Probiotics are a growing trend in both human and pet wellness. These helpful microorganisms offer numerous benefits, ranging from improved digestion to a stronger immune system.
In this blog, we’ll talk more about probiotics for cats, as well as their uses, benefits, and potential risks.
What are Cat Probiotics?
A cat’s digestive tract is home to billions of microbes that help break down food, absorb nutrients, and form a protective barrier against harmful pathogens. Health factors such as illness and poor diet can disrupt this balance, which is where probiotics come in.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeasts. These microorganisms support a healthy balance of gut flora, helping improve gut health. While it may seem unusual at first, these are technically “good” bacteria.
These probiotics for cats are often available in tablets, capsules, powders, and pastes. They also come in natural forms. In some cases, pet parents may mistakenly give human probiotics, which can cause unintended effects due to differences in gut flora between species. Always choose those made specifically for a cat’s gut.
What are the Benefits of Probiotics for Cats?
Probiotics help cats in numerous ways. These include:
Improves Digestive Health
Cat probiotics help maintain a healthy balance in the gut microbiome, which significantly contributes to the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
Through this, cats who regularly take probiotics will experience reduced diarrhea and stomach upsets, which helps improve bowel movements. These are some of the most well-documented probiotics for cats benefits.
Strengthens the Immune System
About 70% of a cat’s immune system is positioned in their gut. By keeping the balance in the gut microbiome, cat probiotics stimulate immune cells and improve the detection of potential threats.
Probiotics also inhibit the growth of pathogens and enhance the gut barrier, which helps prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
Enhances Skin and Coat
Gut and skin health are closely interconnected. The condition of your cat’s digestive system will directly affect its skin health. By improving nutrient absorption, probiotics help cats maintain healthy skin and fur.
Cat probiotics can also regulate the inflammatory response in the gut, reducing inflammation throughout the skin. They may also improve the cat’s tolerance to allergies.
Reduces Digestive-Related Stress
By having a balanced gut microbiome, cats are less likely to experience inflammation along the digestive tract, avoiding a significant cause of stress. Cats will also experience better overall health and fewer health problems, leading to an improved mood. This is particularly helpful for cats dealing with inflammatory bowel disease, where gut stability plays a vital role in management.
Common Types of Cat Probiotics
There are several strains to choose from if you want to provide probiotics for your cat. Most of them can be bought over the counter, but we recommend consulting with our vets first.
Lactobacillus
A group of beneficial bacteria that are used to maintain a healthy gut flora. It’s a type of lactic acid bacteria that is commonly found in the stomach and colon of cats. One common strain is Lactobacillus acidophilus.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that supplementing feline diets with L. acidophilus significantly improved stool quality and consistency in cats with chronic diarrhea, suggesting a stabilizing effect on gut health and inflammation.
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacteria are another type of good bacteria that can be commonly found in the small intestine of cats. One example is Bifidobacterium animalis, which is highly considered as one of the most beneficial bacteria for cats.
Along with the general improvement in digestion and immune support, this probiotic is typically used to reduce stress and help with antibiotic treatments.
Enterococcus
Enterococcus, particularly Enterococcus faecium, is commonly used to support digestive health in conjunction with antibiotic treatment. This probiotic for cats is also used to modulate the inflammatory response and protect against infections.
Are There Natural Probiotics for Cats?
Aside from supplements, there are numerous natural probiotics available for cats.
Plain or Greek Yogurt. Unsweetened, plain yogurt is one of the most accessible sources of natural probiotics for cats. Greek yogurt is relatively better with reduced lactose content.
Kefir. Kefir is another natural probiotic with a tangier flavor and more liquid consistency. It also has a much broader range of probiotics compared to yogurt. Unsweetened kefir is the recommended option.
Raw Goat's Milk. Another natural probiotic for cats that is easier to digest because of its lower lactose content. Raw goat’s milk is also rich in nutrients, making it a good option for improving overall health.
These natural options are excellent sources of healthy bacteria that support your cat's GI tract.
When Should You Give Probiotics for Cats?
While probiotics provide a whole range of benefits for your cat’s overall wellness, there are certain situations where they can make a significant difference.
During digestive issues. If your cat is experiencing diarrhea, constipation, or any other gastrointestinal issue, probiotics can help.
After taking antibiotics. While antibiotics eliminate harmful bacteria, they can also kill the good bacteria. This can lead to digestive upset because of gut imbalance. Giving probiotics can restore the balance.
Dietary transitions. Changing diets can upset your cat’s stomach. Probiotics can ease the transition process by stabilizing the gut.
How to Administer Probiotics to Cats
Once you've chosen the right probiotic, the next challenge is getting your cat to take it. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy. Here’s how:
Mix It with Food. One of the easiest ways to give probiotics to your cat is to mix them with their cat food.
Use Treats or Chews. There are also chewable options for cat probiotics. Just feed it directly or combine it with a treat.
Direct Oral Application. Some probiotics for cats are also available in liquid and paste forms. This will require your cat’s cooperation to administer the full dose.
What are the Potential Side Effects of Probiotics for Cats?
Although probiotics are beneficial for cats, they can present some mild risks. These include digestive upset, a reduced appetite, and mild allergic reactions. You will notice these if your cat starts to feel uncomfortable, with acute vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.
While rare, some cats have a reduced appetite and present allergic reactions to probiotic supplements.
“A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy cat. Keep them healthy inside and they'll be happy on the outside.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Conclusion
From improving digestion to boosting immunity, probiotics are some of the most beneficial supplements cats can have. Add the fact that it’s easy to use, and the next step is to simply choose the option that suits your cat the most.
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