Oat milk has become one of the most popular non-dairy alternatives over the past year. It’s a great source of calcium and is also low in carbs, which makes it perfect for people watching their weight or those with diabetes. Cats are generally lactose intolerant because of a lack of the enzyme needed to digest lactose, which is found in abundance in cow’s milk and other dairy products. However, they can still enjoy an oat-based beverage. Cats are sensitive to the sugar glucose and cannot digest it properly; this is why they avoid eating plants that contain starch, such as oats. But this doesn’t mean your feline friend cannot drink oat milk. In fact, there are many benefits of drinking oat milk for cats!
Can Cats Drink Oat Milk?
No, cats can’t drink oat milk. This is because oat milk contains high levels of protein and is not designed for cats. If a cat drinks oat milk, they may experience stomach pain and diarrhea. Instead, it’s recommended that you purchase cat milk or cat formula for your pet to drink.
Why Can Not Cats Drink Oat Milk?
1. Cats Can’t Digest Oats
Oats are a type of cereal grass that contains a high level of starch. Cats cannot digest this starch, which is why they avoid eating plants that contain it, such as oats.
2. Too Much Protein in Oat Milk
Oat milk contains a high level of protein, which can be harmful to cats if consumed in large amounts.
3. High Calcium Levels
Oats only contain about 3% calcium and there are many other plant sources that contain more calcium than oats do. A balanced diet for cats should consist of at least 25% protein, 3-5% fat, and 8-10% calcium, so it’s not necessary to include any more calcium from oat milk into your cat’s diet.
4. Not the Best Source of Lactose
Cats cannot digest lactose because they lack an enzyme called lactase in their intestines (the same thing happens in humans). This means that even though cats can drink milk, they will not be able to digest the lactose in it.
5. High Protein Levels
Oats are a type of cereal grass that contains a high level of starch. Cats cannot digest this starch, which is why they avoid eating plants that contain it, such as oats. good source of lactose. good source of calcium from milk, as they won’t be able to absorb any of the calcium.
6. Too Much Sugar for Cats
Cats are sensitive to sugar and can’t digest it properly, which is why they avoid eating plants that contain starch, such as oats. This is why cats should only eat a balanced diet consisting of at least 25% protein, 3-5% fat, and 8-10% calcium.
7. Not Allowed in Milk Substitutes
The FDA has not approved oat milk as a substitute for cow’s milk because it contains a high level of protein and is not designed for cats. Also, if you mix the two together, your cat may experience stomach pain or diarrhea. To learn more about cat milk substitutes, check out my blog post on the subject here. great source of lactose.
8. May Cause Diarrhea
In addition to the high levels of protein and starch in oat milk, it also contains a high amount of calcium which is not designed for cats. These two ingredients can cause diarrhea in cats, so it’s important to purchase cat milk or cat formula instead.
How To Serve Your Cat Oats Without The Side Effects
1. Keep the smell nice and neutral
Since you’re introducing a new food to your cat’s diet, you want to make sure you don’t do anything that may make your cat feel nauseous or uncomfortable. Make sure you keep the smell of the oats neutral so your cat isn’t repelled by the scent of it right when you add it to their bowl. You can do this by steaming the oats, which will definitely kill any scent that might be on it and make your cat feel more at ease with it. You can also store the oats in an airtight container or in a plastic bag so the smell doesn’t linger.
2. Serve it with a protein source
If you’re thinking about serving your cat oats for breakfast or even as a snack, you should always pair them with a protein source. This will help your cat digest the oats much easier and will also keep them fuller for longer periods of time. Some great choices are scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, or even a spoonful of peanut butter. Whatever you choose to go with, make sure there are no added sugars as they can cause unnecessary weight gain in your cat. Even if you’re serving your cat oats as a dinner dish, it is always important to pair them with a source of protein. If you serve your cat oats for dinner, your cat will be much more likely to digest them and get the nutrients from them. This makes oats a better dinner choice than a lot of other food options that are higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein.
3. Don’t skimp on the water
If you just recently added oats to your cat’s diet, you should always make sure you don’t skimp on the water. Cats are very sensitive to dehydration and if you don’t have enough water in your cat’s diet, they may not feel as full up after they eat their food. One sign of this is grass-like poop and if you notice this, you should try replacing your cat’s water bottle with freshly boiled water. Cats also have a tendency to have a lower metabolism than dogs, so they don’t need as much water as they do food. If you notice your cat isn’t drinking enough water, you can buy special feline water fountains that will bubble the water and make it more appealing to drink.
4. Mix in dry kibble as well
Cats can sometimes get a little finicky when it comes to eating their meals when they’re full of oats. That’s why you can always mix a little bit of dry kibble in with the oats too. This will make the oats a bit more desirable to your cat and will also make them feel fuller after eating. It’s also a great idea to mix dry kibble in with your cat’s food when you’re trying to change their diet. If your cat is used to eating a certain type of food, they may not be as keen on giving it up and switching over to oat-based food.
5. Add in some yogurt or cottage cheese
If you have a kitten or a cat that is on the younger side, yogurt or cottage cheese can make an excellent addition to their oat-based diet. Yogurt and cottage cheese are both full of calcium, which is very beneficial to younger cats that are still growing and developing. Calcium is also very beneficial to older cats as well because it can help to prevent unhealthy conditions like arthritis and kidney stones. This is especially important if your cat has been eating a diet that is lacking in calcium. You can also choose to add some yogurt or cottage cheese to an older cat’s diet to help them stay healthy and strong. Over time, calcium deficiency can lead to some serious health issues like brittle bones and kidney stones.
6. Sneak in some healthy veggies
If you’re trying to add more veggies to your cat’s diet, oats are a great place to start. You can choose from any of the following: – Carrots, beets, and pumpkin are great for their eyes and skin, which may help to prevent your cat from getting things like miliary dermatitis (a condition that causes their skin to become inflamed and irritated). – Spinach and Swiss chard can help to lower your cat’s cholesterol. – Parsley, cilantro, and mint are great for their digestion. – Celery is full of vitamins and can help to clean your cat’s liver. – Coriander is an excellent source of antioxidants.
7. Use small amounts of shredded chicken or salmon
If your cat has an aversion to eating oats or you’re still working to ease them into the food, you can mix some shredded chicken or salmon into their meal to help them get used to the taste. Both chicken and salmon are full of vitamins and minerals, and they can make a great treat for your cat to enjoy while they get used to their new diet. If your cat already eats a raw diet, you can use the meat from their meals to add to the oats. If you feed your cat kibble, you can also add in some shredded chicken or salmon flavored kibble. Once your cat is used to eating the oats, you can slowly take the chicken or salmon out and replace it with oats. This will help your cat get used to eating oats and will make it easier for them to digest them.
Conclusion
Cats are lactose intolerant, but this doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a tasty beverage. Oat milk is a great alternative for allergic or diabetic cats, as well as cats who need to lose weight. Remember, though, that all non-dairy milks have more carbs than dairy milk, so you may need to adjust the amount of calories your cat consumes each day. Cats who drink non-dairy milk also need more vitamins and minerals, so make sure you feed them a balanced diet.
