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    Break out the milk mustaches, for today is National Milk Day. After cows, the animal most associated with milk seems to be the cat. Rumor has it that felines not only love the stuff, but it's great for their diet, too. Both these milk myths are wrong! Keep your cereal bowl to yourself and find out the real facts about the relationship between kitties and milk. 

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    1. Cats Get No Nutritional Gain From Milk

    A protein-rich diet obtained from cat food provides your kitty with the nutrition they need. Adding milk to this mixture, no matter how much your feline enjoys it, is not going to help your kitty's health. Any nutrients milk contains can be found in your cat's food, and too much of the liquid can dilute the nutrients that need to be absorbed. Additionally, milk's high calorie count is a contributing factor to feline obesity. (Vetstreet)

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    2. Milk Can Cause a Variety of Health Problems in Cats

    Many cats cannot properly digest lactose as they become older. This results in health issues later on when they are fed milk. Feline allergies or intolerance to milk can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach and skin problems. (WebMD)

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    3. Lactose Intolerance Is Common in Cats

    No matter what the fables and fairy tales say, cats and milk usually don't mix well. Like humans, felines often develop lactose intolerance over time. To digest lactose, felines need an enzyme called lactase. This enzyme is bountiful at birth, but diminishes with age. The less lactase your cat produces, the more trouble it will have processing milk. This is why it is best to stop feeding your cat milk after it is fully weaned. (WebMD)

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    4. Kittens Need Mom's Milk, Not Cow's Milk 

    Mother knows best, and that includes the right milk formula for her babies. Even with a large number of lactase enzymes, kittens have trouble handling all the lactose in cow's milk. Additionally, cow's milk has an inadequate balance of whey and casein for kittens, which is why mom's brew is best. If you are raising an orphaned kitten, they should be fed specially made cat milk replacers, found at pet stores, to ensure they grow up healthy. (Feral Cat Coalition)

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    5. Cats Need Water More Than Milk

    As discussed earlier, as cats get older they no longer require milk to thrive, but water is essential. While milk may cause your adult cat tummy troubles and weight gain, water keeps health problems at bay. Felines need water to regulate body temperature, digest food, eliminate waste and allow electrolytes to pass through their bodies. If you don't think your cat is getting enough water, try using a flowing water bowl and placing various bowls of water around the house. (WebMD)

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    6. Your Cat's Kneading Is Linked to Milk Drinking

    Many cats owners wonder why their blissful felines will knead their laps. Behaviorists believe that this behavior of pressing alternating paws against a surface is connected to nursing. Kittens knead their mother's tummy while nursing, most likely to stimulate milk flow. Kitties are thought to hold onto this behavior and break it out when they are comfortable and happy, like they were as innocent, hungry kittens. (Catster)

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    7. Lactose-Free Milk Is Available for Cats Who Love the Taste

    Now that you know the facts about the relationship between milk and cats, you may want to stop offering your feline dairy treats. For kitties who really love the taste of milk, there are several brands of cat milk replacers available at the vet's office or pet stores. These lactose-free milk products are balanced to treat your cat's digestive system gently. Even without the lactose, these products should only be given in small amounts, as a treat. Too much can still result in weight gain. (PetStyle)