Kefir is fast becoming one of the most healthy foods that humans can treat themselves to. Kefir is mostly consumed for its yogurt-like taste and probiotic effects. In fact, it is considered more nutritious than yogurt.
With all these known benefits of kefir, you might be wondering if it is safe for cats to have kefir once in a while. It's long been a popular myth that cats love milk and should be given milk. While cats may enjoy eating milk, it is not safe to feed them milk because most cats are lactose intolerant. But what about milk kefir? It is safe for them? Keep reading to find out.
Can Cats Eat Kefir?
That will be a resounding yes! Unlike regular milk, the lactose in kefir is fermented to lactic acid thus, making it safe for lactose-intolerant cats. Kefir contains probiotics that are good for your cat and its gut-friendly bacteria. Just by eating a small quantity of kefir, your cat can be kept in tip-top shape. However, you may want to speak with your vet first before introducing kefir to your cat's diet.
What Are The Benefits of Feeding Kefir to my Cat?
Kefir boasts a lot of benefits that your cat can enjoy. Here are some of the popular benefits of kefir:
Great source of Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are given to promote health benefits by improving or restoring gut-friendly bacteria. Kefir contains a high probiotic content which can be beneficial for your cat. A little quantity of kefir occasionally will keep your cat's gut bacteria happy and your cat healthy.
Improves digestive health
By improving the balance between the friendly and harmful bacteria in your cat's gut, kefir is an excellent choice to keep your cat in good digestive health. Kefir has also been proven to improve lactose intolerance by balancing the bacteria flora in the gut. Also, if your cat has a sensitive stomach, kefir can help settle the stomach issues they may be having.
Potent anti-oxidant
Kefir has antioxidant properties that prevent oxidative damage in your cat's body by freeing radicals, and superoxide radicals. It also inhibits lipid peroxidation. You can keep your cat in good health by feeding them a few spoons of kefir every once in a while.
Improves allergic illnesses
Research shows that kefir might help in reducing allergic illnesses such as food allergies and asthma. If your cat has any allergic condition, you may include kefir in its diet. However, it is advisable to consult with your vet first before using kefir as a treatment for your cat's allergies.
Reduces blood pressure
Hypertension is related to gut bacteria imbalances. The probiotics found in kefir have positive effects on your cat's blood pressure by balancing your cat's gut-friendly bacteria. Kefir also has cardio-protective effects that will keep your cat in good shape.
Lowers cholesterol
Kefir grains can reduce the cholesterol levels in milk through the fermentation process. This means that you don't have to be concerned about the cholesterol level when feeding kefir milk to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Kefir Grains?
Yes, they can. Kefir "grains" are not really grains. They are rather white-looking clusters of billions of microorganisms that turn milk into kefir. They majorly contain bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to humans and pets.
Although kefir grains are used to make milk kefir, the grains themselves are edible. You can feed your feline a small number of kefir grains if you have extras or leftovers once in a while.
Will Milk Kefir Harm My Cat?
Milk Kefir is simply made from kefir grains and any milk of your choice. It has a tangy, sour taste. Kefir is completely safe for cats to have and it has been proven to do a lot of good for their digestive health.
The possible side effects of feeding kefir to cats are not widely acknowledged. However, although kefir boasts plenty of nutritional benefits for cats, it does not contain all their nutritional needs. Cats need a high protein content, preferably from meat, to grow as they ought to. So, while your cat may seem to be enjoying the milk treat, it should not replace their normal cat food.
Can Kittens Eat Kefir?
Technically, kittens can have kefir but it may not be the best decision for them. Kittens are delicate compared to average adult cats. As a result, their stomach and digestive tract may be extra sensitive to this new food and they may experience digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation when they eat kefir.
However, depending on the size and weight of your kitten, you may give a little quantity of kefir from time to time. But to be on the safe side, you may need to discuss this with your vet first before introducing kefir into their meals.
How Should I Feed Kefir To My Cat?
You must introduce kefir slowly to your cat. Cats are sensitive creatures and may experience adverse conditions if a new food is not cautiously introduced to their diet.
As earlier stated, kefir must be introduced to cats slowly. You can start by feeding two tablespoons of kefir to them. Depending on your reason for feeding kefir to your cat, you may make it a daily treat for them.
They may experience slight gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, or cramps when you start feeding them kefir but it should stop after a few days and with continued feeding. But if the symptoms persist, stop feeding them kefir immediately and consult your vet.
Conclusion
Kefir is a superfood that is beneficial for both humans and cats. Kefir is primarily good in nourishing your cat's gut-friendly bacteria which in turn keeps them healthy. Cats can safely eat kefir occasionally but it should not replace their specially formulated cat food.
Allergies are not common but if you notice any continued symptoms from feeding kefir to your cat, make sure you stop feeding them kefir immediately and reach out to your vet.
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