What are probiotics for cats?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that provide health benefits when administered adequately. For cats, these beneficial bacteria aid in maintaining a balanced gut flora, which is essential for overall health. Probiotics for cats typically contain strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are known to support digestive health. These supplements can come in various forms, including powders, capsules, and chews, making them easy to incorporate into your cat's diet.
How Probiotics Help Your Cat's Gut
Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, that can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria. Various factors and situations can cause an unhealthy balance of bacteria.
In addition to affecting your cat's digestion, these harmful bacteria can also impact your cat's weight, hormones, mood, and immunity and increase their risk of infections.
Adding probiotics to your cat's diet (under the guidance of your veterinarian) can help in various areas, including:
- Diarrhea: This can commonly be caused by viruses such as feline panleukopenia or parasitic diseases such as giardiasis.
- Antibiotics: Probiotics may help rid the body of illness-causing bacteria and increase good bacteria in your cat's gut.
- Stress: Stress can be related to gastrointestinal issues. Giving your cat a probiotic can help them manage their gut health through stressful situations.
- Flatulence: When a cat (or any other creature) suffers from gastrointestinal issues, it can increase flatulence. Probiotics can help resolve this issue.
- Constipation: As well as flatulence, imbalanced microbiome can lead to constipation in cats.
- Immune system booster: If you have a very young or senior cat, probiotics may help boost their immune system.
- Overweight and obesity: Some vets believe there is a direct link between the health of the cat's gut bacteria and obesity.
- Chronic diseases: Bad gut bacteria can contribute to inflammatory bowel disease or feline intestinal lymphoma.
- Other diseases: Hormonal diseases and allergies can negatively impact the balance of healthy bacteria in your cat's stomach.
- Infections: As mentioned above, probiotics may be recommended if your cat is undergoing treatment for infections using antibiotics.
The Best Types of Probiotics for Cats
The most common types of probiotics for cats are lactic acid-based, such as:
- Bifidobacterium
- Enterococcus
- Lactobacillus spp
- Streptococcus.
Many vets recommend Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium probiotics for cats.
Each of these probiotics resides in its own area. Enterococcus generally lives in your cat's colon, whereas Bifidobacterium can be found in the small intestine. Enterococcus focuses on colonic health while aiding in the formation of healthy feces, whereas Bifidobacterium aims to keep up with digestive health.
Balance is of the utmost importance when aiming to improve your cat's health with probiotics. Each probiotic plays a unique role in restoring gut health and works in harmony with other gut bacteria. Veterinarians often recommend mixtures of probiotics to help ensure the scales don't tip too far in any one direction.
If you think probiotics are right for your cat, consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Types of Probiotics for Cats
Choosing the right probiotic for your cat is crucial, and the delivery method plays a key role. Probiotics come in various forms, such as powders, capsules, and chews, or can be formulated into food. The important factor in selecting probiotics for your cat is to ensure that it contains the right combination to meet your cat's specific needs.
It would be best not to create probiotics at home; leave the science behind gut bacteria to the experts, and consult your veterinarian before giving your cat probiotics.
Cat Probiotics Side Effects
While probiotics are generally safe for cats, some may experience side effects. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset, such as gas or bloating, particularly when the supplement is first introduced. If side effects persist or if your cat has an underlying health condition, consult your veterinarian.
When Cats Should Take Probiotics
Do cats need probiotics? Probiotics can certainly be helpful in particular situations. Aside from giving your cat probiotics on a daily basis to help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, you may also want to consider giving your cat probiotics if any of the following apply:
- Your cat is under stress
- Your cat is very young or old
- Your cat is on antibiotics
- Your cat is had dietary changes
- Your cat keeps eating grass
- Your cat has undergone deworming
If you notice any changes in your cat's digestive health during these situations, you should speak with your vet about treatment with probiotics.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.