Dear Ms. Meow:
I'm an 8 week old kitten who
was recently adopted from the shelter. I was disappointed when
I overheard both the shelter staff and my veterinarian advise
my new owner to give me only water - no milk - to drink. Why
- milk must be okay - after all, my mother raised me on it.
Stella Baby
Dear Baby:
Now that you've been weaned
you should begin eating a well-balanced feline diet. Milk is
not easily digested by cats and it is likely to cause gastrointestinal
discomfort and diarrhea. In addition, milk may fill you up and
cause you to forgo eating your food, preventing you from getting
proper nutrition. Fresh water should always be available for
you but your owner should not be concerned if you don't seem to
drink a whole lot of it - your canned food contains a lot of water
and you'll be sure to drink when you're actually thirsty.