Ice Cream question

I used to get my kitty the "Cool Claws" ice cream brand for cats. My cat loves it, but recently they stopped selling them at our local grocery store.

We came across this vanilla ice cream that was lactose-free, and I was wondering if that would be okay for cats. I don't want my poor kitty to not have anymore ice cream till they start selling them again.

Lactose-free ice cream should be fine for cats.

I'm lucky - my cats can tolerate normal ice cream - they only get about 1/2 teaspoon if that. Usually vanilla but some of my rexes were crazy about peach ice cream.

I never let the cats or the dog have chocolate ice cream. Our lab sometimes gets her own scoop (from Dairy Queen) of vanilla if we happen to have her along when we stop

You could try the lactose-free, but if they don't like it will YOU eat it?

ew... lactose free tastes nasty, and I'm not a big fan of vanilla... haha.

What about a sugar free frozen yogurt? That would be less fattening than ice cream, and most cats are not sensitive to yogurt the way they are milk. Infact yogurt is very good for digestion.

My cat doesnt eat ice cream at all! But he likes choclate milk drinks!

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Originally Posted by vanillasugar

What about a sugar free frozen yogurt? That would be less fattening than ice cream, and most cats are not sensitive to yogurt the way they are milk. Infact yogurt is very good for digestion.

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But be careful of artificial sweeteners in sugar free stuff.

Lactose free should be ok for the occasional treat... Ollie sometimes gets lactaid milk as a treat, but I'd try to get only like a pint at first in case they (and you!) don't like it then you're not out a whole lot of ice cream...

I know our stores sell "puppy cup" type things for dogs.... dunno if they're ok for cats and they're not actually called puppy cups, that's our family's name for them: we go to the NC shroe every year and take our black lab.... we frequent a place called Dairy Mart (ok, it's since changed names and locations, but we still call it dairy mart, haha) and in their original location it was one of those order at the window, eat at the picnic table things... so when our dog was younger, she'd put her paws up on the counter and bark for a "puppy cup" of vanilla soft serve! Now their place is inside (still have outside tables), so she has to stand at the door and woof... she always woofs a thank you before we leave too! When we're down there, all you gotta say is "puppy cup" and she's dancing down the steps to the car! haha

Originally Posted by urbantigers

But be careful of artificial sweeteners in sugar free stuff.

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See, I more meant natural frozen yogurt that hasn't had ANY sweetening added at all other than maybe some fruit.

never heard of cool claws. i bet stoli would like that.

I think if you check the labels, "normal" ice cream probably doesn't have a whole lot of cream or milk in it. There's probably more additives and preservatives than dairy products.

Never seen a cat product, but the store does sometimes have somethign called "frosty paws" for dogs.

Originally Posted by TutyCat

My cat doesnt eat ice cream at all! But he likes choclate milk drinks!

*~*~*~*~*~
http://www.tutycat.4t.com
http://www.myspace.com/tutycat

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Chocolate can be toxic! At least for dogs. I would rather be safe than sorry! LOL

Teresa

Originally Posted by TutyCat

My cat doesnt eat ice cream at all! But he likes choclate milk drinks!

*~*~*~*~*~
http://www.tutycat.4t.com
http://www.myspace.com/tutycat

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Choclate is quite dangerous for cats - have you checked with your vet?

maybe the drinks are only chocolate flavored

is cool claws widely available or is it only at small grocery stores??

As far as the additives questions... try finding organic ice cream - it may not be completely additive free, but there'll be a lot less in there... I've been switching over to organics (especially dairy products) because it's healthier in general and my dermatologist suggested it to help with my skin....

I know walmart's introducing an organic line shortly, but Wegman's has a great organic selection of different foods... that's where I've been getting my milk and cheese (if you plan on switching over for yourself, I find organic to taste a wee bit different, but you get used to it quickly... I drink whole organic milk and thinks its actually a little creamier than non-organic - also I've found the expiration dates on organic stuff are much further away than non-organice... example: I bought cheese 2 weeks ago that doesnt expire until December!)

My cats like to lick the bowl after I eat ice cream, so I allow it when it isn't chocolate. In such a tiny amount, I wouldn't worry about additives. It isn't especially healthy for any of us, but it's just an occasional treat.

Originally Posted by TutyCat

My cat doesnt eat ice cream at all! But he likes choclate milk drinks!

*~*~*~*~*~
http://www.tutycat.4t.com
http://www.myspace.com/tutycat

Click to expand...

Careful with that. Chocolate is toxic.

Originally Posted by momto3cats

My cats like to lick the bowl after I eat ice cream, so I allow it when it isn't chocolate. In such a tiny amount, I wouldn't worry about additives. It isn't especially healthy for any of us, but it's just an occasional treat.

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That's what I do, too. And with such a small amount you don't have to worry about the lactose, either. Rocket can tell when I open the freezer door and get out the ice cream even when he's sound asleep.