Not recommended. Despite the image of cats lapping up a saucer of milk, most adult cats are lactose intolerant, and milk commonly gives them diarrhoea. Fresh water is all a cat needs.

Can Cats Eat Milk? Not recommended

If your cat ate milk

Mild diarrhoea usually settles within a day. Call your vet if it continues or your cat stops eating.

Call your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

Why

Kittens digest their mother's milk, but most cats lose much of that ability as they grow. If you want to offer a treat, use a lactose-free milk made for cats, in small amounts.

Sources

ASPCA — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

General information checked against published veterinary sources. Every cat is different — ask your vet before changing its diet, and call them if it seems unwell.