Can Cats Drink Oat Milk?

Can cats drink Oat Milk? Yes, cats can drink Oat Milk as long as it is unsweetened and unflavored. Oat Milk is rich in essential nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, D and B12. Moderation is key when feeding your cats anything that’s not their food by nature. As long as the volume is kept in check, your cats are safe to consume Oat Milk occasionally.

It’s a bright sunny morning and you’re beginning your day with a cup of Oat Milk smoothie. As you’re pouring the Oat Milk into the blender jar, your cat suddenly jumps onto the counter and makes his way to the Oat Milk container.

Your feline friend just had his breakfast but you want to keep him happy. So should you pour him a cup of Oat Milk since it doesn’t contain lactose? Like many cat owners in this situation, you’re probably wondering, “can I give my cat Oat Milk?”

Before you do, you’ll want to read this article first. Despite not containing lactose, many dairy substitutes are not as nutritious as they might appear to be. Cats are simply not used to ingesting the high sugar content and artificial sweeteners found in many non-dairy milk such as coconut milk or almond milk. So we’ll go over the nutritional profile of Oat Milk and find out if this drink is safe for feline-consumption.

Can Cats have Oat Milk?

Yes, cats can have unsweetened and unflavored Oat Milk in moderation since it is safe for feline consumption. So, if you’re wondering, “Can my cat have Oat Milk?” go ahead and offer them some. Just make sure not to give them too much of this drink.

That’s because our fuzzy friends are obligate carnivores, hence, they may have difficulty digesting plant-based food or drinks like Oat Milk.

This is why moderation is key. In small amounts, Oat Milk can be mildly hydrating and may provide minor nutritional benefits to your feline friends.

What is Oat Milk?

Oat Milk is a plant-based drink created by soaking, mixing and filtering steel cut oats. It is created in the same way as other lactose-free milk including soy, rice and almond milk.

It is a common practice for manufacturers to fortify the Oat Milk with the following nutrients:

• Calcium.
• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin D (vitamin D2).
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2).
• Vitamin B12.

Additionally, flaxseed oil or chia seeds may be added to some Oat Milk for extra flavor and health advantages.

Since it is a lactose-free drink, many pet owners will make homemade cat treats using Oat Milk as a great substitute for cats that cannot tolerate dairy products.

Is Oat good for Cats?

Yes, oat is good for cats. Oats should preferably be combined with water rather than milk if you plan to feed your feline friends some as most cats are lactose-intolerant.

In addition to being helpful to overweight cats, the protein and soluble fibers in oats can make them feel immensely satisfied and full after eating.

Oat is a good grain option for your fuzzy friend if you are looking to avoid grains that are high in gluten.

Oat Milk nutrition facts

Most of the ingredients in Oat Milk are safe for feline consumption. However, depending on which brand you buy, the ingredient list may vary.

Also, to achieve a particular desired taste, some brands might add in various flavors such as vanilla or increase the sodium or sugar levels.

Chobani Oat Milk nutrition facts (1 cup or 240mL)

Name, Unit	Amount
Calories, cal	110
Total Fat, g	5
Saturated Fat, g	0.5
Sodium, mg	105
Carbohydrate, g	13
Fiber, g	<1
Sugar, g	7
Protein, g	2
Vitamin D, mcg	2
Calcium, mg	130
Iron, mg	0
Potassium, mg	360
Vitamin A, mcg	90

Chobani Oat Milk ingredients

• Oat blend (water, whole grain oats).

Contains 2% or less of the following: 

• Rapeseed oil.
• Sea salt.
• Vitamin A palmitate.
• Vitamin D2 (yeast extract).
• Calcium carbonate.
• Gellan gum.
• Tricalcium phosphate.
• Dipotassium phosphate.

Oatly Oat Milk nutrition facts (1 cup or 240mL)

Name, Unit	Amount
Calories, cal	120
Total Fat, g	5
Saturated Fat, g	0.5
Sodium, mg	100
Carbohydrate, g	16
Fiber, g	2
Soluble Fiber, g	1
Sugar, g	7
Protein, g	3
Vitamin D, mcg	3.6
Calcium, mg	350
Iron, mg	0.3
Potassium, mg	390
Vitamin A, mcg	160
Riboflavin, mg	0.6
Vitamin B12, mcg	1.2
Phosphorus, mg	270

Oatly Oat Milk ingredients

• Oat base (water, oats). 

Contains 2% or less of the following:

• Low erucic acid rapeseed oil. 
• Dipotassium phosphate.
• Calcium carbonate.
• Tricalcium phosphate.
• Sea salt.
• Dicalcium phosphate. 
• Riboflavin. 
• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin D2. 
• Vitamin B12.

Oat Milk vs almond milk

The main difference between Oat Milk and almond milk is that Oat Milk is higher in calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein than almond milk.

RELATED: To learn more about the nutritional profile of almond milk and whether it is safe for feline consumption, check out Can Cats Drink Almond Milk?

Is Oat Milk safe for Cats?

Yes, unsweetened and unflavored Oat Milk is safe for cats in moderation or in small volume. It’s important to note that cats are generally lactose-intolerant which means that is they lack the lactase enzymes necessary to break down lactose (milk sugar).

Fortunately, Oat Milk doesn’t contain lactose, making it a great alternative to regular, lactose-containing milk. They also have a reasonably lower amount of calories, fat and sugar compared to cow milk.

So, is it safe for cats to drink Oat Milk?

As long as you’re feeding your cat Oat Milk in small volume and in moderation, it should be safe for cats to consume.

When your fuzzy friend is consuming the Oat Milk, we highly advise that you monitor them. You’ll also want to keep a close eye on him after he consumes the Oat Milk to watch for any changes in behavior or tummy pain.

That’s because our fluffy companions have delicate digestive systems. When they consume Oat Milk, they may experience an upset stomach or gastrointestinal upset.

If you’re kitty has never had Oat Milk before, you’ll want to introduce this drink to her gradually and slowly. Start with a small amount and see how she reacts to it. If she has adverse reactions to the Oat Milk, then it’s best to keep Oat Milk away from her. If she’s fine, you can continue to feed her Oat Milk as an occasional rare treat or in moderation.

Is Oat Milk good for Cats?

Oat Milk has a number of advantages that your cat will appreciate. First and foremost, this nutty drink is a fantastic source of protein. It also provides beneficial vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can support the strength and health of your fluffy family members.

Moreover, cats with asthma or arthritis can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of Oat Milk.

Finally, Oat Milk assists diabetic cats in controlling blood sugar levels.

Before we take a look at some of these nutrients and the potential health benefits that Oat Milk can provide to our feline friends, we want to preface this by saying that our cats should generally receive these nutrients from their regular cat food.

The nutrients in Oat Milk that we’ve listed below and will discuss about are just added health benefits should your fuzzy friend choose to consume Oat Milk as an occasional rare treat and in moderation.

Potassium in Oat Milk aid in proper muscle and heart functions in cats

In just one cup or 240mL of Oat Milk, we can see that there are 390mg of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral and an electrolyte that our feline companions need.

The potassium in Oat Milk plays a major role in maintaining our cats’ blood pressure at its ideal level and also ensures that their muscles, nerves, and heart are all functioning properly.

Since potassium is also considered an electrolyte, it is responsible for both cellular and electrical functions in the body. For instance, potassium is needed to carry electrical charges in the muscles, nerves, and heart. This is what allows your cat’s muscle to contract and the heart to beat.

Cats with low potassium concentration in their body may have hypokalemia. Signs and symptoms of hypokalemia include the following:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Weight loss.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Extreme thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Muscle weakness and pain.
• Loss of muscle mass.
• Loss of muscle control in the neck.
• Lethargy.

If you suspect your feline friends have hypokalemia, we strongly urge you to speak with your cat’s vet. The vet may ask you to bring your kitty in for a thorough physical checkup. He may run a few tests, including blood tests, urinalysis, CT scan, ultrasound, and even x-ray to properly diagnose the health issue.

Calcium in Oat Milk builds strong teeth and bones in cats

If we take a look at the nutrition fact table of Oat Milk, All cats need calcium in order to have healthy and strong teeth and bones. Calcium is an essential mineral that helps to build bone mass and prevent fractures in cats.

Your furry friends need calcium to be able to bounce around since they are rather light on their feet. They also need this essential mineral to help with the following:

• Proper nerve and muscle functions (muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmission).
• Blood clotting.

Furthermore, calcium in Oat Milk is necessary for the proper growth and development of kittens.

Cats with calcium deficiency or hypocalcemia will experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Slower growth.
• Loss of appetite.
• Lethargy.
• Lameness.
• Bone mineralization.
• Loose teeth.
• Convulsions.
• Involuntary muscle contractions (Tetany).
• Bone fractures.

If you suspect your cat has hypocalcemia or calcium deficiency, we advise that you contact your vet and ask if giving your kitty a little bit of Oat Milk can help or if giving him calcium supplements is the best option.

Iron in Oat Milk helps strengthen the cat’s immune system

Iron is another essential mineral that is important for our cat’s overall growth. Iron is responsible for making red blood cells, which supplies oxygen all throughout our feline friend’s body. This allows for optimum growth and performance.

Additionally, if iron is absent or your fuzzy friend has iron deficiency anemia, their immune system may weaken and suffer. Due to this reason, many cats with iron deficiency often get sick.

Vitamin A in Oat Milk provides cats with healthy eyesight

In just one cup or 240mL of 160mcg of vitamin A. So how does vitamin A help our feline friends?

Well, vitamin A is known to have antioxidant properties, which means that it can help combat against harmful free radicals that causes early aging and other chronic health problems such as inflammatory and cardiovascular disease and cancer.

With enough vitamin A intake, you can expect your fuzzy friends to have clear eyesight, healthy immune system, and a shiny and glowing skin and coat.

Cat with vitamin A deficiency may suffer from night blindness. Again, speak with your vet to see if a little bit of Oat Milk can help and what the best vitamin A supplement is for your kitty.

Vitamin D in Oat Milk protects cats from bone deformities

Vitamin D is known as a fat-soluble vitamin and it is crucial for the entire development of your cat’s physical makeup.

What’s great about fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D is that it helps the body absorb and maintain calcium and phosphorus, which are both important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

With enough vitamin D intake, your kitty’s bones will be bone deformities as well as the following:

• Muscle movement.
• Proper nervous system function.
• Healthy immune system.

Is Oat Milk okay for Cats?

Yes, Oat Milk is okay for cats if it is unsweetened, unflavored, and in moderation.

Moderation is the keyword here because keep in mind that 90% of your cat’s daily recommended calories should come from their well-balanced and nutritious cat food while only 10% of it should come from treats.

When it comes to calories, a general rule of thumb is that our feline friends should consume between 24 to 35 calories per pound of weight every day. This means that a 10 pound adult can should consume 240 to 350 calories a day.

Keep in mind that their regular cat food should take up most of that calorie limit. Therefore, if you feed your cat too much Oat Milk, it can go over their calorie intake for the day.

Regularly consuming Oat Milk in excess can therefore lead to weight gain and eventually feline obesity.

Additionally, cats should have no more than 42 milligrams of sodium each day. If we take a look at the nutrition facts table, just one cup of Oat Milk contains 100mg of sodium. This is why it’s important that you do not feed your cat one cup of Oat Milk even though it looks harmless.

Too much sodium intake can lead to salt poisoning which we will discuss in further details below.

There’s also 7 grams of sugar in one cup of Oat Milk. Do cats really need sugar from human drinks like Oat Milk? Let’s find out next.

Is Oat Milk bad for Cats?

The nutritional profile and ingredients in Oat Milk depends on which brand of Oat Milk you buy.

While it has been established that Oat Milk is generally safe for cats when consumed in moderation or in small volume, ingesting certain ingredients in this drink (especially in excess) can have some negative health impacts on your cat’s health.

We will discuss some of these negative health effects in this next section.

High sodium level in Oat Milk can lead to sodium toxicity in cats

In just one cup of Oat Milk, there is a whopping 100mg of sodium. While that does not seem like a lot of sodium for us, it is considered a lot of sodium for our small fur babies.

That’s because our fuzzy friends should only have 42mg of sodium in their diet every day. Any more than that can and will lead to sodium poisoning.

The combination of excessive salt intake combined with inadequate water intake will lead to a condition known as sodium ion toxicosis. Cats with salt poisoning may experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Vomiting.
• Very thirsty.
• Urinating more frequently than usual.
• Diarrhea.
• Feeling lethargic.
• Loss of appetite.
• Muscle tremors.
• Loss of coordiation.
• Seizures (in severe cases).
• Coma (in severe cases).
• Passing away (in severe cases).

High sugar level in Oat Milk can lead to diabetes in cats

If we take a look at the nutritional profile of Oat Milk, we can see that there are 7 grams of sugar in just one cup of Oat Milk. That is 7 grams of sugar that our cats do not need!

Keep in mind that our fuzzy friends do not have the taste buds for sweetness or sugar, therefore, they don’t care for sugary food or treats and won’t really appreciate it.

Additionally, too much sugar consumption can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, diabetes, weight gain, tooth decay, and feline obesity in the long run.

Therefore, it’s really unnecessary to give your cat treats or food that is high in sugar.

High calories in Oat Milk can lead to feline obesity

Oat Milk is calorie-dense and high in fat. In fact, just one cup of Oat Milk has 120 calories. Occasionally letting your fuzzy friend drink a little bit of Oat Milk won’t tip the scales too much. However, if she routinely drinks Oat Milk, the calories and weight can add up.

Heavier cats may experience the following:

• Difficulty climbing stairs.
• Hard time jumping.
• Trouble moving around the house.
• Skin issues.
• At risk of liver disease (hepatic lipidosis).
• Prone to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.
• Faster degeneration of affected joints.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Less tolerant to heat.
• Urinary bladder stones.
• Pancreatitis.

High carb level in Oat Milk can lead to obesity and diabetes in cats

Oat Milk is packed full of carbohydrate since one cup of Oat Milk contains 16 grams of carbs. A high-carb diet is not physiologically compatible for cats. That’s because they don’t have the enzymes necessary in their pancreas and liver to adequately digest carbs.

Certain metabolic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, and obesity, can all be brought on by consuming too much carbs.

High calcium and phosphorus levels in Oat Milk can be toxic to cats

An abnormally high level of phosphorus in your cat’s body can cause calcium to be drawn out of your pet’s bones, weakening them. The calcium is then deposited in the heart, lungs, eyes and blood vessels. This eventually raises your cat’s chance of having a heart attack, stroke or death.

Vitamin A in Oat Milk can lead to vitamin A toxicity in cats

Vitamin A toxicity occurs when cats excessively supplement with vitamin A. Oat Milk is high in this nutrient and excessive consumption can lead to vitamin A toxicity. This toxicity is characterized by lethargy, weight loss, poor coating and constipation.

Thickening agents in Oat Milk can be harmful to cats

Oat Milk contains thickening agents such as gellan gum and xanthan gum. These agents are added to provide extra viscosity to the milk. When consumed in large quantities, these thickeners in Oat Milk can trigger stomach upset, vomiting, poor appetite and weakness in your cats.

Potassium in Oat Milk can cause irregular heartbeat in cats

Oat Milk contains high levels of potassium. Gulping Oat Milk excessively can elevate your pet’s blood potassium levels. When this happens, symptoms usually include muscle spasms, lack of energy, muscle tremor, reduced appetite and constipation. Your cat may also develop cardiac arrhythmias, commonly known as irregular heartbeat.

Will Oat Milk hurt my cat?

No, Oat Milk will not hurt your cat when consumed in moderation or in small quantities.

Can Cats drink Oat Milk as a treat?

Yes, your cat can drink Oat Milk as treat. Oat Milk is perfectly fine for your cat to drink but only as an occasional treat every now and then.

Can Cats have Oat Milk as a treat?

Yes, cats can have Oat Milk as a treat. This beverage isn’t only safe for cats, but also it contains nutrients that may be helpful to your feline friends.

Do cats like Oat Milk?

Some cats may like Oat Milk, while others may not fancy it. Again, each cat is different. Most cats avoid Oat Milk, but some do appreciate it and will drink some if you offer it to them.

Given how picky cats can be, it’s hardly surprising that many of them would naturally avoid Oat Milk.

My cat loves Oat Milk! How much should I give him?

Although your kitty friend may appear to appreciate Oat Milk, this does not simply mean that he should be given this milk in large amounts. That’s because cats have sensitive stomachs so offering them Oat Milk in small volume is key.

As a responsible cat owner, you have to be careful about what it is that they are eating and how much. We recommend just two tablespoons of Oat Milk.

How often can you give your cat Oat Milk?

Although Oat Milk contains plenty of nutrients, this drink should not be your first choice when it comes to hydrating your kitties or giving them a treat.

However, if your fluffy friends enjoy Oat Milk and do not have any adverse effects from consuming it, then you can give it to your cat once a month or every now and then.

Be aware that it is not a good idea to give your fluffy companions dairy products to eat, whether it is for a special treat or to enhance the flavor of their drink. Our cats lack the lactase enzyme in their body to properly digest the lactose (milk sugar) found in milk or other dairy products and may experience upset stomach or diarrhea.

So, two tablespoons of Oat Milk every now and then should be fine.

Can kittens Drink Oat Milk?

Ideally, kittens should be drinking their mother’s milk. During their early growth and development stages, kittens rely on their mother’s milk because it contains all the necessary nutrients they need during the first four (4) weeks of their lives.

Their mother’s milk is rich in antibodies and nutrients, both of which are necessary to strengthen their immature immune systems.

Therefore, it’s best to keep Oat Milk away from kittens even though it is lactose-free, fortify with nutrients, and is safe for feline consumption.

Can kittens have Oat Milk?

While kittens can have Oat Milk, this is not the best drink or nutrient for our little fur babies. Instead, they should be nursed with their mother’s milk which contains all the nutrients they need.

If you accidentally spilled a little bit of Oat Milk onto the kitchen floor and your kittens drank it, they should be fine since this milk is lactose-free with no harmful ingredients.

But keep in mind to avoid giving your kittens milk that are made for human consumption such as soy milk, almond milk or any other nut milk. This is because kittens have very sensitive stomachs and weak immune systems and this can lead to undesirable side effects.

Is Oat Milk good for kittens?

Oat Milk is not necessary the best drink for kittens. Although Oat Milk is safe for kittens, it lacks some of the minerals and nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

Therefore, it’s best that kittens consume their mother’s milk and not commercially made human drinks such as Oat Milk. Their mother’s milk will satisfy all of their nutritional needs.

Which is best for my cat: Oat milk or regular cow’s milk?

As long as your cat consume it in moderation, Oat Milk is the better drink alternative for cats.

Keep in mind that regular cow’s milk contains lactose, the sugar found in milk. Once your cat has weaned, they lose the lactase enzyme that’s needed to properly digest lactose.

As a result, your feline friends may have an upset stomach or diarrhea if they consume regular cow’s milk.

Cow’s milk also contains higher calories and fats than Oat Milk which our feline friends do not need so this can lead to weight gain and eventually obesity.

Oat Milk has an added advantage in that it has more fiber than regular cow’s milk, is lactose-free, and has more antioxidant properties than cow’s milk.

Can a cat drink lactose free Milk?

Yes, cats can drink lactose-free milk. If your fuzzy friend isn’t feeling well or does not want to drink water, giving him lactose-free milk is the best option.

Stay away from milk that contains lactose since it can cause your cat to vomit, have diarrhea, or experience stomach pain.

Cats and Oat Milk

It is well known that cats are obligate carnivores. They find it hard to digest plant-based food. A little Oat Milk every now and then is okay for your four-legged friends, but giving them too much Oat Milk can trigger episodes of unwanted side effects.

Can cats drink vanilla Oat Milk?

Yes, cats can drink vanilla Oat Milk in moderation or in small volume. That’s because most store-bought vanilla Oat Milk actually contain fewer calories, fat, and sugar than Oat Milk. However, they do contain more sodium and carbohydrate.

If your cat enjoys vanilla Oat Milk, you can give them two tablespoon of it since it is also lactose-free. Remember though that moderation is crucial.

Can cats drink homemade Oat Milk?

Yes, cats can drink homemade Oat Milk. Most commercial or store bought Oat Milk have been heavily processed and some of the essential nutrients may have been removed. This is why most manufactures fortify it with vitamins and minerals.

Homemade Oat Milk may be the safest option because you know what ingredients went into making the Oat Milk and there are are no additives.

So, can cats drink Oat Milk?

As we can see, Oat Milk is safe for feline consumption when consumed in moderation and in small volume. This is a lactose-free drink that your cat can certainly enjoy as an occasional treat. Avoid overfeeding them Oat Milk because too much can lead to various negative health effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and even sodium poisoning.

As such, moderation is key, even when offering your kitties the best variety of Oat Milk.

Related Questions

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Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oat_milk

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5069255/

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders-of-cats/bone-disorders-in-cats