How does a cat remove milk? - briefly
A cat removes milk by licking it off surfaces or its fur using its rough tongue, which is efficient for cleaning and absorbing liquids.
How does a cat remove milk? - in detail
A cat removes milk primarily through the process of digestion and excretion. When a cat consumes milk, it enters the stomach, where digestive enzymes, such as lactase, begin breaking down the lactose present in the milk. However, many adult cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they produce insufficient amounts of lactase, which can lead to incomplete digestion of lactose. Undigested lactose then moves into the small intestine, where it can cause fermentation by gut bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. The remaining nutrients, such as proteins and fats, are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining, while waste products, including undigested lactose, are passed into the large intestine. Here, water is reabsorbed, and the waste is formed into feces. The cat ultimately excretes the undigested components of milk, along with other waste materials, through defecation. Additionally, any excess fluids or byproducts from digestion are filtered by the kidneys and excreted as urine. This process ensures that the cat’s body efficiently processes and eliminates milk, even if it is not fully digested due to lactose intolerance.