Why Not Milk?
Giving your kitten milk can lead to upset tummies, cramps, and severe diarrhea. This is dangerous because diarrhea dehydrates kittens quickly.
Do Kittens Need Milk?
Kittens do not need milk. They can live their whole lives without it. Water is all they need.
If you want to give them milk, buy special cat-kitten milk. It is lactose-free. You can find it at pet stores, vets, or supermarkets.
Why Are Cats Lactose Intolerant?
Most cats are lactose intolerant. They lack 'lactase,' an enzyme that digests lactose. Lactose is the sugar in milk.
Without lactase, lactose stays in the intestines. It draws water in, and bacteria cause it to ferment. This leads to gas, pain, and diarrhea in your kitten.
Lactase and Young Kittens
Young kittens produce lactase while nursing from their mothers. But they lose this ability after weaning.
The Bottom Line
Do not give kittens milk. Water is all they need.
More Information
How to Care for Your Kitten Everything you need to know about kittens.