Last updated on: September 27, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Plant-based milk like oat milk is becoming a popular substitute for cow’s milk, which is why more and more people are using them at home. If you like to give your cat milk, you’re probably wondering if oat milk will be a better and potentially safer alternative to dairy-based milk.
There’s no doubt that some cats love drinking milk, but is the plant-based substitute safe for your feline companion? Oat milk can be consumed in moderation by cats. This article will give you all the answers you need to know if oat milk is safe for your cat and if it is healthy for them.
Is oat milk safe for cats?
Yes, oat milk is safe for cats to drink on occasion, and it might be a better option than cow’s milk for cats with lactose-sensitive stomachs. Indeed, oat milk does not contain lactose and the few ingredients used to make this milk are not very unhealthy. Most cats are lactose intolerant after being weaned from breast milk, and lactose occurs naturally in dairy products.1
This makes oat milk a better alternative for some cats, as it contains ingredients that are fairly digestible and well tolerated by many cats. However, it appears to have fewer nutritional benefits than cow’s milk. Avoid giving your cat oat milk that contains added sugars, risky preservatives, and added salt, as this will not be healthy for your cat. Always check the label of any human food you plan to feed your cat for potentially unhealthy ingredients.
You can give your cat one to two tablespoons of unsweetened or homemade oat milk in moderation. Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores who benefit from a meat-based diet, so oat milk should not be a large or regular part of their diet.
Plant-based or dairy milk for cats
There are a variety of plant-based milks, such as oat, almond, rice, and soy milk, that are dairy-free and lactose-free. However, there is also lactose-free dairy milk, making it a better option for lactose-intolerant cats. Cats can drink plant-based milk or plant-based milk with the advice of a veterinarian if there are no adverse health effects from drinking it. However, milk in any form is not a necessary part of the feline diet (after weaning) and should only be considered an occasional treat.
In terms of nutrition, milk made from dairy products has a slightly higher nutritional value and is enriched with a wider variety of vitamins and minerals. Plant-based milk, like oat milk, also contains many vitamins and minerals that may benefit your cat. It is also high in fiber and low in sodium. Some cats will have difficulty digesting certain plant-based milks while being able to digest small amounts of dairy-based milk just fine or vice versa.
Most cats will have no problem drinking a small amount of dairy products, but other cats with lactose intolerance will have difficulty digesting the lactose found in goat and cow’s milk. This could cause your cat to have gastrointestinal disorders like bloating, abdominal pain or diarrhea. Kittens drink their mother’s milk until they are weaned, but once that kitten begins to rely less on drinking its mother’s milk for sustenance, fewer digestive enzymes (lactase) are produced. .
So, cats who drink milk containing lactose when they have too little lactase will have difficulty digesting milk made from milk. It is rare for cats to have difficulty digesting small amounts of plant-based milk, as it is lactose-free and contains fairly digestible ingredients. However, each cat may have a different reaction depending on their food allergies or sensitivities.
How healthy is oat milk for cats?
Most store-bought oat milk is a mixture of water, plain oatmeal, preservatives, a touch of salt, and sugar (for sweetened versions). Oat milk is free of lactose, soy, and even gluten if made from gluten-free oats. While oats themselves aren’t bad for cats, that doesn’t make them the healthiest or most nutritionally beneficial food for carnivorous cats. Cats should get most of their nutrients from a balanced meat-based diet, not oat milk.
Oats are a good source of fiber and a combination of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and B6, potassium, magnesium and niacin that may be beneficial for cats. You can either make your oat milk at home or buy store-bought oat milk for your cat. The best option, in this case, would be to prepare homemade oat milk for your cat since you will know exactly what goes into the recipe.
This gives you the option of mixing just water and plain oatmeal for your cat, and you can exclude ingredients like salt and sugar that your cat doesn’t need. If you choose to purchase oat milk for your cat, opt for the unsweetened version with no added salt.
Additionally, oat milk is low in fat and contains a higher amount of protein than many alternative plant milks. Although cats don’t need milk in their diet, if you want to give it to them as an occasional treat, oat milk can be a good option. Cats with food allergies to grains should not be given oat milk because oats are a type of grain.
Do cats need to drink milk?
Cats have been depicted drinking milk from saucers in illustrations, advertisements and films for decades, leading many cat owners to believe that milk is necessary for cats to drink. The truth is that cats do not need milk in their diet, whether it is plant milk or milk. You may think that milk helps hydrate your cat better than water, which may make it a substitute, but that’s not a good idea.
Giving your cat a saucer of milk should not replace their water intake, and clean, fresh water is the best source of hydration for your cats. Many cats can become addicted to drinking milk as a replacement for water if they are given it often, which is not a good habit for your cat to get into. Unless your cat has a health problem and her veterinarian recommends encouraging her to drink milk, the water should be your cat’s main source of hydration. If you plan to give your cat oat milk, it should not replace its bowl of fresh water.
Conclusion
Unless your cat is allergic to grains, oat milk is safe to consume in moderation. Making homemade oat milk for your cat will ensure the ingredient safety because the salt and sugars in some store-bought oat milks won’t be the healthiest for your cat. If your cat has difficulty digesting dairy-based milk due to lactose intolerance, you can replace it with oat milk as a treat with advice from a veterinarian.
Low sodium and fat content with more fiber may also appeal to cat owners who want to give their cat an occasional glass of healthy, lactose-free milk.
Featured image credit: Naumenko, Shutterstock
About the Author
Mom cat to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten who is her one and only child. For the moment! Throughout her life, she was introduced to the special love found in the bond with a cat. Having owned several felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. Passionate about educating the public about everything there is to know about felines, their behavior and their unique personalities, Crystal is dedicated to ensuring that all cats and their owners know the importance of mindful living – and to love!