If your cat eyes your oat milk latte or lingers near your cereal bowl, you might wonder if it’s okay to let them have a taste. Adult cats shouldn’t have regular dairy, so it’s easy to assume that plant-based milks could be a gentler option. 

But is nondairy milk for cats safe or necessary? Let’s take a closer look at what’s really in those cartons and how your cat might react.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat-based protein to stay healthy. No matter how nutritious these options are for humans, cats do not benefit from:

• Soy
• Oat
• Pea
• Other plant-based milks

While some plant milks are free from lactose (a big plus for dairy-sensitive pets), they still don’t offer anything your cat’s body needs. At best, these drinks are an occasional curiosity. At worst, they can upset your cat’s stomach.

They can in tiny amounts — 100% pure almond milk isn’t toxic, and plain, unsweetened versions are usually okay if your cat sneaks a quick lick. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Almond milk tends to be high in fat, and many brands contain added sugars or flavorings that can harm pets. 

Even without those extras, almond milk can cause mild digestive upset. If you let your cat have a sampling, make it a once-a-year treat and check the label first for unsafe ingredients.

Like almond milk, soy milk isn’t toxic but comes with a few more caveats. Soy is a more common allergen in pets and can be hard for some to digest. There’s also debate over the long-term effects of phytoestrogens, which are compounds in soy that may influence hormone levels in animals. For those reasons, it’s best to skip soy milk altogether.

While a small sip of nondairy milk probably won’t harm your cat, they really don’t need it. Water is the only liquid they need for hydration, and a fresh diet, homemade food or balanced cat food supplies everything else. 

If you want to offer a milk-style treat, consider lactose-free cat milk for felines. These are designed to be safe and easier to digest. Just remember that even those should be offered sparingly.

Is Plant Milk Safe for Kittens?

No, young kittens need either their mother’s milk or a vet-approved kitten formula. Plant-based milks don’t contain the nutrients growing kittens need and can cause digestive problems.

Can Dogs Have Plant Milk?

Some dogs may tolerate plain, unsweetened versions in small amounts. But like with cats, plant milk shouldn’t become a regular part of their diet. Water is all your pet needs to be happily hydrated.

Guest Author

Guest authors for the Healthy Paws blog contribute content based on their research and expertise.