Nutrition Q & A: Oh, Soy!

Is it safe for my five-year-old female cat to drink soy milk?
—Debra


We would not recommend feeding your cat soy milk in place of fresh water or as the major ingredient in her diet, Debra. However, if your cat likes a taste of soy milk as an occasional treat, it shouldn't cause her any harm—just keep the portion small.

In general, treats should make up no more than 5 to 10 percent of your pet's daily caloric intake. The rest of her calories should come from a high-quality, nutritionally complete cat food. It’s also important to remember that pets’ digestive systems can be very sensitive, and unfamiliar foods can cause digestive upset. If you notice your cat having problems as a result of the soy milk, we would recommend that you stop feeding it to her.

You can also take a look on our website for more information about how people foods and products can affect your pets.