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Cats eating Yogurt

Sent to Cat Experts July 25 2006 at 12:09 PM
   

One of my cats "sampled" some plain, nonfat yogurt. He liked it. (The other one turns up her nose at it.) I only feed him an occasional teaspoon, and especially in hot weather, he seems to like it. Any harm in feeding him this? (I never feed him fruit flavored yogurt, but my husband thinks this is OK. I say it is like feeding the cat ice cream-- there is all of that fruit sugar is not good for him. Who is right?)

 

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Age: <1; Male; Breed: Cat (kitten 6 mos)

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Answer
July 25 2006 at 12:39 PM (30 minutes and 50 seconds later)
         
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Cats, as with most mammals, become naturally lactose intolerant shortly after weaning from mother's milk, between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Since lactose is the main sugar found in milk, it is not wise to feed dairy products to cats from young adulthood on. Feeding dairy products, such as yogurt, can thereforepredispose to diseases like gastritis, enteritis, and colitis. It is hence not wise to tdo this

Also, cats are not meant to eat fruit. As pure carnivores, the feline system does not have a great tolerance for simple carbohydrates. Therefore, chornic stimulation with simple carbs can predispose to diabetes and pancreatitis, diseases which are quite common in felines.

All things considered, I fully agree with your stance and recommend that your husband stop feeding your cat these questionable items. Good luck!

Best of luck to you, and thank you for choosing JustAnswer! Please do not hesitate to let me know if I may be of any further assistance.

Sincerely,

Roger L. Welton, DVM
President, Maybeck Animal Hospital
Author, "Canine And Feline 101"
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Roger L. Welton, DVM -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 80 Cat Accepts
Licensed Veterinarian, Practice Owner, and Book Author ("Canine and Feline 101")
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