The short answer: It is not recommended.
The long answer: Made of milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, ice cream is a manmade treat that will not provide nutritional benefits to your cat. The milk and cream used to create it can do her more harm than good, resulting in digestive issues such as gas, stomach pain, or even diarrhea. Though kittens can digest milk better than lactose-intolerant adult cats, it is also not recommended for them to eat ice cream. Additionally, kittens and cats do not have the capacity to taste sweets, so they will not be drawn to ice cream’s naturally sweet flavour.
Aside from the main ingredients previously mentioned, specific add-ons can also be toxic for your cat. The theobromine found in coffee and chocolate can make a cat sick, so these ice cream flavours cannot be fed to your pet. Ice cream with raisins, avocados, and nuts are also big no-nos. If you really want to make your cat try ice cream, a strawberry-flavoured one may be a safer choice as long as it does not contain high amounts of sugar. But the best option would be plain vanilla made with goat’s milk.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats ice cream: A tiny lick of ice cream is nothing to worry about. However, it is a serious matter if she has ingested a considerable amount in one sitting or has consumed ice cream with harmful ingredients. Contact your vet immediately if you notice her exhibiting any of the following symptoms: salivating, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, shock or collapse, skin inflammation or swelling, depression or coma, and/or changes in drinking, urinating, and appetite.
In summary: Known for being high in sugar and calories, ice cream is a treat you should refrain from giving your kitten or cat. She’s better off eating treats formulated for cats, which can help meet her dietary needs.
References:
Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat
Can Cats Eat Ice Cream? Will She Get a Brain Freeze?
National Ice Cream Month: Can Cats Eat Ice Cream? Is Ice Cream Safe For Cats?
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