Cat milk replacer - the most famous mixtures and their fat content

Every owner needs to know where to buy and how to choose a cat milk substitute.

After all, sometimes situations arise when a cat, for some reason, is not able to feed kittens.

Cats are very gentle creatures. Newborn kittens should start eating immediately after birth.

That is why the female’s body begins to produce cat milk in advance, before the onset of childbirth.

Maternal colostrum has unique immunomodulatory properties

Sometimes situations arise when a cat, for some reason, is unable or refuses to feed kittens.

Either the animal dies after childbirth or even during its process.

Therefore, every responsible cat owner needs to know what can replace cat milk if necessary.

The first meal of the day for kittens is vital because, together with their mother’s milk (which at first faintly resembles milk and is called colostrum), they receive a portion of antibodies to deadly viruses.

Thus, within 24 hours, babies receive lasting immunity.

It is important to understand that colostrum is unique in composition and cannot be replaced artificially.

Cat milk replacers are intended to be an alternative to milk in the classical sense, which the cat lactates with after colostrum.

Features of digestion in adults and children

When feeding newborn kittens, you should avoid using whole milk. The gastrointestinal tract of babies, compared to an adult cat, is more adapted to the absorption of lactose, but there are other factors, taking into account which it is better to exclude this product:

• for a small, not fully formed and sensitive stomach, cow's milk is too high in calories and heavy;
• milk obtained from a pregnant cow contains a large amount of tarragon, which causes irreparable harm to the unformed and still weak body;
• if the stomach does not digest lactose, a severe allergy (which causes more serious illnesses) or diarrhea will begin;
• if the cow was given antibiotics or other drugs, then they enter the body with milk and provoke, at a minimum, severe dysbacteriosis or more serious and dangerous consequences;
• Store-bought pasteurized milk is also not recommended for kittens due to unknown benefits.

The listed warnings apply to a greater extent to urban domestic purebred cats with weak immunity. Seasoned yard kittens eat any milk and full-fat sour cream without any health consequences.

In fact, there is no categorical prohibition for cats and kittens, because every adult animal eventually retains an enzyme in its body that breaks down lactose. And negative reactions towards milk are observed in kittens with a reduced concentration of this enzyme in the body (by the way, we have a separate article about feeding meat).

Experts who recommend not including milk in the diet of babies confirm their arguments by the fact that in the wild, cats do not drink it. But the diet of an animal undergoes changes as it is domesticated, so nutrition in artificial conditions is very different.

And if he doesn’t digest milk, but you want to give him this treat, there is also a way out. Pet stores sell special products from well-known companies, so-called milk replacers for cats, which contain no milk sugar at all.

But such goodies should just be treats; you shouldn’t feed them to your cat all the time.

What is the fat content of a cat's milk?

Each animal's milk has a different taste and composition. Of course, if breastfeeding is not possible, you can use an alternative, such as infant formula that is sold in supermarkets, cow's or goat's milk, or semolina. However, no matter what kind of milk you use, cat milk is most suitable for feeding kittens. It contains the ideal concentration of microelements, vitamins, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

As a rule, cats do not refuse to feed their young. But there are times when the mother dies and the babies are left without food. In this case, only a person can help them. It's good if there is a feeding cat. Otherwise, you will have to bottle feed your babies. If it is not possible to purchase it at a pet store, you can take a plastic bottle of the same drops for the nose or eyes and put a rubber band on it from a pipette. Don't forget to poke a few holes in it with a needle.

Cat milk replacer for kittens

Since there is no organic alternative for cat milk, some cat food manufacturers have created a line of artificial cat milk substitutes. They include components necessary for the kitten’s body, such as: minerals, vitamins, trace elements, the amino acid Taurine, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

There are several manufacturers of cat milk substitutes; they differ in quality, configuration and composition. The price of products from different manufacturers also differs. Here are the most popular ones:

• Royal Canin, which also produces food
• Beaphar
• Gimpet
• Canina
• Nutri-Vet
• Dolfos
• Clauder's
• Gimborn
• Hartz
• Trixie
• Vo-Toys
• Camon

Milk for adult cats

Dairy products for cats, just like milk for cats, are a great treat. Milk can be given to cats if individual tolerance is good and there are no allergic manifestations. But it should be noted that castrated cats are prone to obesity, and cow product contains 149 kcal.

Therefore, drinking plenty of this drink together with dry food or food from the table can lead to an increase in the weight of the animal, which will negatively affect the cat’s body as a whole.

Therefore, you need to feed your cat dairy products in moderate doses. For a cat, as a more active creature than a lazy cat, these calories are not so significant, so cats can drink milk in any volume.

The benefits of full fat milk

A lot of research has been conducted in which scientists have tried to find out which milk is the most beneficial. Often consumers refuse milk with high fat content, being convinced that it is harmful to health. But recent experiments have shown that such milk is beneficial.

The fact is that the saturated fats it contains make vitamins easier to absorb. It is worth explaining that without the latter, normal metabolic processes in the body are impossible.

Fat content of milk and digestion.

Milk is one of the few products that have a choleretic effect, which is why it is used in preparing breakfasts. This effect is provided by drops of milk fat, which means that the low-fat product will be useless.

If you do not have health problems, it is recommended to drink whole milk with a fat content of 2.5–3.2%.

Milk fat content and caffeine absorption.

Milk is added to coffee or tea not only because of its pleasant taste, but also because, thanks to milk fat, caffeine is absorbed more slowly. In other words, coffee with milk has a milder effect and does not provoke surges in blood pressure. If a person cannot get rid of the habit of drinking coffee, but is hypertensive, it is better to opt for this drink with a maximum fat content of milk from 6%.

Milk fat and protein content.

We are talking about an important source of proteins, namely albumin and casein. The latter are dissolved in the aqueous fraction, so their content does not depend in any way on the fat content

People who are trying to lose weight through exercise can safely drink skim milk or milk with up to 1% fat.

Milk fat content and vitamins.

This drink contains fat-soluble vitamins, for example, retinol, better known as vitamin A, as well as vitamin D. There are also water-soluble ones, which include B vitamins

It is important that the latter are not affected by the level of fat, but a low-fat product will not contain vitamins A and D.

Milk becomes one of the key sources of useful elements in the spring, when, after long-term storage, vegetables and fruits cannot provide a person with the required dose of such substances.

Milk fat content and microelements.

Milk contains a lot of calcium. Interestingly, this element is included in the water fraction, but the body will not absorb it without vitamin D. Therefore, if you prefer skim milk, combine it with other fatty foods, otherwise you will not get the necessary calcium. So, butter will provide the required dose of vitamin D.

Another important trace element contained in milk is copper. It is important for normal hematopoiesis. The body absorbs copper in complexes with fat-soluble substances, which means it cannot be obtained from skim milk.

If you want to know what fat content of milk is better to choose, remember that skim milk contains fewer nutrients, so you shouldn’t get carried away with it. Treat it exactly as a dietary product, and not a permanent element of your diet.

Recommendations for use

A family usually buys about two or three liters of goat milk at a time. To make it beneficial, keep an eye on some points:

• Buy chilled.
• Ask how the owner cools it after milking the animal (need immediately after receiving milk).
• If you brought the jar home, put it in the refrigerator. Darkness and coolness are two conditions for maintaining quality.
• You need to drink it warm. Cold food inhibits enzymatic processing, and hot food is absorbed too quickly without interacting with stomach secretions.
• Milk should be heated in a water bath, not over an open fire.
• It is better for health if the intake of the drink is alternated with the use of fermented milk drinks (yogurt, bifida, kefir).
• The last dose is 2-4 hours before bedtime, but no later than nineteen hours.
• Not all medications can be taken with it. Usually at the appointment the doctor advises the patient on this matter. But it’s better to play it safe and ask an additional question.
• The product brings benefits to the body, but not with a single use, but in cycles of at least ninety days.
• Ideally, it should be drunk without combining it with other types of food. In the morning before breakfast at least an hour. In the afternoon, an hour and a half before lunch. In the afternoon, without eating sandwiches and flour products. The doctor will give you specific recommendations for mixing it with juices and herbal infusions.

Fulfill all the conditions - and goat’s milk will become a real natural healer.

Why can't you drink it with bread, meat or vegetables?

Milk does not like combinations with other products and can cause flatulence or loose stools. Even with a good habit of it and the absence of unpleasant consequences in such cases, it does not turn into a medicine, into a nutritious product, nothing more.

Why should farmers refrigerate it immediately after milking a goat?

Fresh milk has the ability to kill pathogenic bacteria; it contains special bactericides for this purpose. It is a good immunostimulant and has an anti-inflammatory and anti-disbacteriosis effect.

120 minutes is the time when harmful organisms in a freshly milked drink do not divide: the bactericidal stage. It is prolonged by cooling. Beneficial compounds will last forty-eight hours if properly stored and initially refrigerated. If you do not follow the technology, then within six hours the unique healing properties will disappear.

Some vitamins and enzyme complexes are destroyed in light. Hence the rule of storage in a dark place. The tighter the lid is closed and the cleaner the filling container, the longer the product will not become contaminated with harmful microorganisms. But if you close a steamed drink, it will “suffocate.”

Do not use containers made of aluminum, plastic or galvanized for carrying and storage.

Technological process for producing milk with 3.5% fat content:

The technological scheme for milk production consists of 8 stages:

1. After milking the cows, milk is distributed into storage tanks and cooled. Its properties will depend on the conditions of its storage and transportation in the future, because if milk is stored for a long time in an unrefrigerated room, its acidity and the number of bacteria in it quickly increase.
2. Milk is accepted in accordance with GOST R 52054, which indicates that milk for further processing must be a homogeneous liquid without flakes and sediment, not frozen, without foreign odors and tastes, white or light cream in color. GOST R 52054 also determines the permissible acidity, density, bacterial and chemical composition of milk.
3. Afterwards, the milk is purified in a centrifugal separator at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, in which foreign impurities, mechanical impurities and microorganisms are removed from it under the influence of centrifugal forces.
4. The milk is then normalized to 3.2% fat in normalizer separators and cream separators, which first remove all the cream from it, and then a certain portion of the cream is returned to skim milk to produce milk of the desired fat percentage.
5. The next stage of the milk production process is homogenization, which involves crushing the fat globules present in milk into smaller ones to obtain a homogeneous milk structure. Homogenization is carried out due to mechanical action by passing milk through a pipe of small diameter.
6. Then the milk is pasteurized, that is, it undergoes heat treatment in order to destroy the pathogenic microflora contained in the milk. There are 3 milk pasteurization modes: long-term – at a temperature of 63 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes; short-term - at a temperature of 78 degrees Celsius for 20 seconds and instantaneous - at a temperature of more than 90 degrees Celsius without holding. The choice of pasteurization mode depends on the characteristics of the resulting product and the milk production technological line.
7. Next, the milk is cooled to 5 degrees Celsius.
8. Chilled milk is poured into containers, which are transported to points of sale.

The shelf life of pasteurized and packaged milk with 3.2% fat content depends on the specific manufacturer, container and storage conditions, but is generally about 3 days at a temperature of 2 - 4 degrees Celsius. If milk was stored at a higher temperature, its shelf life becomes significantly shorter. For more accurate information about the shelf life of milk, see the information on its packaging.

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Review of brands and price

Of the existing brands of milk replacers for kittens, veterinarians highlight Royal Canin, GimCat and Beaphar, calling their products the highest quality and balanced in composition.

Royal Canin

Royal Canin

Royal Canin Babycat milk is a complete cat's milk substitute for kittens from birth to two months of age. This product is an ideal replacement for cat milk.

In terms of the percentage of lactose, this substitute is as close as possible to natural milk. In addition, the food contains a sufficient amount of easily digestible proteins, ensuring active development of the kitten in the first months of life.

According to consumer reviews, when feeding this product, kittens quickly gain weight (up to 10 g per day) and height. The protein and fat content of Babycat milk is very high (33 and 39%, respectively). The food contains all the ingredients necessary for kittens (amino acids, fatty acids, prebiotics), as well as a rich complex of vitamins and microelements.

In addition, the food contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This is an important ingredient in cat milk, necessary to stimulate the brain activity of babies. Babycat milk milk replacer does not contain a starchy component that is harmful to the body of kittens.

Beaphar Kitty Milk (Beafar)

Beaphar Kitty Milk, a cat's milk replacer produced in the Netherlands, is suitable for feeding kittens of any breed from birth until they reach the age of 35 days. In terms of the amount of proteins and fats, Kitty Milk is as close as possible to cat milk. Contains all the ingredients your pet needs for full development.

In addition to the main nutrients (proteins, lipids, lactose), the food is enriched with useful substances: unsaturated fatty acids, taurine, vitamin complex (A, C, D, group B), microelements (iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, copper) . The product can be used to restore the health of adult animals, as well as for pregnant cats that need stimulation of the lactation function of the mammary glands.

GimCat Cat-Milk (Gimcat)

GimCat Cat-Milk contains all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions to ensure ideal development for kittens. Thanks to the amino acid taurine, Cat-Milk helps lay the foundations for good vision, strong digestive and cardiovascular systems.

GimCat Cat-Milk

Arachidonic acid provides a beautiful coat. The main component of the food, meat protein, is highly nutritious and is easily absorbed by the baby’s body.

Galactopolysaccharides (a type of ballast substances) help form the intestinal microflora.

Thanks to its balanced composition, GimCat Cat-Milk can be used as additional nutrition for pregnant cats, for adult and elderly pets (during the recovery period), as well as for supplementary feeding of kittens after transition to solid food.

Trovet Kitten Milk KMS

Trovet Kitten Milk KMS

Trovet Kitten Milk KMS is a milk replacer for kittens based on high-quality and easily digestible protein. Trovet Kitten Milk KMS provides babies with adequate nutrition and activity throughout the day.

Due to the moderate amount of lactose, the product is suitable for feeding puppies. In addition, this food can be used as a supplementary nutrition for cats bearing kittens and for lactating cats.

The milk has a high taste and is liked by kittens. The food contains valuable microelements (potassium phosphorus, sodium, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese) and vitamins (A, D, E) necessary for the development of a small organism.

Kittenmilch CDVet

Kittenmilch CdVet (Kittenmilk)

Kittenmilch CdVet is a milk replacer made from whole milk powder with the addition of colostrum.

Kittenmilch CdVet is a natural product with a high content of quality proteins and fats, providing high nutritional value. The presence of colostrum makes the substitute an ideal food for kittens.

The manufacturer recommends using the substitute as the main food or as supplementary feeding in case of hypogalactia in the mother cat. It contains substances that strengthen the digestive and immune systems of kittens.

Advice! Immediately after feeding, it is recommended to stimulate the baby's digestion by lightly stroking the tummy in a circular motion.

Examples: how to replace milk at home

The most famous cat in the world and famous cats

In addition to special mixtures, milk for kittens can be replaced with some other products. First of all, it is goat milk. Its composition is similar to that of cats and contains nutrients in approximately the same quantities. You can use baby formula (such as Nutrilon or Nestogen), but it is important to remember that its chemical composition is very different from that of original cat milk.

As a last resort, you can prepare your own substitute from ordinary products at home:

• Milk + yolk + honey. Mix 500 ml of cow's (or goat's) milk, 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1 yellow hard-boiled egg. Add 0.3 ml of vitamin drops Tetravit or Trivit.
• Milk + glucose + yolk + butter. Mix 100 ml of cow's milk, 20 ml of 5% glucose, 1 chicken yolk, 1 spoon of vegetable oil and 0.3 ml of Tetravit or Trivit drops. You can add baby formula.

You can prepare food for small animals with your own hands

Recipes for making your own mixture

If the kitten tolerates pasteurized cow's milk well, then you can make him dishes based on it. To prepare the classic recipe you will need:

• a glass of warm milk;
• 2 chicken egg yolks;
• vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon;
• 1 drop of multivitamin solution (for example, Trivita or Tetravita).

If the kitten is very weak and thin, you can prepare a sweet mixture based on condensed milk - it contains enough fats and carbohydrates so that the baby quickly gains weight and gets stronger. It is made according to the following recipe:

1. Condensed milk is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:5.
2. Add bone meal at the rate of 1 teaspoon per liter of liquid.

This dish is only allowed to be given to kittens over 1 week old. Suitable only for emergency feeding (after 5–7 days you should switch to a regular formula with milk or a powder substitute).

How to feed?

Cream is given in limited quantities. The amount of food and frequency of its consumption depend on the characteristics of the pet. Cream can be given in its pure form, diluted with water or mixed with crushed quail eggs.

Kittens and old pets

For newborn kittens who are bottle-fed, you can prepare cream according to this recipe:

• 3 ml boiled water;
• 5 ml cream (no more than 10%);
• 2 ml glucose.

The ingredients are mixed and fed to the cats using a syringe. A single serving is 2 ml. This mixture can replace mother's milk, but the kitten's reaction should be monitored. The product is given 5-7 times a day. If you have an upset stomach, you need to stop using this method of feeding.

A one-month-old kitten can already feed on its own, so its diet expands. Cream can be left on the menu, but its portion is reduced.

Dosage when feeding kittens with milk replacers

The finished mixture must be measured correctly; for this, for example, manufacturers of some mixtures include in the packaging a special measuring spoon and three nipples of different sizes for the convenience of feeding the animal as it grows.

When and in what dosage is it best to feed a kitten?

First of all, it all depends on his age and breed.

Kittens of large breeds, say, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Kurilian Bobtail, Pixie Bob, Ragdoll, Turkish Van, are much larger physically than their counterparts.

Accordingly, their need for nutrients for normal development is higher.

Savannah kittens are among the tallest

Packages of milk substitutes from different manufacturers must contain an approximate calculation of the dosage.

The amount of mixture required looks like this:

• From one to four days - 30-32 ml;
• From five to fourteen days - 37-39 ml;
• From fifteen to twenty-five days - 44-47 ml;
• from twenty-six to thirty-six days 52-55 ml.

You need to monitor your pet's weight gain every day

To calculate the exact dosage of the diet your kitten needs, you need to monitor its weight gain and the animal’s health condition daily.

You can learn more about this based on the table:

Cat milk replacer dosage table

Although the table provides complete information about the dosage, it is necessary to determine as accurately as possible whether the kitten is full or not.

This is necessary because both overfeeding and underfeeding are dangerous for his body.

If the cub is underfed, it falls into a state of lethargy and restlessness.

If, on the contrary, it is overfed, the animal’s stool changes.

Stool is the most obvious indicator of a cat's satiety.

Light overfeeding leads to loose, yellowish stools.

With average overfeeding, the stool becomes greenish, and with regular overfeeding, the stool becomes gray.

Other products

If the cat’s body tolerates milk well, then it can also be included in the diet. The whole product should not be given. Before milk is poured into your pet, it is diluted with water.

In addition to cream, you can include the following fermented milk products :

1. Kefir. Its fat content should not exceed 3%. Kefir must be fresh. If he is 2-3 days old, then he should not be given it.
2. Cottage cheese with fat content up to 5%. He should not be more than 2 days old.
3. Ryazhenka with a fat content of 3-3.5%. The drink should not contain any additives, such as starch.
4. Low-fat yogurt. It should not contain fruit filling.
5. Sour cream (with a minimum percentage of fat content).

It is better to avoid cheeses - they have a high percentage of fat content, and some varieties contain a lot of salt, which is also harmful to the animal.

You should not give cats fermented milk products that have passed their expiration date. They can cause poisoning.

Regardless of the type of feeding and treats, it is recommended that cat owners take their animal to the veterinarian once every 6-12 months. In addition to a general examination, the pet should undergo a stool examination and undergo a general and biochemical blood test. Diagnostics will determine how food is absorbed, whether the body has enough nutrients, vitamins, etc.

Source

Beef fat manipulation

Businessmen have many ideas about what to add to milk to add fat. Recently, rumors have been actively spreading that animal fat, for example, beef, is added to the drink. Such falsification affects not only the taste of the product, but also how it affects the human body.

If we compare these two types of fats, milk and animal, the first is unstable to high temperatures, light, oxygen and various acids. Under the influence of these factors, it hydrolyzes and oxidizes.

The composition of animal fat is much more tolerant of all these irritants.

Consequently, when it is added to milk, the product can retain its original appearance for a long time, which plays to the benefit of farmers who want to make money on everything (it is worth adding that beef fat has a low market price). However, it complicates the absorption of the product in the human body, and also has an increased level of bad cholesterol in its composition.

How does this falsification occur? Beef fat is obtained by rendering out the lard of cattle, after which it is added to milk. This is how high fat content results.

Other substitutes

More and more people are thinking about a healthy and balanced diet, the diet of which should include foods with high biological value and low cholesterol levels. In this regard, they began to produce breast milk substitutes, which most people consider dangerous for their body. They are used to partially replace the element in dairy production and the confectionery industry. Examples of substitutes and companies that sell such additives:

• "Ekomol". This is a baked balanced mixture that reduces the cost of goods and does not contain vegetable fats;
• Masking Extra is another dietary supplement. It is actively used for the production of an analogue of milk fat, often combined with beef, to further reduce the price;
• Solar Products is a leading manufacturer specializing in the processing of vegetable fats and oils. SolPro specialists select the fat system based on the requirements for the composition of triglycerides, which reduces the level of cholesterol in finished products;
• "Optimol". The mixture consists only of fats of animal origin and dairy. The composition contains food coloring, antioxidant, flavoring. No vegetable fats, trans isomers and GMOs;
• "EFKO". Soft, highly plastic. Essential in the production of spreads, sour cream and milk-containing products. The amount of fat is at least 99.9%.

These companies have practically occupied the market, and now it is very difficult to find something natural in the store. But, if you are a responsible person who cares what you present to your body, you should be guided not by the price, but by the quality of the product that you are going to take home.

ZMZH - is the wolf as scary as he is painted?

Substitutes may well be present in the composition by 85%, instead of natural fat. ZMZh contains more vitamins, while they are low in calories.

Their advantages are obvious:

1. Lack of cholesterol in the composition, which means a reduced threat of problems with the cardiovascular system.
2. High level of unsaturated fatty acids. This has a good effect on the body.
3. Good, creamy taste and light consistency.

What is whole milk?

The photo shows how whole cow's milk is produced.
Whole milk is a product that does not undergo any changes, is not passed through a separator in order to reduce its fat content, and retains a large amount of useful substances in its composition. Ideally, this is milk from a cow, strained to mechanically remove possible impurities that have entered the milk yield during the milking process. This product can be stored for no more than 2 days.

To obtain milk yield in industrial conditions, closed-type automatic milking machines are used

Since the product undergoes minimal pre-sale preparation, at the production stage attention to milk yield is increased. Protection against the growth of bacteria is carried out through careful sanitization of equipment. To remove foreign substances from the product, mechanical filtration is practiced.

To remove foreign substances from the product, mechanical filtration is practiced.

Whole milk comes out of the cow aseptically, but in the external environment it almost immediately comes into contact with bacteria, many of which are potentially pathogenic. To avoid bacteriological contamination of the product, thorough sanitary treatment of containers for further bottling is carried out. By the way, the product is bottled exclusively in plastic or glass bottles, and the product specification must be indicated on the packaging.

Thanks to the industrial system for controlling bacteriological contamination, whole drinking milk does not sour after 2 days, like homemade milk, but the process of destabilization of the product will begin within 7-10 days.

Photo of whole milk

The key characteristic of whole milk and its main difference from normalized and skim milk is the fat content of the product. The indicator may vary depending on many factors. GOST 31450-2013 takes into account the specifics of such a product, therefore, during sampling and analysis, it is not the exact value of the fat content of whole milk that is determined, but a range. Also, the packaging of the product does not indicate the exact percentage of fat, but this range: most often, you can buy whole milk from 8 to 9%.

Density is another distinguishing characteristic of the product. The indicator is measured at 20°C and is 1.027-1.033 g per cm3. If you add water to whole milk, its density and viscosity decreases.

The acidity of whole milk averages 16-18°T (Turner degrees), but not lower than 15 and not higher than 20. The indicator, like density, is determined in laboratory conditions, but is not required to be indicated on the product packaging.

Cat's milk and its features

When a cat's colostrum turns into full-fledged milk, it can hardly be distinguished from any other milk, including the familiar cow's milk. Basically, the composition of cat milk is approximately the same as the composition of regular milk, and differs only in the percentage of components:

• About seventy percent of a cat's milk is water. As for the fat content, on average it does not exceed 11%, which is 7% lower than the fat content of human, goat and cow milk.
• The protein content of milk is also about 11%, which is very different from the 2% in women's milk, and the 4% in cow's and goat's milk.
• The amount of lactose is slightly higher than 3%, which is less than in women's (6%), goat and cow's milk (5%).

The composition of cat's milk differs from any other in the proportions of proteins, fats and lactose. It follows that the protein ratio and fat content of cat milk is significantly higher than in any other milk, so it is not possible to replace it with natural alternatives.

Composition and nutritional value of milk

The drink mainly consists of water: it occupies up to 88% of the total mass.
It contains 4.7% carbohydrates, 3.2% fats, and 2.9% proteins. There is no fiber in the composition. The average calorie content of 100 ml of milk is 60 kcal, but the figure may vary depending on the fat content of the product and its variety. For example, mare's milk is considered dietary. Milk contains almost all the vitamins and minerals discovered by mankind. However, the proportion of some compounds is small. This applies to phylloquinone, ascorbic acid, molybdenum and fluorine.

The drink contains relatively many of the following substances:

The drink contains a lot of retinol and potassium.

• retinol;
• riboflavin;
• thiamine;
• pantothenic, nicotinic acids;
• choline;
• cobalamin;
• pyridoxine;
• biotin;
• potassium;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• chlorine;
• chromium;
• phosphorus;
• iodine;
• cobalt

Benefits of consuming dairy fats

For the human body to function properly, milk fats are required. The component includes cholesterol, which the body needs in small quantities and makes blood vessels strong and elastic. In addition, the absorption of calcium from milk with normal fat content compares favorably with low-fat milk. The mineral will benefit teeth, hair and nail plates, and the musculoskeletal system.

Containing fatty acids are participants in lipid metabolism. They break down subcutaneous fat, causing weight loss and eliminating the fat layer. The substances protect against gaining extra pounds, are responsible for strengthening the immune system, and reducing the risk of intestinal disorders. Regular consumption eliminates toxins and waste, which slow down metabolic processes.

Natural homemade milk is just right for restoring strength and replenishing bioenergy. Its use is associated with physical activity: athletes, steelworkers, miners - this is an incomplete list of people who need dairy products. Doctors recommend consumption of dairy products in the postoperative period.

Only natural fat is beneficial in cow's milk. It is advisable to abandon surrogates, including palm oil, which can be harmful to health.

A characteristic feature of cow's milk is its fat content: it is valued by users. It is not difficult to increase or decrease the fat content of a homemade product; it is more difficult to follow the rules for caring for a cow. Cow owners will receive high-quality milk necessary for nutrition and health.

Types of milk depending on normalization and fat content

The food industry not only packages the resulting milk raw materials, but subjects it to special processing. The method by which milk is processed determines its composition, taste, nutritional value, shelf life and other characteristics. Let's take a closer look at the types of milk produced by the dairy industry.

Normalized

Normalization of milk involves adjusting the components of raw materials - fat content and dry matter. At the same time, the shelf life of the product is increased.

Normalized milk is obtained from whole milk. The product is divided into components - skim milk and fat. To obtain the desired fat content, whole milk cream is added to skim milk.

GOST establishes that the fat content of normalized milk should not exceed 3.5%. Normalized milk is stored for 7-10 days. Unlike whole milk, normalized milk is less fat and contains much less microelements and vitamins. But it contains vitamins B and H, potassium, calcium, phosphorus - albeit in smaller quantities compared to whole milk.

At each stage of normalization, certain equipment is used. Cream is separated from whole milk - some of it is removed, and some is mixed with skim milk, achieving the desired fat content. The advantage of normalized milk is the ability to obtain the desired fat content.

Refurbished

This is a drink made from concentrated milk and water. Use dry powder or condensed milk. In terms of composition and calorie content, reconstituted milk is similar to normalized milk, but it is of little benefit, since the beneficial properties are lost when dried.

The process of reconstitution from milk powder looks like this:

1. Dry powder is diluted in warm water.
2. After a few hours, the normal density and viscosity of the product is restored. No additives or preservatives are added to the drink.
3. The resulting milk mixture is cleaned, heat-treated and packaged.

The product, made from powdered milk, was once sold as "milk". After the introduction of Federal Law-88 - “Technical Regulations for Milk and Dairy Products”, such products are called “milk drinks”. Now this is the name given to all products obtained by mixing water and concentrated or condensed milk, whole/skimmed milk powder.

Mixed

This is a compromise between a refurbished and normalized product. It is made from both products. Reconstituted milk is inferior in biological value to its normalized counterpart. “Milk drinks” usually appear on shelves in winter, when there is a shortage of whole milk.

Selected

Selected milk is of the highest quality. It has high nutritional value as it is made from the best raw materials. It is not sterilized or separated. This product is only pasteurized, which allows it to retain most of its beneficial properties.

Selected milk, unlike the production of regular milk, does not allow mixing of raw materials of different types. Only milk with improved characteristics is used - as a rule, it is taken from certain farmers. Selected raw materials are not standardized or mixed with skim milk - its fat content remains at its natural level.

Each batch of selected milk may have its own fat content - this is indicated on the packaging. These products last longer because they are made from exceptional quality raw materials with a reduced microbial content. Selected milk is much higher than ordinary milk. It is indispensable in baby food; people who want to eat natural products are also interested in it.

Frequency of feeding

During the first week, babies are fed every 2-3 hours during the day to avoid various diseases and to strengthen the body. Then gradually reduce feeding at night, bringing the feeding interval to 5 hours in the second week. At week 3, when the kittens begin to see, feeding at night is stopped (from 24:00 to 6:00 am). After 4 weeks, they proceed to the feeding process according to the usual schedule.

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The kitten may refuse further food intake due to the fact that he generally eats little. Sometimes this is associated with some kind of disease. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian.

If the baby's tummy is large and dense, you should stop feeding after feeding the required portion. The animal may not feel full and therefore continue to eat.

Precautions and possible harm

As cats lose the ability to digest milk as they age, they may develop intolerance.
It manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea. The animal often licks itself, may experience increased thirst, becomes lethargic and refuses to play. In the future, in the absence of help, dehydration occurs and the likelihood of developing gastrointestinal pathologies increases. If symptoms of intolerance appear, it is necessary to put the animal on a starvation diet for 1-2 days and provide it with plenty of fluids, since the pet’s body loses a lot of fluid. Not eating for a short period will not cause harm. Fasting will help the gastrointestinal tract rest and recover. Subsequently, the animal is gradually returned to its previous diet. First, he is given gentle foods that strengthen the stool, such as rice and its decoction. Subsequently, low-fat broths and beef are introduced. The transition to a normal diet takes a week.

Milk skimming process

Fresh whole milk typically has a fat content of 3-6%. Cream is separated from it through special processing (separation). The amount of fat in them ranges from 8%. Skim milk is the liquid separated as a result of processing, that is, skim milk. It has a white translucent appearance. But it cannot be said that this product contains no fat at all. It exists, but in very small doses - up to 0.5%.

Degreasing technology in production

The procedure for defatting a product at a dairy plant consists of several steps.

• Fresh produce is poured into cans and refrigerated to significantly increase its shelf life. After this, the milk is sent to the plant for processing.
• At the factory, it goes through a processing stage in a separator to remove bacteria and dirt at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius.
• Then the product is passed through special devices to separate cream and skim milk, which is also called skimmed milk. As a result, the fat content is reduced to 0.1%.
• After this, the return undergoes further processing to create a more uniform structure.
• A mandatory step is pasteurization, which involves heating the product to 65-90 degrees Celsius to re-clean it from contaminants.
• At the final stage of production, the product is cooled and poured into special containers. It is then sent for sale to retail outlets.

Skimming milk at home

According to the generally accepted typology, skimmed milk has a fat content of 0.1% and below.

Therefore, it is important to note that it will not be possible to obtain such a low percentage of fat content at home due to the lack of special equipment used at the dairy plant

To obtain a low-fat product, you can use different methods. The hot method gives faster results, while the cold method has a slower effect. Let's take a closer look at them.

Hot way

Whole milk should be poured into a saucepan with a thick bottom. Bring the product to a boil over low heat, then remove the pan from the heat and cool its contents. With this approach, the cream will rise to the top and can be removed with a spoon. This way you will get a product with less fat content.

Cold way

If there is not enough milk, you can pour it into a container with a wide neck or into a deep plate. The container should be placed in the refrigerator for 10-12 hours. During this period, a natural process of separation of milk and fatty parts will occur. Then the cream can also be simply skimmed off with a clean spoon.

At home, you can prepare skim milk using a mixer. Pour the whole milk into a tall container, lower the mixer into it and turn on the highest speed. After a while you will see small lumps. This is how the fat separation process occurs. After this, you will only need to strain the liquid through cheesecloth. The result is butter and skim milk.

How to skim homemade milk with a mixer

Those who do not know how to skim homemade milk can resort to this method. It requires the use of a mixer. The procedure looks like this:

• the milk is placed in a convenient container with high sides;
• the mixer is lowered into it, after which the maximum speed is turned on;
• after a while you will be able to see how pieces of butter separate from the milk (they will begin to stick to the whisk and remain on the walls of the container);
• when the oil is completely separated, you need to strain the milk mixture through cheesecloth;
• the oil that remains in the gauze is suitable for consumption.

If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a three-liter jar! Milk is poured into it, after which the jar is closed with a nylon lid. You should sit comfortably and place the jar on your knee, after which you need to roll it back and forth with sharp movements. After 15-20 minutes the butter will separate from the milk.

If you don’t yet know how to skim milk at home, you can use one of the methods described above. This will not take much time, but only desire and compliance with all the rules of a particular method.

Is it possible to give?

Milk can be given to cats, but not to all. If your pet is lactose intolerant , then including this product in the diet will cause stomach upset.

Cream is a derivative of milk. They also contain lactose. For this reason, the product can cause digestive problems.

In addition to milk sugar, cream contains a high percentage of fat. In excess, such food has a negative effect on liver function. But due to the beneficial substances contained in the product, the treat can be given to your pet (in limited quantities).

Benefits and harms

The opinions of veterinarians and breeders are divided. Some experts do not recommend giving cats cream. In the case when the animal cannot be fed naturally, i.e. mother's milk, you should buy special cat formulas. If you give your pet cream, it will have health problems.

Another group of veterinarians and breeders is of the opinion that it all depends on the diet. There is no need to give cream if the cat eats only food. The latter contain all the elements necessary for the animal. If the pet is not given food, then dairy products will compensate for the lack of vitamins and minerals.

Fat percentage

A healthy adult cat can be given cream if its fat content does not exceed 10%. Additionally, it is recommended to dilute the product with water (1:1).

Impact factors

The fat content of cow's milk is influenced by many factors. At first glance, an unpretentious animal needs proper care, adherence to feeding principles and the study of individual characteristics. For example, you cannot expect a lot of milk from a meat cow.

Alternatively, the difference between homemade and store-bought milk is one of the types of processing listed above. Sometimes the fat content of homemade liquid is unknown, because it can be accurately determined in production. And drinking untested fresh milk is fraught with digestive disorders and other consequences. Therefore, they often talk about its excessive fat content.

Genetics

Genetic predisposition and the breed of the animal play an important role in the problems of increasing the fat content of milk. For many years, breeders have worked to develop a cow that will have both high milk yield and fat percentage. But if owners of cows increase milk yield, this helps reduce fat content. Also, in the process of increasing the fat content of cow's milk, the volume of lactation decreased.

As a result, the following cow breeds showed the best results:

• Jersey with the highest record of 14 percent and an average of 5. They have low milk yields, so they are kept one or two in small farms;
• Red Danish with a fat content of 5.1 percent;
• Simmental, the maximum fat content of which reached 4.85 percent.

In Russia, the Yaroslavl breed (4.15 percent) achieved the greatest results in terms of fat content of cow's milk, followed by the Kholmogorskaya (3.97) and Kostromskaya (3.92). The worst indicators are for the black-and-white and red steppe species of cattle. Their fat component is noted at 3.3 percent. These are average values.

However, they live up to expectations regarding high milk yield and total fat content. Therefore, they remain popular among livestock breeders. Fat-dairy cattle are in demand, but rather in isolated cases, not for breeding herds.

Although genetics plays a role in most animal traits, milk fat content is determined by other, more significant factors. Cow's milk is significantly affected by:

Nutrition

Many owners of large and small farms are scratching their heads about how to increase the fat content of milk. The right place to start is with nutrition. Food affects the quantitative characteristics of milk yield, the taste, color and smell of homemade milk.

Fattier milk is obtained if the cow consumes:

1. clean, high-quality hay of legumes and cereals. If the rate of hay produced is reduced, the fat content drops by half a percent;
2. food should be rich in fiber, which serves as a source of nutrients;
3. light carbohydrates, sugar is needed for the rumen (part of the proventriculus), but not more than ten percent;
4. vitamins calcium, zinc, vitamin E, phosphorus, vitamin A.

Green mass, rapeseed hay, and beet pulp have the opposite effect. In spring and summer, cows need to be grazed so they spend most of their time outdoors. The growth of milk yield and the fat content of a cow’s milk increases due to the variety of plant foods.

The main thing is that no moisture gets on it and there is no rot. Porridge with boiled potatoes, pumpkin, zucchini, grass flour, and silage will work during the cold season. You need to be careful with concentrated feeds and avoid overdosing.

Factors affecting milk density

It is clear that milk from different animals can have completely different indicators. All this is purely individual, especially when you consider that density is influenced by many different factors:

• How much time has passed since calving. For example, immediately after giving birth, a cow begins to produce colostrum. This period lasts up to 10 days. Colostrum is an amazing product that is vital for newborn calves. Whether the calf received all of its mother’s colostrum in full directly determines its immunity throughout its life. Colostrum is fundamentally different in composition from milk. It contains microscopic fat globules containing acids that are not found anywhere else. The density of colostrum is 1.050 or more. The surprising thing is that every day this figure is gradually decreasing to 1,040.
• The increased concentration of proteins, sugars and salts in milk causes an increased density of the product.
• Time period when measurements were taken. It is best to take measurements approximately 2 hours after milking. If less time has passed, you may get an incorrect, lower indicator.
• General health of the cow. If she has mastitis, then the density index drops to 1.025, in some cases lower. In order to return milk density to normal, the cow needs to recover.
• Diet. Both the chemical composition and physical properties directly depend on it. The higher quality feed the animals consume, the healthier they will be, and the better the quality of the final product.
• Features of the breed. Dairy cows are distinguished by high, sometimes record, milk yields. But their milk has the least fat content, which means the milk is denser. The situation is different with beef cows: their milk yield is lower, but the milk is fattier and, therefore, less dense.
• Season. In the summer, when the animal is kept on pasture and receives plenty of fresh, juicy grass, there is a lot of milk, it is rich in minerals, but there is little fat in it, and the density is high. During the cold season, cows receive concentrated feed. They increase the fat content of milk, which means it becomes less dense.

Is dry food compatible with milk?

If your cat eats dry ready-made food, combining it with milk is not recommended. Why can’t you give your cat these foods at the same time? This prohibition is due to the fact that:

• Dry cat food is balanced in composition and has optimal calorie content for these animals. Exceeding the latter will lead to obesity of the pet, especially if it is neutered. Exceeding the norm of micro- and macroelements can lead to disruption of the functioning of internal organs.
• The combination of these products can cause the formation of stones in the organs of the urinary system, the development of pathologies of the liver, kidneys and other diseases.

Which dairy products are not harmful?

Our purrs drink milk with pleasure, and rarely do any of them refuse such a delicacy. However, if your cat feels unwell after eating it, then you should not immediately categorically exclude absolutely all dairy products from its diet. Very often in such cases they give a little cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, and fermented milk products.

You should not treat your fluffy with sweet cheeses or yoghurts. The animal’s stomach will definitely not be able to accept such food and this will be a real blow to the pancreas.

It turns out that fermented milk products are best absorbed, but it is better to exclude sour cream altogether. If you want to give it to a cat, then dilute it in a 1:1 ratio with water, since it is too fatty. Of the cheeses, you can only have Adyghe cheese, and also in small quantities. The rest of the products are too fatty and salty and will harm the animal.

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Veterinarian advice

Feeding kittens is an incredibly responsible process. The future health of your children will depend on the correctness of your actions. Experienced veterinarians offer the following tips for proper feeding of newborn kittens:

• Be sure to weigh your pets daily. Each deviation must be accompanied by an appropriate reaction.
• Sterilize utensils thoroughly after use.
• Do not keep an open bag of food for more than a month.
• Starting from the 8th day, the baby should be fed with vitamin mixtures in liquid form.

It is best to discuss the use of additional supplements in this case with your veterinarian.

Using a placeholder

When purchasing such a product, you should understand exactly how it is used without harming the kitten and maintaining all its beneficial properties.

First of all, the mixture must be properly prepared.

Instructions for using substitutes are usually almost identical for all manufacturers.

Cat owners should know the nuances of this process:

• powdered milk is diluted with cool boiled water in the ratio specified on the packaging or in the instructions;
• Sterile containers should be used;
• hands must be washed;
• there is no need to buy large packages of the substitute, because during long-term storage various bacteria can get into it;
• It’s better to throw away what the kitten hasn’t eaten;
• some manufacturers do not include feeding bottles in the kit, so this should be taken care of in advance;
• You cannot feed your pet from a spoon - he may choke. In addition, the kitten can die if some of the food gets into the lungs.

How do you know if your pet can be given cow's milk?

In humans, lactose intolerance is quite rare. This problem occurs very often in representatives of the cat family. It is impossible to know how the body of a pet that has never tasted milk tolerates milk sugar. This can only be done experimentally by giving a little liquid to your four-legged pet and carefully observing the reaction of his body.

If after some time the animal shows signs of digestive problems (diarrhea, bloating), it should not consume this product. If your cat's condition does not change, she is not lactose intolerant. Despite this, cats should not be constantly given milk, much less replace their drinking water. This product should be a rare treat for an animal.