Tag: health

Cat Care

Should cats drink milk?

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Meredith Hemphill

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Two tabby cats drinking saucer of milk
Image by FotoRieth from Pixabay

I was recently watching a YouTube video–one of those funny cat compilations, you know the type. One of the clips included a cat being offered milk, and oh boy, did the comments go crazy. Everyone had an opinion about whether cats should drink milk or not. I’ve always heard that cats are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t have milk, but there were lots of people who disagreed. Certainly YouTube comment sections are not the place to obtain scientific information, but it sparked my curiosity. I had no idea there was so much debate about this topic, and now I wanted to find out the answer for myself.

Cats certainly seem to like milk. My parents have had two infamous ice cream thieves. And cats have been portrayed in media of all kinds happily lapping from a saucer of milk, for at least two hundred years and possibly going back to the Middle Ages, but I had some trouble verifying the dates of older images. Why do cats like milk so much, or are we imagining it?

It’s not an illusion. Dairy farmers noticed a long time ago that cats would get very excited about fresh cow’s milk. Cats are particularly fond of the cream that rises to the top of the fresh milk, as cats are naturally drawn to fatty foods that would help them survive in the wild where food is not guaranteed, and cream is certainly high in fat. It has also been demonstrated that cats relax while lapping milk (1), perhaps because it recalls pleasant maternal memories.

Brown and white calf
Intended recipient of cow’s milk – Photo by Couleur on Pexels

Unfortunately, the fact that cats like milk doesn’t mean they should drink it. Kittens drink their mother’s milk in order to gain vital nutrients and antibodies until they begin weaning. The milk of mammals contains a sugar called lactose, and infants produce an enzyme called lactase to break down this sugar which provides them with important energy for their development. As the kittens begin to eat solid food and less of their mother’s milk, they slowly stop producing lactase. The same is true of other mammals, including humans, but an unusual percentage of humans continue to produce enough lactase to digest dairy into adulthood. Cats, like other mammals, usually don’t. This means that most cats are lactose intolerant as adults.

Cats may enjoy milk or other dairy products while they’re eating them, but the majority who are lactose intolerant will pay for it later with gastrointestinal upsets. The undigested lactose can’t be absorbed into the bloodstream, so it moves straight through the intestines, drawing water with it and causing loose stools or diarrhea. They may also experience vomiting, and the action of intestinal bacteria fermenting the lactose can cause gas and bloating. Even cats that are not lactose intolerant may have dairy allergies that can also cause gastrointestinal and/or skin problems (2). Not the recipe for a happy cat, or a happy cat parent, for that matter.

Not all cats have this problem. There are some that can handle milk without an issue. Others are fine with small amounts from time to time but react negatively if given more. Regardless, it’s important to note that cow’s milk is not nutritious for cats even if they can tolerate it. It’s essentially junk food, high in calories but devoid of the protein and other nutrients that cats need. Obesity is a significant problem among pet cats. Whole milk especially poses a risk because it has so much fat. A well-nourished cat doesn’t need all that fat.

White goat
Goat’s milk can be a good treat for some cats – Photo by Ellie Cash on Unsplash

The healthiest cat treats are plain meat, cooked if you’re worried about contamination (which would be fair). Nutritious commercial treats can also be fine in moderation. However, if your cat is just crazy about milk, there are some options that are better for your cat. If you already know that your cat can tolerate lactose, then small amounts (think a teaspoon or so) of low-fat or skim milk as an occasional treat could be fine. Lower-lactose products such as plain yogurt or goat’s milk might also do. Goat’s milk has more vitamins and minerals than cow’s milk and contains the amino acid taurine, which cats require, so there’s a point in favor of the goats.

I have seen some claims that raw (unpasteurized) milk is preferable because the nutrients and enzymes present in the milk have not been heat-killed. I have also seen some information which suggests that it might be dangerous due to the presence of potentially harmful live microorganisms. Personally, I would err on the side of caution and choose pasteurized, but you can make your own decisions in the regard. Lactose-free milk products for humans are available, as well as “cat milk” products specially formulated for cats. They vary, but are generally lactose-free, low-fat, and more nutritious for cats. They are available online and at many pet stores. In any case, milk of whatever sort should be given only as a treat to adult cats, in small amounts.

Milk alternatives that should not be used include plant milks such as soy milk, almond milk, etc. Cats are carnivores and are not well-equipped to digest the carbohydrates in plants. Plant milks are often sweetened, and cats do not need all that sugar, either. Plus, it isn’t uncommon for cats to have allergies to soy.

In settling a great YouTube debate, it seems that cats should generally not drink milk, but there are cats who can handle it or other kinds of milk that cats can have. As long as it’s given as a treat, rather than used as a major part of their diet, a little dairy or an appropriate alternative can be okay. I would rather Rosie stayed out of my ice cream bowl, however.

Note: Kittens should never be given cow’s milk or any kind of alternative. They should only receive their mother’s milk or a kitten formula, if a mother isn’t available, until they are old enough for weaning.

Works Cited

  1. Cervantes, M., Ruelas, R., and Beyer, C. (1983). Serotonergic influences on EEG synchronization induced by milk drinking in the cat. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 18(6), 851-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057(83)80004-5
  2. Guilford, W.G., et al. (2001). Food sensitivity in cats with chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal problems. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 15(1), 7-13. DOI: 10.1892/0891-6640(2001)015<0007:fsicwc>2.3.co;2
  3. Kornreich, B.G. (2020, May 2). Dear Elizabeth: Is feeding cats milk safe for your kitty? [Email newsletter] Cornell Feline Health Center.

Published on May 8, 2020

Updated January 2, 2021

Science

Here’s to Your Health

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

As you may have noticed, these are rather trying times. Personally, I’m rather stressed. I have also lost all sense of time and have no idea what day I’m even posting this on. I am very much the type of person to stay in more than I go out, but quarantine measures have their effect on even the most introverted among us. Not to mention the anxiety of, well, everything, really. There’s a lot to worry about these days. However, if you have a cat–or several–there is good news! Scientists have demonstrated that cat ownership is beneficial to both mental and physical health. I could have told them that, and I bet you could have, too, but let’s go over the evidence just to make ourselves feel better, why don’t we?

This is what I’ve been doing for two weeks – Image by balzacan from Pixabay

The first thing I do every morning is spend a few minutes, sometimes longer, petting my cat in whatever fashion she demands. She certainly enjoys it, attention hog that she is, but it also helps me start my day feeling happy and relaxed. For me, merely watching a cat sleep can melt my stress away. It isn’t just me, as studies have found biological markers affected by contact with cats. A study with college students at the University of Northern Iowa determined that the students experienced a “small but significant decrease” in blood pressure immediately after being allowed to hold a cat or dog (1).

A study at Washington State University measured the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the saliva of students before and after they a) interacted with provided cats or dogs, b) watched other people interact with the animals while standing in line and waiting, c) watched a slideshow with pictures of the pets the lucky experimental group interacted with, or d) sat in a waiting room for 10 minutes (2). The group that was actually able to pet and play with furry friends had significantly lower cortisol levels afterwards, an indicator of lower overall stress (2). Not everyone is a college student, of course, but it goes to show that the presence of a pet, even an unknown one, can demonstrably relieve stress. The next time someone calls you a crazy cat lady (or gent or neither or both), tell them the cats make you less crazy.

Gray and white cat with wooden heart
Cats are good for your heart <3 – Image by pasja1000 from Pixabay

A purring kitty sitting in your lap may be the pinnacle of relaxation, but did you know it may promote physical healing? Purring is one of the great mysteries of the feline family. Cats purr when they are content, but they are also known to purr when ill or injured. A study that aimed to uncover why recorded the purrs of forty-four felids from several species, including the domestic cat, and analyzed the frequencies of the sounds (3). All of the felids purred with strong frequencies in the 25-150 Hertz range (3).

In particular, the researchers noted that the pumas, ocelots, servals, and domestic cats produced “fundamental, dominant, or strong frequencies” at 25 and 50 Hz (3). Studies have found that frequencies between 20 and 50 Hz aid in the growth, healing, and strengthening of human bones (4). The same four species displayed a strong harmonic at 100 Hz, a frequency associated with treating pain, swelling, wounds, and labored breathing (3). Felines may have evolved purring, at least in part, as a mechanism for self-healing, but it now allows our house panthers to heal us as well.

Any cat lover would say that forging a bond with a cat can be healing, and they would probably say that loving a cat is good for the heart. The data would also say that it literally is. Having a cat has been associated with a decreased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke (5, 6). Even having simply owned a cat in the past conferred these benefits in one study (5). Ogechi et al only found this association with female cat owners. However, an Australian study demonstrated that all cat owners make fewer trips to the doctor and are less likely to be on medication for heart or sleeping problems than those without pets (7). Good news all around!

White and black cat laying beside baby
Preventing cat allergies one nap at a time – Photo by Manja Vitolic on Unsplash

But wait, there’s more! I was surprised by this, but it makes a lot of sense given my own experience. I was born with a cat allergy, but after deciding I wanted a cat anyway at a very young age (about five), I gradually stopped being allergic to cats. They are now almost the only thing I am not allergic to.

Allergies are a mystifying phenomenon. Exposure to something sometimes causes or worsens allergies and sometimes makes them go away. I found two studies that may shed a little light on how cat allergies work, however. Both suggest that exposure to cats early in life can prevent allergies later (8, 9). Like me! One study recruited children when they were 8-10 years old and checked in with them again twenty years later (8). They divided the subjects into groups based on whether they had a cat as a child (less than 18 years old), as an adult (more than 18), or both. Having a cat before adulthood had a protective effect against asthma and outdoor allergies by the time of testing (8). The other study focused on pet allergies specifically and determined that children with exposure to an indoor cat or dog within the first year of life were less likely to become sensitized to that same animal by the age of eighteen (9). New and soon-to-be parents, take note!

Don’t actually take parenting advice from me. I know nothing about children. Just cats. And in that regard, I soundly advise you to snuggle up with the nearest cat, as long as they are willing. After all, it’s good for your health. Stay safe out there, y’all.

Works Cited

  1. Somervill, J.W., et al. (2008). Physiological responses by college students to a dog and a cat: Implications for pet therapy. North American Journal of Psychology, 10(3), 519-528. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-18014-007
  2. Washington State University. (2019, July 15). Stress reduction benefits from petting dogs, cats. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190715114302.htm
  3. von Muggenthaler, E. (2001). The felid purr: A healing mechanism? The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 110(5), 2666. DOI: 10.1121/1.4777098
  4. Klotter, J. (2002). Vibrational frequencies that heal. (Shorts). Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, 226, 28. link here
  5. Qureshi, A.I., et al (2009). Cat ownership and the risk of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Results from the second national health and nutrition Examination study mortality follow-up study. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, 2(1), 132–135. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317329/
  6. Ogechi, I. (2016). Pet ownership and the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease among adults without major chronic medical conditions. High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Prevention, 23(3), 245–253. DOI: 10.1007/s40292-016-0156-1
  7. Headey, B. (1999). Health benefits and health cost savings due to pets: Preliminary estimates from an Australian national survey. Social Indicators Research, 47, 233–243. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006892908532
  8. de Meer, G., et al. (2004). Presence and timing of cat ownership by age 18 and the effect on atopy and asthma at age 28. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 113(3), 433-438. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2003.10.008
  9. Wegienka, G., et al. (2011). Lifetime dog and cat exposure and dog‐ and cat‐specific sensitization at age 18 years. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 41(7), 979–986. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03747.x

Published March 28, 2020

Updated February 10, 2021

Cat Care

Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV)

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

In memory of Simba

Feline leukemia virus (FelV) is a fatal virus afflicting cats. One of the most common infectious diseases among cats, FelV is present in approximately 2% of cats in the United States and 3% in Canada (1). It is the leading cause of cancer in cats and can cause a host of other health problems as well. As such, it is imperative that cat people of all stripes be aware of this dangerous disease and how to prevent and cope with it.

Pale ginger tabby cat sitting on carpet
Simba, a FelV+ cat – Photo by Emma Sullivan

When a cat is infected with FelV, virus particles are shed in their saliva, urine, feces, and nasal secretions. Queens also shed the virus in their milk. Cats can become infected by fighting with and being bitten by an infected cat, engaging in grooming, or, more rarely, through sharing a litterbox or food/water dish. Kittens can be infected by their mothers both before and after birth. The virus cannot survive more than a few hours outside of its host, so cat-to-cat contact is usually required. Kittens are more vulnerable to infection than adult cats, as their immune systems are not fully developed. Cats with other illnesses are also at greater risk. However, even healthy adults can be infected, especially with repeated, prolonged exposure.

Veterinarian giving injection to a kitten
No kitten likes being poked with a needle, but FelV vaccines save lives – Image by skeeze from Pixabay

There is a FelV vaccine which has helped to reduce the prevalence of FelV over the past few decades. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all kittens receive the vaccine and the one-year booster, but considers it optional for indoor-only adult cats without other risk factors (2). The vaccine is recommended for at-risk adult cats, namely those with access to the outdoors, living with a known FelV+ cat, or living in a multi-cat household where the FelV status of all cats is not known (2). There are no major risks associated with the vaccine (2). Any cat may have an allergic reaction to any vaccine, so it’s best to keep on eye on them for a few hours afterwards.

The FelV vaccine has been refined over the years for increased effectiveness, but no vaccine is 100% effective, so the best strategy is to prevent exposure. Keeping cats indoors will make sure they avoid infected individuals outside. If you do allow your cat outside, supervising them or containing them can also do the trick. Walking them on a leash would count as both. Inside, it is important to separate FelV+ and uninfected cats. Ideally, FelV+ cats should be only cats or should live exclusively with other FelV+ cats so that there is no one to infect. Whenever bringing a new cat into the home, have your veterinarian test for FelV so that there are no surprises. If the new cat tests positive, it is recommended to separate them from your uninfected cats until you decide what to do next.

It can be difficult or impossible to tell by observing a cat whether they have FelV. FelV causes disease progressively and affects individuals differently, so a cat may show few or no symptoms early in their infection. However, there are some signs to keep an eye out for:

  • Poor coat condition
  • Pale gums, yellow color around mouth and whites of eyes (jaundice)
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss/poor appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Recurring infections
  • Seizures, behavior changes, or other neurological symptoms
Pale ginger tabby cat getting his belly rubbed
Simba enjoying some belly rubs – Photo by Emma Sullivan

FelV gradually causes a cats immune system to deteriorate over time, leading to secondary infections and sometimes blood cancers. Cats may become anemic. Research continues, but so far there is still no cure for FelV. A veterinarian will instead treat the effects of FelV, the other diseases and symptoms it causes. The disease, or rather the problems it causes, will eventually prove fatal, but an infected cat can lead a normal life in the meantime. The median lifespan of a cat after diagnosis with FelV is 2.5 years, which may not seem long to us, but it is quite a chunk of time to a cat, and any time that they are able to enjoy is worth it if we are able to give it to them.

Works Cited

  1. Levy, J.K., et al. (2006). Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 228(3), 371–376. DOI: 10.2460/javma.228.3.371.
  2. Scherk, M.A., et al. (2013). Disease information fact sheet: Feline leukemia virus. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15, supplementary file. PDF

Published March 12, 2020

Updated April 23, 2020