Is Raw Milk From Grass Fed Cows OK?

[lukey]

I got some raw organic grass fed milk today and Luke likes it quite a bit but Cubby won't drink it.

My 2 cats have been eating raw for over 4 years now. 
Is raw milk ever a good thing for them?

 

 

[catapault]

Raw goat milk - fine.

Raw cow milk is still cow milk. Likely to cause digestive upsets for cats.

But lucky you can enjoy it, even make yogurt, make ricotta.

 

[bigperm20]

Yes, goats milk is much better. A majority of cats are lactose intolerant.

 

[furmonster mom]

Depends on how delicate your cat's system is.  Barn cats have been drinking raw milk since ... forever?

Goats milk is great, because it is lower in lactose and is naturally homogenized.

Raw cows milk has more lactose, but it also has enzymes to balance out the lactose.  When milk is pasteurized, those enzymes are killed, leaving the lactose without anything to balance it out.  I'd say, if you are doing raw cows milk, mix well to include the cream, take it slow (small amounts), and watch how your cats body reacts to it (loose stools, vomiting, etc.,.).

 

[Willowy]

Goat's milk has just as much lactose as cow's milk . Apparently the reason it's easier for a lot of people (and animals) to handle is because the proteins are more easily digested.

Anyway, raw milk does have some enzymes that aren't in pasteurized milk, so it might not cause a problem for your cats. You could try a little bit and see how their tummies like it. It shouldn't be a big part of their diet but a little now and then isn't bad if they can handle it.

(oops, type too slow :tongue2:. Furmonster Mom beat me to it!)

 

[lukey]

Thanks. Luke likes it. Cubby is a bit more finicky but Luke seldom turns his nose up at food.

I gave him an ounce or two of it and I haven't sen any diarrhea yet.
I'll just give him an ounce or so every once in a while for a treat.