Where does a cat's milk go? - briefly
A cat's milk is digested and absorbed in its stomach and small intestine, providing essential nutrients for growth and energy.
Where does a cat's milk go? - in detail
When a cat consumes milk, it enters the digestive system through the mouth and travels down the esophagus into the stomach. In the stomach, the milk is mixed with gastric juices, which contain enzymes and acids that begin the process of breaking down the milk’s components, primarily lactose, proteins, and fats. The partially digested milk then moves into the small intestine, where further enzymatic action occurs. Lactase, an enzyme produced in the small intestine, breaks down lactose into simpler sugars, glucose, and galactose, which are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining. Proteins in the milk are broken down into amino acids, and fats are emulsified into fatty acids and glycerol, all of which are absorbed for energy and growth. Any undigested components, such as lactose if the cat is lactose intolerant, pass into the large intestine, where they may draw water into the colon, potentially leading to digestive discomfort or diarrhea. The remaining waste products are eventually expelled from the body through the rectum. It is worth noting that many adult cats are lactose intolerant, as their production of lactase decreases after weaning, making it difficult for them to digest milk properly. Therefore, while kittens can process milk efficiently, adult cats may experience digestive issues if they consume it in significant quantities.