Back when cows were milked by hand, milking time was known as "Happy Hour" in the feline neighborhood. Why? Because cats love the taste of milk!
As soon as they heard the clanging of the milking pails, all cats within earshot would make a mad dash for the barn. They would line up in a semi-circle and wait patiently for the "milker" to let them have a taste of warm milk.
For those of you too young to have witnessed this amusing ritual and wondering just how they were served their treat, just imagine...
The person milking the cow would point a teat upward and out in the cat's direction and squirt. Picture a waterfall of milk cascading into the open mouths of thirsty cats. Better known as "Milk On Tap". Cows were always rolling their eyes, I'm sure.
Fast forward to today. Now we know better. It's no longer a source of amusement. Yes, cats still do love the taste of milk but most of them are lactose-intolerant. Which means the same for them as it does for humans.
Gastric disturbance in the form of cramping, gas and diarrhea. Back when the whole wide world was their litter box, nobody paid much attention. We should be ashamed. Now we are better informed and want to maintain our cat's health. By paying attention.
Our cats don't like praying and hoping they make it to the litter box in time. Anymore than we do! And if they don't make it in time? This can be cause for their gentle souls to become depressed and their pride wounded. We can't have that!
So we have to be firm. No, cats do NOT need milk in their diets. Only baby kittens require milk and preferably it's their momma's. After 12 weeks or so, they are weaned. Most then lose their ability to digest the lactose in milk.
What your precious pet does need is a balanced diet and fresh WATER to drink.
When you want to give Tabby a treat of the taste of milk, you can buy a milk substitute in a pet store or wherever cat food is sold.
This will make both of you feel warm and fuzzy!
K. D. has always shared space with cats. Presently owned by a beautiful, 8 year-old domestic-longhair named Furby, who believes humans can never learn too much about felines.
Pussy-foot over to Furby's blog at http://thegoodcat.blogspot.com to read more stuff...
No comments:
Post a Comment