Can Cats Have Almond Milk? What the Experts Say

If you have a cat, you’ve likely experienced their constant need for snacks. Sometimes, your cat may even want to chow down on whatever you’re eating! As a responsible cat owner, you know that isn’t always in their best interest. Since dairy alternatives like almond milk are becoming more popular, your cat might also be interested in sampling that! So, can cats have almond milk?

Cats can drink almond milk, but there’s a catch. While almond milk doesn’t contain any ingredients that are toxic to your cat, it also doesn’t have much nutritional value or provides specific health benefits. So, while it’s not harming them, it’s not really helping them, either.

Want to get into specifics? The rest of this article will expand on this subject by filling in the pros and cons!

Is Almond Milk Bad for Cats?

Not entirely! While cats can’t drink cow’s milk due to its dairy content (which cats can’t digest), almond milk is dairy-free and is less likely to cause digestive upset due to lactose, according to some experts. Since almonds are also not dangerous to cats or kittens, the main ingredient in almond milk also doesn’t pose a danger to their health.

What can be detrimental, however, is sweetened almond milk. What looks like a tiny amount of sweetened milk can actually contain a large number of calories for our cats, putting them at risk for weight gain. Overweight cats are more at risk for diseases like diabetes, heart conditions, and joint problems, so you want to monitor what they’re eating!

Besides, cats don’t tend to enjoy sweet things, so they likely won’t enjoy the taste of sweetened almond milk to begin with, even if you are trying to give it as a tasty treat. Excessive sugar intake is often reported to cause digestive issues in cats, and in some instances, this has led to symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

Is Almond Milk Good for Cats?

If almond milk isn’t dangerous, does it have any benefits? Well, not really! Almond milk can be a great dairy substitute for humans, but it doesn’t have much benefit for cats. Though it contains added vitamins and minerals, these aren’t specifically formulated for your cat, and almond milk doesn’t contain anything your cat can’t get from their regular cat food.

There is one potential use for almond milk as a treat. If your cat enjoys the taste, almond milk might serve as a vehicle for dissolving powdered medications. However, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before using almond milk for this purpose to ensure it’s appropriate for your cat’s specific health needs.

Can Kittens Drink Almond Milk?

Since kittens are growing rapidly, they require more calories and specific nutrients for optimal growth. Therefore, supplementing a complete diet with almond milk is not recommended, as it provides extra calories without the necessary nutrients, resulting in an empty, calorie-dense treat.

If you’re interested in feeding a milk-type treat to your kittens, cat-formulated kitten milk products are typically available at your local pet store! Since these are specifically made with kittens in mind, they will make a much more healthy treat than almond milk.

Final Thoughts

While almond milk has found its way into many human diets, its role in feline nutrition remains ambiguous. The question of whether to share this dairy alternative with your cat reveals larger concerns about pet health and responsible ownership.

Always keep in mind that what we consider beneficial or harmless may not translate the same way in the world of cats. It’s a reminder that even simple dietary choices for our pets deserve scrutiny and expert guidance.

Before making any changes to your cat’s diet, a chat with your veterinarian can provide insights that generic advice simply cannot.

References

Is Almond or Soy Milk Safe for Pets? – Pets Best
Cats Lack a Sweet Taste Receptor – PubMed Central