It is not recommended for domestic shorthair cats to drink cow's milk. This is because many domestic shorthair cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming milk can cause digestive upset and discomfort. Their bodies often lack the necessary enzymes to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.
It's particularly important to avoid giving cow's milk to kittens. Cow's milk has a significantly different composition than a cat's milk. Feline milk is high in fat, high in protein, and low in lactose, whereas cow’s milk is low in fat, low in protein, and high in lactose. Many cats simply don’t have the enzymes to properly digest and absorb cow’s milk.
Cats, like dogs, often produce less of the lactase enzyme (that breaks down lactose) as they age, which leads to lactose intolerance. Undigested lactose can then ferment in the lower intestines, causing gas, bloating, and even osmotic diarrhea due to increased water in the bowel.
For kittens that haven't been weaned, it's best to use specialized pet milk replacers such as goat's milk powder formulated for cats. Once they're weaned, a balanced cat food should be their primary source of nutrition. While some cats might be able to tolerate milk better than others, particularly mixed-breed cats, it’s generally safer to avoid it altogether. Lactose intolerance is common, and the risk of digestive issues often outweighs any perceived benefit.
Usually, kittens raised by their mothers tend to be healthier and experience fewer illnesses, however, stray kittens that you might rescue may present with eye problems, ear mites, or other parasites. When bringing them home, they might feel scared. The best thing to do is ensure they are in a safe environment and leave them to explore without too much interference at first. Make sure that you remove any potential hazards, such as fragile items that could easily fall over and areas where they could get stuck.