The all-season sweet treat called ice cream is a great temptation for cats as it is for us. Ice cream’s first appearance dates back to Roman times. Having a cat, you will hardly be able to control its curiosity and it will probably ask for a lick or two. Is this dairy cold and frozen treat good for your cat we will discuss this in the text below.
Nutritional Needs of a Cats and Ice Cream
A cat is a carnivore by nature and it has a desert origin. These two things must be taken in consideration when talking about cats and their dietary needs. When we say that an animal is an obligate carnivore it means meat must be present in its diet.
Cats eat many other products that are included In their food, but they don’t have the same nutritional value as the meat protein. This protein is crucial for cats and makes them fit and energetic. The metabolism of a cat is made to digest meat-based food and not the one consisting of plants and dairy products.
The most important fact to remember is that cats can not by any means be vegetarians. The meat protein is very important for cats since they use it as a source for the daily dose of calories they have to burn. The more energetic the cat, the more calories it will burn.
Domestic cats eat small and frequent meals. Around 12 per day especially if they eat dry food. Cats are also picky eaters so the smell, temperature, and the texture of the food are highly important.
The nutrients cats need to intake with their meals per day depends on their age, and size. Kittens may get up to 5 meals per day, while an adult cat will get 2 meals daily.
Ice cream is a dairy product and opposite of what is being accepted as a belief, cats do not need milk. The problem with milk is the digestion of the milk sugar known as lactose. It can cause many digestive problems for a cat.
The best diet especially customized for your cat can be made with your vet. He will tell you the perfect dose of food in every meal you give to your feline and recommend any supplements if needed.
Ingredients in the Ice Cream
The most common ingredients of ice cream are cane sugar, vanilla or any other extract, some salt, whole milk, and heavy cream. After you see this basic ice cream ingredient list it seems the answer to the question can your cat eat ice cream is No.
Cats mustn’t have cream since they are lactose intolerant.
Most of the added ingredients in some ice creams are toxic for your cat. Chocolate, coffee, or raisins for example are dangerous for cats.
The most appropriate of all kinds of ice creams the vanilla ice cream is the less dangerous for a cat to try. Although it is not toxic for your cat it is still full of lactose, and it is very high in calories.
You may also wonder can your cat have a non-dairy ice cream because it is lactose-free, but the answer remains No. All the other ingredients can be toxic or dangerous for your cat. Lactose is not the only problematic ingredient in ice cream.
Potential Health Risks if You Give Ice Cream to a Cat
Giving your cat milk or any dairy product, ice cream is one of those that can cause digestive problems you are harming your feline companion.
After consuming the ice cream your cat will perform a variety of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Your cat may be constantly thirsty with dry gums. The heart rate may increase and it won’t feel well at all. These are the signs of intolerance to milk.
In this situation a visit to the vet is obligatory and certain measures to help your cat must be taken. No dairy products at all for your feline after this. Your vet will probably suggest intravenous liquids and the cat may also be hospitalized to apply this process of recovery.
Despite this, your cat may show symptoms of an allergy to ice cream. The allergy usually appears due to some ingredients, but since it can be mild or severe in symptoms you should better hurry to the vet for examination.
Cats are not supposed to eat cold food. Only room-temperature food is appropriate for your cats which automatically brings us to the conclusion that ice cream is not good for your cat. On a hot summer day, a lick of a frozen product is such fun for your cat. And we must stop here. Being frozen is ok, but including problematic ingredients makes ice cream not good for your cat to try.
Safe Alternatives for Ice Cream
There are cat-safe ice cream recipes that contain only cat-safe products. You can always find an appropriate one for your feline and prepare it at home. Lucky cat! You will also be comfortable with that. Your cat will get its frozen treat and you will not expect any problems afterwards.
What to Do if Your Cat Ate Ice Cream?
Stay calm and observe is all that I can suggest. Depending on the amount of ice cream it ate and the kind of ice cream you will in a short time see what’s going to happen. But while observing call your vet and get the first aid advice.
