Can Cats Drink Almond Milk?

If there’s one truth that all pet owners know, it’s that cats LOVE milk. In fact, they crave it!

What Is Almond Milk & Why Do Cats Like It?

Almond milk is a plant-based alternative to cow’s milk that has become popular due to the recent rise of vegan and lactose-free diets.

It’s made from crushing almonds and mixing the pulp with water. The result? A nutty drink with a smooth and creamy consistency – the same qualities that your cats love about regular cow’s milk.

Despite being fluffy little pets, cats are first and foremost carnivores – they consume all kinds of protein sources. And almond milk is one of the richest sources of fat and protein, with a single cup containing up to 3 grams. Since your cats have heightened senses, they can easily smell the fat and protein content and are instantly attracted to it.

Almond Milk as an Alternative To Cow’s Milk

Contrary to popular belief, most cats are in fact lactose intolerant.

This means that your cat’s stomach cannot digest regular milk very well, especially cow’s milk which is higher in lactose than other kinds. After cats are weaned from their mother’s milk – usually at four weeks – they lose the ability to break down the sugars in milk.

So what happens when they drink regular cow’s milk? It causes gastrointestinal problems that result in an upset stomach, vomiting and a generally unpleasant time in the litter box.

This is where almond milk comes in.

Almond milk is naturally dairy and lactose-free – making it a decent option for cats that love milk but are lactose intolerant.

It’s also free from cholesterol and has less sugar content, minimizing the risk of diabetes. It’s also a great source of vitamin E and other minerals that could contribute to your cat’s overall health.

Is Almond Milk Safe For Cats?

Yes, but only when given in moderate amounts. There is nothing toxic in almond milk that can cause harm to your cat. In fact, it has less cholesterol and sugar content than other kinds of milk.

But here’s the thing – cats can survive on a purely protein-filled diet consisting of just meat and water.

Most veterinarians will tell you that cats don’t need any kind of milk or milk substitute to meet their daily nutritional needs.

But a few sips of almond milk can be given to your cat as a rare treat – something to give him as an occasional reward.

It should, however, never be used as a dietary staple or a source of hydration.

How Much Almond Milk Should You Give Your Cat?

If you’re planning to introduce anything new to your cat’s diet, it’s good to start small.

By “start small,” we mean not more than a few spoons or less than 1/4 cup. A rule of thumb is: wait and see. Observe and monitor your cat for the next two to three hours after he consumes almond milk. If there’s no reaction or behavioral changes, then you can up the amount.

An important tip: NEVER give your cat more than 4 cups of almond milk within a 24 hour period.

This is because in extremely rare cases, cats can develop a nut allergy that causes bloating and gas. So if you’re in doubt, it’s best to stick to at most a cup of almond milk per day.

Precautions To Take When Giving Your Cat Almond Milk:

• Always check the ingredients

While you might love the extra vanilla flavoring, your cat definitely won’t.

Cats’ digestive systems are particularly sensitive to sugary content, so keep a close watch for too much flavoring and artificial sweeteners. If you plan on giving him almond milk, be sure to check the label that it’s both PLAIN (no flavoring) and UNSWEETENED.

• Watch out for those calories

Almond milk has fewer calories than regular cow’s milk – but that doesn’t mean your cat can lap up as much as he wants.

An average house cat that weighs around 10 pounds has a recommended daily caloric intake of about 300 calories. A cup of almond milk has around 40 calories – almost 15% of their daily calorie limit. So an innocent cup of almond milk could quickly add up and cause weight gain in the long run.

Health Benefits of Almond Milk

Just like humans, cats can benefit a lot from the occasional sip of almond milk. Here are some in-depth facts:

Keeps Your Cat’s Heart Healthy

Studies have shown that Omega-3 found in almond milk reduces the levels of triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol which is considered good fat-linked to the prevention of common cardiovascular diseases in cats.

It’s also a good option for older cats suffering from arthritis, as Omega-3 could help decrease inflammation in the joints.

Lesser Caloric Intake

One cup of regular cow’s milk has a whopping 149 calories! That’s almost 50% of your cat’s ideal daily calorie limit.

In comparison, one cup of almond milk only has 39 calories. In moderate amounts, your cats can enjoy the occasion without having to worry about weight gain and the bad effects that come with it.

Helps Promote Bone Growth

Almond milk is rich in vitamin D that helps maintain and manage the levels of calcium in your cat’s body. It also aids in controlling the absorption of calcium that your cat gets from other food sources, like cat food and kibbles.

Lesser Sugar Content

Because its lactose and gluten-free, almond milk is compatible with a cat’s digestive system that can’t break down dense carbohydrates.

This means lesser chances of insulin spikes and maintains blood sugar levels to lessen the risk of your cat developing diabetes in the long run.

Boosts Immune System

Almond milk is rich in Vitamin E.

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for cats because it’s a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that it is stored in your cat’s fatty tissue and supports both immune function and the ability to form red blood cells in the body. As a result, your cat is healthier and lessens the instance of fatigue.

Vitamin E is also a valuable antioxidant that plays a key role in preventing inflammation in your cat’s body.

Good Source Of Protein

Unlike dogs, cats need a lot more protein because it is their main source of energy.

Almond milk is known to be high in fat and protein – up to 3 grams per cup! Its high protein content favors our cat’s natural ability to digest meat and gives significant benefits to your cat’s organs and tissues: from cartilage to skin and fur.

Alternative Milk Options For Cats

Aside from almond milk, there are other alternative milk substitutes that you can give to your cat as an occasional treat:

Soy milk

Similar to almond milk, soy milk has all the fat and protein – but without the unnecessary carbohydrates that come with lactose.

Soy milk is also a good source of amino acids that help increase muscle mass. But take caution: just like almond milk, it’s best to be given in moderation as overconsumption could lead to liver and thyroid problems.

Lactose-free pet milk

The best alternative for cow’s milk will always be lactose-free pet milk – a milk substitute that is specially formulated for cats.

Lactose-free milk has the lactose completely removed by adding the enzymes needed to break down the sugar content. A lot of big brands like Whiskas and Catsip offer pet-friendly milk options that you can buy off the shelf in supermarkets.

Coconut milk

It may seem like a strange choice, but your cat will benefit a lot from the high amount of fat contained in coconut milk.

But bear in mind that just because they can drink coconut milk, doesn’t mean they can eat coconut meat. Coconut meat contains a lot of oils that could lead to an upset stomach, particularly in senior cats.

Goat’s milk

Goat’s milk has a significantly lesser lactose content than cow’s milk – which means it’s easier for your cats to digest.

Goat’s milk is a superfood that offers complete nutrition since it contains vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, and protein. It’s also high in fat and low in sugar, making it a great tool for managing diabetes.

Kinds of Milk to Avoid

We already know that cow’s milk is a definite no-no for cats because of its high lactose content. Here are some other kinds of milk that your cat should stay away from:

Sweetened condensed milk

Here’s the deal – anything that has sugar and artificial sweeteners is a big NO for your cats.

Condensed milk is the worst milk you can feed your cat because of its extremely high sugar content.

Rice milk

Just because rice milk is lactose-free doesn’t mean it’s safe to give to your cats.

This milk is a product of brown rice – which means it’s packed with carbohydrates that will mess up your cat’s digestive system. The breakdown of these carbohydrates also tends to spike up blood sugar levels that could lead to diabetes in the long run.

Final Thoughts on Almond Milk

When it comes to almond milk for your cats, moderation is key.

Despite being lactose-free and non-toxic, almond milk has no significant nutritional value to cats nor should it be used as a source of hydration. This means that it is NOT NECESSARY to add it to your cat’s daily diet.

As parents, we want to do our best to keep our cats healthy, but sometimes we want to show our furry friends a little extra love by giving them the occasional treat. A sip or two of almond milk is fine and will not harm your cat.

But like every guilty pleasure, be sure your cat takes it in moderation.