While veterinarians agree that milk is not a full meal and should be given as a treat only, there’s no consensus on how much milk is safe for cats.

There are about 9 calories in a tablespoon of whole milk, which is about 5% of your cat’s daily calorie requirement.

Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily intake, so up to 2 tablespoons of milk may be a safe, calorically moderate treat. With new treats, always start small to see if your cat tolerates them before increasing the amount gradually.