15 Unusual Facts About Cats That Most People Don't Know

12. Cats Are Lactose Intolerant

Despite the popular image of cats lapping up bowls of milk, most cats are actually lactose intolerant. As kittens, they produce the enzyme lactase to digest their mother’s milk, but this enzyme diminishes as they grow. Drinking milk can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, and discomfort for adult cats. If you want to treat your cat, it’s better to stick to water or cat-specific milk alternatives. While they might be curious about dairy, their bodies aren’t built to handle it—another reminder that the real-life needs of cats often differ from old myths.