treat.
Full Of Essential Nutrients
Almond milk is highly nutritious. It can really help maintain the balance in your cat’s diet.
The protein content alone is enough of a reason to allow your cat the occasional almond milk drink treat.
Combine this with the vitamin D, vitamin E, potassium and fiber, and you have a superfood for cats.
Vitamin D is a major player in terms of keeping your cat’s skin, hair, and claws healthy. But they do not have the ability to make it naturally. Therefore, it must be supplemented into their diet in order to bring their vitamin D levels up to a healthy level.
Vitamin E targets your cat’s blood cell health, skin health, hair, fertility, and muscle strength. It is recommended that cat’s have a regular vitamin E supplement in their diet.
The Negatives
Exposure To Detrimental Food
Almond milk does, however, carry a few risks.
If you opt to buy the almond milk at a shop, you may be in for a shock. Some products add sweeteners and sugars that are harmful in any quantity to your cat’s health and well being.
This can cause digestive problems and even sickness, and is in some cases, dehydration.
Illness
Diarrhea and sickness. These are two major concerns for cat owners.
A cat that is having too much almond milk may suffer with repeated incidents of diarrhea and sickness. It could be one or the other, and it could be both.
Alongside this, and less seriously, your cat could become bloated and overweight. This can make them uncomfortable and lead to more serious health concerns down the line.
Allergic Reactions
When you introduce any new food or drink into your pet’s diet, be wary of allergies.
Introduce the new thing slowly, in small parts, and watch for any reactions or unusual behavior after they have tried the product.
Can Cats Have Almond Milk Every Day?
It is not recommended to give your cat almond milk every day or in any large quantities.
Almond milk is a treat rather than a meal source.
It is not a part of their daily nutritional requirement, as everything they need should already be in the food that they eat.
This is especially true of almond milk with additional preservatives, flavorings, and sugars.
They may nag you for it, of course.
Almond Milk And Kittens
Kittens have a milk based diet until they reach around one-month-old. This is when special kitten food is introduced.
Sometimes, they are not able to drink milk from their mother cat. This could be for a number of reasons.
They shouldn’t really have cow’s milk, and they can’t have almond milk or other milk replacement products.
But, there are special kitten formulae that you can buy from your vet. These ensure that the kitten gets exactly what they need until a time when they are ready to move onto solid food.
Kittens, or baby cats, have a different dietary requirement to their adult counterparts.
It would be better to avoid adding in additional things to their diet. It can interfere with their development and put them at risk of becoming overweight and ill.
Kittens should not have almond milk until they are at least four months old, and preferably six months olds. There will be no nutritional value for them before this, and it would just be an excess treat supplement which can have a negative impact on their health.
Are There Any Types Of Milk To Avoid For Cats?
Yes. There are certain types of milk products that cats do not get along with, and you should therefore never, ever give them.
Cream. You’ve all seen the old cartoons of a cat enjoying a big bowl of cream. This is a big no, no for cat owners. Cream is so high in fat and other sugars that is not good for your cat in any capacity.
Final Thoughts
Cats can drink almond milk. They might even love it.
But they won’t thank you (ever, in general). If you give them too much almond milk, it can be bad for their digestive systems, heart health and general well-being.
Cholesterol levels can be affected if they consume too much sugary food sources and become overweight.
Almond milk, if given, should be given in moderation with a consideration around your cat’s already existing diet and treats.
I am aiming to shed new light on these amazing pets and hopefully change some people’s opinions on them. Also, let’s talk about wild cats - they’re just as awesome as domestic cats!
So, stay a while and learn more about domestic and wild cats from Windhaven Ocicats.
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