Cats and milk … it’s a pairing as classic as bread and butter. But it turns out that this match isn’t as purr-fect as it’s thought to be.

In fact, cats have a tough time digesting the lactose in milk. Most adult cats are effectively lactose-intolerant, and drinking milk can result in diarrhea and an upset stomach.

For cats, alternatives to milk include partially digested dairy products like cheese or yogurt. Even so, the composition of cow’s milk is out of whack with a cat’s nutritional needs. When milk is needed, a kitten milk replacer is a better choice. Remember that only 5 to 10 percent of an adult cat’s diet should consist of items other than balanced cat food. And when it comes to liquids, water is the drink of choice.

So in the interest of our feline friends everywhere, let go of lactose. The cats may be glad you did.