Can Cats Drink Vegan Milk? 7 Vegan Milk Types Truthfully Explained (Almond, Soy, Oat, Coconut)

Cats are known to love “milk,” and I know you’re probably wondering if this extends to other vegan types of milk. Well, I also got curious and did some research. Here is everything I found out.

Can cats drink vegan milk?

Yes, cats can drink vegan milk. Cats are lactose intolerant and cannot consume cow’s milk or vegan milk by-products.

However, some plant-based milk options are safe for cats to consume in moderation.

These products typically contain a lot of fat or sugar, which can lead to health problems in the long run. Additionally, avoid products containing xylitol in pets.

Types of vegan dairy milk alternatives

1. Can cats drink oat milk?

Yes, cats can drink oat milk. This plant-based milk is rich in nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and vitamins A & D.

Although it’s not as rich in fiber as oats, oat milk still maintains some soluble fiber that can be beneficial for your catto.

It should only be given as a treat as it can actually cause weight gain. When taken in large quantities, the cat may experience a loose stool, stomach pain, and vomiting.

Some cats might have allergies to oat milk, so it’s important to test the milk before giving it to your cat.

2. Can cats have soy milk?

No, cats should not drink soya milk. Soya milk is lactose-free and healthy for people, but it contains other harmful substances that can be detrimental to a cats’ health.

Cats can’t digest soya milk properly, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

Like cow’s milk, soya milk contains isoflavones, phytoestrogens, and other chemicals that may disrupt your cat’s hormones. These can be harmful to cats if given in large quantities.

In addition, soya milk contains sugar which can be harmful to cats’ health if consumed in large quantities. Cats may also experience various side effects from drinking soya milk, such as diarrhea or vomiting.

Some cats can also be allergic to soy proteins, and this could result in them getting sick.

3. Can cats drink rice milk?

Yes, cats can drink rice milk. This vegan milk is high in fiber and other nutrients. Fiber is important for kittos as it helps ease bowel movement.

However, it should only be taken in moderation. It is high in sugar and carbohydrates and may lead to weight gain and gastric upset.

Rice milk is also high in calories, which may cause gastrointestinal problems.

If you’d like to understand more about why cats should take rice milk, check out this article I’ve written on if cats can take rice milk.

4. Cats and almond milk

Yes, cats can drink almond milk. However, it’s important to give it to them in moderation.

Almond milk is also a good choice because it’s lactose-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and has no saturated fat. It’s also a good source of proteins, manganese, potassium, vitamin E, and zinc – all of which are important nutrients for cats.

One downside to almond milk is that it doesn’t contain as much calcium as cow’s milk does. This isn’t a big deal for most adult cats but can be problematic if you’re giving almond milk to kittens or pregnant/nursing cats.

Cattos have a love-hate relationship with almond milk, and I can’t fit everything in this blog post. That’s why I wrote an article on whether cats can drink almond milk that you can check out.

5. Can cats have coconut milk?

Yes. Coconut milk is safe for cats to drink. However, it is important to be moderate how much they consume.

Drinking too much coconut milk can cause some side effects in cats, but these are typically mild.

The main problem is that cats don’t have an optimal digestive system to process the vegetable proteins found in coconut milk.

It’s also high in oil and fat. This can lead to digestive issues if a cat drinks too much of it. The ASPCA also acknowledges that coconuts can cause stomach issues with our pets. Keep coconut water away from your kitto as it’s very high in potassium.

6. Can cats drink cashew milk?

Cats can drink cashew milk, but it is not recommended for regular consumption. It contains healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are good for your cat’s diet.

If given in small portions, cashew milk will not harm cats, but if consumed in large amounts it may lead to digestive and stomach issues.

Some cats may have an allergic reaction to this vegan milk. So, you should check whether your catto is allergic to cashews before giving them the nut milk.

7. Can cats drink macadamia nut milk?

Cats should not drink macadamia milk or take any macadamia products. This nut is toxic to cats and should be avoided. Your cat may experience vomiting, and diarrhea. They may also act lethargic.

Why cats shouldn’t have dairy

It is a common misconception that cats can drink any kind of milk. However, this is not the case- most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest dairy products.

This means that feeding your cat cow’s milk or other dairy-based products can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting.

Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are all good alternatives for cats who need to avoid dairy.

Other dairy substitutes for cats:

1. Vegan Yoghurt

Vegan yogurt is a dairy-free product made from plant-based ingredients. It is safe for cats to consume if it does not contain chocolate, avocado, or macadamia nuts. However, it does not offer any nutritional benefits to cats.

2. Vegan cream

Vegan cream is a dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional cream. It is usually made from soy, oats, or cashews and is safe for cats to consume in small quantities.

The cream should only be given to cats in very small quantities and only as a rare treat. While it is not toxic to cats, it can still cause digestive problems if given too often.

To make vegan cream at home, simply blend together equal parts of the chosen milk alternative with some sugar and a thickener such as a xanthan gum or arrowroot powder.

3. Vegan sour cream

Vegan sour cream is a dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional sour cream.

It’s made from cashews and has a similar consistency and taste. You can make it at home by blending cashews with water, lemon juice, and salt.

Giving your cat vegan sour cream can be dangerous for their health if there is too much of it. Cats that eat it can experience health problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.

3. Vegan ice cream

Vegan ice cream is a good dairy substitute for cats because it lacks lactose. However, while some vegan ice creams are fat-free, they still contain high concentrations of fats and sugar. These can cause gastrointestinal problems in cats.

Cats do not have the ability to break down complex carbohydrates like plantains and potatoes. So, these ingredients can be difficult for their digestive system to process.

Also, our kittos should stay clear of ice creams for various reasons. You can check out this information in this post on why cats should not eat ice cream.

4. Vegan butter

Vegan butter is made from a variety of oils and is safe for cats in small quantities. It can be used as a dairy substitute for cats.

5. Vegan cheese

Vegan cheese is not a good substitute for dairy for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores and do not have the digestive system to digest vegetable protein. Therefore, vegan cheese should be avoided altogether if you want your cat to enjoy it.

Is vegan milk good for cats? Will it harm felines?

Vegan milk is not good for cats in the long term. It’s important to be aware of the health concerns associated with vegan and plant-based diets when feeding your cat.

Monitor your cat for any adverse effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, gas, or bloating.

It’s also important to be careful when feeding your cat vegan or plant-based milk, as it may not be suitable for their dietary needs.

Cats typically require animal-based proteins and nutrients, which they can’t get from plant-based sources.

If you do give your cat plant-based milk, do so gradually and in small amounts. Consult with a veterinarian before giving your cat any new food or drink.

Disadvantages of feeding vegan milk as cat food diet

1. Sugar, sweeteners, and preservatives

Most vegan milk types are loaded with sugar. Sugar is bad for your kitto’s dental health and can lead to plaque.

A walk around this would be to prepare some at home. This way you can avoid lots of sugar, sweeteners, and preservatives.

You can also check ingredient labels to make sure they don’t harm your catto.

2. Obesity

Some vegan milk like almond and coconut milk are packed with high-fat levels. This can easily make your catto become obese. It is very important to only feed your cat these milk types in moderation.

3. Nutrient deficit

Cats are obligate carnivores and need animal protein for survival and proper body functions.

Plant milk lacks the appropriate protein structures needed by cats. Some of them also have low protein content making them more unsuitable.

If you only feed plant milk to your cat, then they will get a nutrient deficit and not meet the calorie content needs. For example, taurine deficiency.

FAQ

Can cats eat tofu?

Cats cannot eat tofu because they are obligate carnivores and need to eat meat as their main source of nutrition.

While tofu is not harmful to cats, it can cause diarrhea. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding your cat tofu.

Is goat’s milk fine to give to cats?

Goat’s milk is a nutritious alternative to cow’s milk that can be given to cats. Cattos who consume it as part of their diet tend to be healthier than those who don’t.

It’s also easier for cats to digest than cow’s milk, and it contains less lactose. Giving your cat goat’s milk on occasion is perfectly fine, but it shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet.

Why do cats love milk?

Cats enjoy drinking milk because it is an efficient way of getting calories and nutrients. Cats may also like wet food because it is similar to the milk they drank as kittens.

Can my cat consume hazelnut milk?

Yes, cats can drink hazelnut milk. However, cats should not drink it if they are allergic to hazelnuts. The milk contains a lot of fat and sugar, which can be harmful to cats.

Can I give my cat to drink chocolate vegan milk?

No, you should not give your cat chocolate vegan milk to drink. Chocolate is lethal to cats, especially in large quantities.

While cats can drink vegan milk without suffering any immediate harm, there are no benefits to doing so. Soy and almond milk lack the essential nutrients that cats need.

Feeding them these substitutes on a regular basis can lead to health problems down the road. If you must give your cat vegan milk, do so only in small amounts and as an occasional treat.

Can my cat consume condensed vegan milk?

Condensed milk is high in sugar and not recommended for cats. Cats do not have sweet taste buds and can be harmed by consuming too much-condensed milk.