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Cats/cats and formula milk

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Expert: - 2/11/2010


Question
Is it still ok to give a mother cat and her (now teenage kittens) the homemade formula milk as a treat?  I make the formula with 1 can condensed milk, 2 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon Karo syrup, 3 heaping tablespoons of plain yogurt and water to make one quart liquid.

Answer
Hi Rachel.  It's okay as a treat, as long as it doesn't cause diarrhea.  The problem is that most cats become lactose intolerant around 12 weeks old.  However, the live culture lactobacillus acidophilus in the yogurt MIGHT be enough to break down the lactose in the condensed milk, so that the kitties are able to digest it.  As long as you're not noticing loose stools or gas, the formula you mentioned is fine to give in moderation.  Just be sure to keep all treats combined to a maximum of 10% of the cat's diet.

Best wishes!

Jessica  

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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