How bad is it to give a cat cow's milk?

[Fruitbatlings]

I've just had this text message from my neighbour "Phoebe's had some milk now is having a lie down....she's staying over I reckon"
BTW, she often does this, I don't mind her staying over at their house (they like her around to scare the mice away), it's the milk thing that worried me. I wonder how many times she's given it to her!?

Some cats are lactose intolerant so milk can cause them tummy upsets, but others handle it just fine, you can never tell. I guess she'll soon find out which camp your cat is in if she does a big runny poo on her sofa

Only about a quarter of cats are lactose intolerant apparently. You would probably know by now if your cat was, I should think.

I don't knowingly give ours cows' milk but if I ever leave kids' cereal bowls on breakfast table (with milk left in them) the cats will jump up & drink the rest of the milk. They've never suffered any ill effects

That's comforting to know TheFirstLady.
MrsL - I have just sent her a text to warn her! haha

You can get lactose free milk now, but I've never bothered as they don't get it often. Goats milk is also good. One of our cats (funnily enough, the fat one!) loves a bit of warm milk, especially if she's just come in from outside and it's cold. Our other one doesn't like it at all, and turns her nose up at it, so I think every cat is different. You'll need to watch that she doesn't move in with your friend - she who brings milk

Haha, sometimes I wonder which house she likes best! She's quite a sociable little thing.
I've never bothered with any sort of milk. Don't see the point really.

Now I have another question which might not get answered on this thread but I will try anyway:
I've just noticed she's losing her fur at the base of her spine where her tail meets.....?
I'm hoping it's nothing serious. Is this a common thing? She's overdue a checkup so will take her along to the vets soon but just thought I'd check with you lot first so I can be prepared!