Can cats drink coconut milk? You might have found yourself wondering this if your cat tried to sneak a sip while you were grabbing some coconut milk in the kitchen. If humans can drink coconut milk, can cats safely drink it too?
There is no short yes or no answer as to whether cats can drink coconut milk safely. It isn’t technically poisonous or toxic to cats, but the amount of oil and fat in coconut milk means that it’s really not something that you should be regularly serving to your kitty.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food or drinks with your beloved feline, including coconut milk. Here’s what you need to know about coconut milk and cats.
When Is Coconut Milk Okay For Cats To Drink?
If your cat seems interested in taking a couple of sips of coconut milk, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about. According to the ASPCA, when a cat consumes “small amounts” of “coconut and coconut-based products,” it’s unlikely to cause harm to your pet.
So if you notice that your cat has sneaked in some coconut milk, just monitor your feline to make sure there are no immediate side effects, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
When Is Coconut Milk Bad For Cats?
There are more than a few reasons why you should not get into the habit of serving coconut milk to your cat.
Firstly, the ASPCA notes that due to the relatively high levels of oil in coconut milk, there’s the likelihood that it could cause your cat to suffer from a bout of diarrhea or experience an upset stomach.
Coconut milk is also high in fat, which could end up leading to feline obesity problems if your cat starts making it a regular part of their diet.
Beyond the fat and oil content, there’s also the likelihood that commercial brands of coconut milk include additional ingredients and additives which could end up harming your cat.
Additional note: The ASPCA also cites coconut water as something that you should keep away from your cat due to its high levels of potassium.
Has your kitty shown any interest in tasting coconut milk? Did they feel okay after they tried it? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
