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Milk does the body good? Not necessarily for felines

I think most of us have been given the mistaken impression that it is safe for our felines to enjoy milk. The movies depict felines lapping up bowls of the stuff, or country felines sneaking into the barn for a drink when the cows are milked.

We could have had the same notions passed down from our parents, as Fluffy was always given a treat of milk. Some felines can tolerate a few tablespoons of milk, but not a quantity that is meaningful for nutrients sake. Why is that? And, how much is safe?

The culprit in milk is lactose, and all felines do not share the same level of tolerance. If a feline is lactose intolerant, symptoms vary from discomfort, gas, vomiting and, at its extreme level, diarrhea.

If you would like to test your feline's level of tolerance, I would suggest skim or one-percent organic milk so you are not giving them hormones to interfere with the digestion process, which lactose already messes with. The undigested lactose causes bacteria in the colon and the undigested sugars produce uncomfortable fatty acids.

If your feline does not tolerate a small amount of milk, there are several alternatives to try. I had to search for alternatives because I have several felines that try to drink the milk from my cereal bowls (and they finish it)! I cannot leave coffee creamer on the counter unattended either.

Goat's milk may be an alternative, as it contains about 10 percent less lactose than cow's milk. If your feline is still bothered, you know your feline is lacking lactase, an enzyme found in the small intestine that breaks down lactose for sufficient digestion.

The next type of goat's milk you could try is only sold at pet stores. It will be in the refrigerated or freezer area. The life of the frozen stuff you thaw at home in your refrigerator generally has a longer shelf life. For example, A+ Answers' raw goat's milk is found in the freezer. Its packaging claims the milk is a natural probiotic, which is fermented.

This process replaces pasteurization, which lowers the lactose level even more. There is a disclaimer on the carton that the milk is only meant for animal consumption. This type of milk offers extra nutrients and hydration for our felines that are fussy eaters or a little under the weather.

There is also a product called Cat-Sip for adult felines and kittens. You can find this product in grocery and pet stores. This feline-friendly milk is 99 percent lactose free and is only 1 percent milk fat, so you do not have to be worried about weight gain, unless you over feed.

This milk also has the benefits of taurine for your feline. Goat's milk for animals and Cat-Sip taste different to our felines. I always have both on hand, depending on what my spoiled animals are in the mood for.

If you are already in the grocery store, past the pet aisle, you might try human lactose free 1 percent milk. My felines prefer the previous options, but perhaps your feline may not be as fussy as mine.

If anyone has a feline that begs for cheese, there is a lactose free variety just for animals. The only places you can find this option is at the pet store.

Your level of trying to please your animals with the purrfect product will be guided by the level of lactose intolerance and how readily they lap the new products up. You have to appreciate that we are dealing with feline mentality and they do not always appreciate our efforts.

Upcoming:

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, in Arlington Heights, will host a Halloween Photo Event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.

Bring your animals and your children in costume for photos featuring Wanda the Witch. There will be a bake sale with homemade goodies, treats for all and a prize for the best costume.

The donation per photo is $8, with all proceeds benefiting Buddy's animals.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3, shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.

Shine is a handsome gray and silver tabby. Shine has always been a bit on the skittish side and will usually run from someone new. One quick way to get to know him is to offer him a tray of food. Courtesy of The Buddy Foundation
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