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In recent years, there has been a huge movement away from cow’s milk toward other lactose-free options, including almond and soy milk. While many of us enjoy the lactose-free benefits of these milk replacements, can cats drink almond milk.
The answer is technically yes, as almond milk is not toxic to cats. However, cats don’t benefit from almond milk, and it may give them digestive issues. If offered, it should be done in strict moderation. Almond milk is superior to cow’s milk and soymilk for cats because it is lactose-free (most cats are lactose intolerant). As for whether kittens can drink almond milk, this is more important to avoid as during this early life stage it’s vital that they get the right nutrition.
Soymilk is made from soy, which is one of the possible food allergens in pets. With that in mind, it may seem like almond milk is a great treat to slip into your cat’s saucer every evening, but unfortunately, that’s not true. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what exactly almond milk is, how it’s produced, its potential health benefits and downsides, and whether you should give it to your cat.
Almond Milk 101
As you may have guessed, almond milk is produced from almonds and has a creamy texture and somewhat nutty flavor. It is lactose, saturated fat, and cholesterol-free and can come sweetened, unsweetened, and in various flavors.
The production of pure almond “milk” is relatively simple. The almonds are soaked in water, usually overnight, and then blended with more water in a high-power blender. The milk is separated from the pulp and ready to drink. In commercial production, however, sweeteners and flavors are often added, and the milk is often pasteurized for a longer shelf life.
There are sustainability issues when it comes to growing almonds, and one single glass of almond milk can require around 70 liters of water to produce. That is far more than other popular milk replacements, like soy and oat milk, but less than cow’s milk.
Are There Any Benefits of Giving Almond Milk to Cats?
In moderation, almond milk may be fine for your cat, but it doesn’t contain any potential health benefits they aren’t already getting from a healthy diet. Because most cats are lactose intolerant, almond milk can substitute for cow’s milk and is less likely to give them the associated stomach issues.
However, some cats will still develop digestive issues, and you should monitor them for 24 to 48 hours after they have had a sip of almond milk. Almond milk is also cholesterol-free and has little to no saturated fat content. Manufacturers often add calcium and vitamin D to make it more similar to cow’s milk, but you won’t get these benefits from making it at home.
Almond milk is naturally rich in several vitamins and minerals, namely vitamin E, an essential antioxidant. Your cat, however, will not benefit from these nutrients since they should not have more than a sip of almond milk.
Moderation is key
The biggest concern in giving your cat almond milk is the extra calories that they’ll get from it. With a healthy diet, your cat should already be getting the optimum nutrition and calories they need, and any extra calories can quickly lead to obesity. Around 60% of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and you should exercise caution when adding unnecessary calories to your cat’s diet.
Most experts agree that cats need around 24 to 35 calories per pound per day to maintain a healthy weight, and a single small cup of almond milk has around 40 calories if it’s unsweetened, while homemade ones could have more. On average, a house cat weighs around 10 pounds, which would make their ideal daily caloric intake about 300 calories. A small, seemingly innocent cup of almond milk can quickly add up.
Giving almond milk to your cat can also result in gastrointestinal issues, including cramps and painful gas. There’s also the chance that the almond milk may have added sugar, flavors, and preservatives, none of which are great for your feline.
Conclusion
Although drinking a small portion of almond milk will likely not do your cat much harm, they should stay away from it. Almond milk provides little in the way of nutrients and none that your cat is not already getting from their daily diet. It is also fairly high in calories and may cause obesity, along with stomach issues, if consumed regularly.
If your cat licks the last few drops of almond milk from your morning glass, there is no reason to worry, but there is no dietary need for almond milk in a cat’s diet.
Related Read:
- Can Cats Drink Orange Juice? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
- Can Cats Drink Goat Milk? Vet-Approved Facts and FAQs
Featured Image Credit: muasveta, Shutterstock
Yes the lost of a loving family cat is hard. But explaining it to my 4 year old grandangle is the hardest. See my son now 40 lost his father at 4. He asked his Dad before he cried, Daddy when will Curious come back from Heaven so I can pet her? It seems like yesterday when he asked same questions my son asked. See Curious was scared when children came. Why? Because as a little kitty a young child lovingly pulls hair ,ears, etc. Explaining that to my children when adults thought that should know how to pet, yes correct, but wait until your pet and child understands how. Curious was so scared of being hurt. Slowly I would hold her and explain how, of course when old enough to know the difference. I smile and laugh 😂 when they're here, and explaining how I feel sad and surely miss our Curious, but life is a circle…like the Lion King movie. It's OK to cry and even be mad, but life goes on and always Curious will be in ♥. Just close your eyes and those precious moments are always there. God Bless.
Thanks for sharing your story Carleen, you might be interested in these tips: 7 Tips for Teaching Your Kids How to Properly Handle a Cat: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/tips-for-teaching-your-kids-how-to-properly-handle-a-cat/
We are sure Curious takes care of yours from the other side of the rainbow bridge. And right, life is about the precious moments we get to treasure forever.
Even though she was a small cat, I am sad to say she had Kidney failure and had to be put to sleep. The veterinarian was very nice and explained that she didn't suffer, but yet we all miss our Curious, my dog that except her as hers at 8 days, looks for her and waits. The circle of life is hard. But life has up and downs. We shall miss her.
Hello Carleen,
we are very sorry to hear about your loss, although it is nice to know that you had some kind of support from your veterinarian. Take your time through the grieving process. As you said, life has ups and downs and you never know if there won't be another special cat in your future that will bring you love and joy.
Best wishes to you all!
Today is her veterinarian appointment. I can only pray. We saved a whole litter. After my son had 27 surgery. His cat died at old age. But yet this helped my sibling get through of so much stress. of course children grow up, have their children, at least in our life, though it's a opinion of others! Today we will see, if OK I will send outcome. Sometimes we as animal lovers, there might be the time to say…over the rainbow. Yet as a country girl I was taught never let a love animal suffered just because you can't see the truth. Hard yes if love, give help and hope for the best. God Bless.
Thanks for the update, we agree with you that never letting animals suffer is best. We will be sending positive thoughts her way. Best wishes to her and you.
I had the option of giving her away to the humane society and after they exam and say the OK then I can get her back 1st.
But yet I called a veterinarian that they suggested for disabled senior with limited income. I called them knowing that they are always booked, but to my surprise they received a cancelation notice and I took them. Knowing that it will take everything I have. But yet having her since 8 days, now 13 she won't eat or anything like away from me. So I believe she deserves what ever. Even though it might be goodbye. I will let you know how it works out, if want. Pray please.
Thanks for the update Carleen, it is great news that there was a consolation and therefore an opening at the vet for your beloved cat. We will most definitively be sending positive thoughts her way and also for you! Thank you for loving your cat. 🩷
Waiting to get my cat 13 years old into a vet. She might have a UTI, kidney problem, etc. what can I feed her till seen. She is very small cat, indoors, and all bones. peeing every 39 minutes on paper. Poop is hard. Thanks
Hi Carleen, we are very sorry to hear about your cat being so sick, please do not wait, this sounds very serious. Follow your veterinarian’s diet recommendations after the physical evaluation and necessary diagnostic tests they will be able to recommend the best diet for your cat.