What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, can be used as a supplement to benefit and improve your cat's gut health.
They are often referred to as "good" or "friendly bacteria" because they help keep your cat's gut healthy by balancing its microbiome (the community of countless microorganisms that live in the gut).
These tiny organisms support digestion, maintain the immune system, and impact behavior and mood. When the bacteria in your cat's gut are well-balanced, your cat can enjoy numerous health benefits.
There are many types of probiotic supplements on the market that are designed to bring balance to the gut's microbiome, including ones for both people and pets, including cats.
Some higher-quality probiotic supplements and fortified cat foods are developed with a cat's natural bacterial colonies in mind, with strains of beneficial bacteria and yeast specific to certain species. Probiotics for cats come in many different forms, including powders, food toppers, capsules, cat foods, and treats.
Healthy sources of probiotics for cats include:
- Kefir
- Fermented fish stock
- Raw goat's milk
- Plain yogurt
- Cat food with supplemented probiotics
Dairy products like yogurt and goat's milk are not safe for cats with a milk allergy, or those who are sensitive to lactose.
Do cats need probiotics?
The answer to whether every cat needs probiotics and which amount they should be given is complex and depends on a variety of individual factors, like your cat's age, breed, health condition, diet, and lifestyle. For example, kittens or young adult cats may benefit from different types of probiotics than older cats.
If you're wondering whether probiotics are good for cats, the answer is that probiotics are typically recommended as a preventive measure or as treatment for digestive health problems and other conditions, like chronic diseases and allergies.
It's important to closely examine your cat's diet to determine whether your cat needs additional probiotics. Many high-quality cat foods already contain a balanced blend of nutrients to support a healthy gut microbiome.
If you are considering probiotics for your cat, book an exam with your veterinarian. The vet can assess your cat's physical health and tell you whether your four-legged friend needs probiotics and which types would be best.
How and when might probiotics help improve your cat's gut health?
Now that we've explored whether
If you've noticed that your cat is frequently experiencing digestive upset or anxiety-related symptoms, it's possible they have an excessive amount of unhealthy gut bacteria. When bad bacteria start to outnumber good bacteria in your cat's gut, it can wreak havoc on their digestive system and overall well-being.
Along with the effect on your cat's digestion, these bad bacteria can also cause problems with your cat's mood, hormones, weight, and immunity, and increase their risk of infections. Some of the areas that probiotics can help include:
- Diarrhea – This sign of gastrointestinal upset may be caused by viruses like parasitic diseases, including giardiasis, or viruses such as feline panleukopenia.
- Flatulence – When a cat (or other animal) suffers from gastrointestinal issues, it can lead to an increase in flatulence.
- Immune System Booster – If your cat is very young or very old, probiotics may benefit their immune system.
- Infections – Your vet may recommend probiotics if your cat receives antibiotics for bacterial or other types of infections. People often use probiotics when they are taking antibiotics to treat infection, since antibiotics help rid the body of both the bacteria causing illness and good bacteria, and create anti-microbial resistance. Taking probiotics may help rebuild the restore this balance of bacteria in cats as well.
- Constipation – In addition to flatulence, gastrointestinal issues can also lead to constipation.
- Obesity – Some vets believe there is a direct link between the health of a cat's gut bacteria and their risk and incidence of obesity.
- Stress – Stress can be related to gastrointestinal issues. Giving your cat a probiotic can help manage their gut health when they are living under stressful circumstances, like a change in routine or surroundings.
- Chronic Diseases – Bad gut bacteria can contribute to inflammatory bowel disease or feline intestinal lymphoma.
- Other Diseases & Allergies – Hormonal diseases and allergies can both cause issues that affect the gut bacteria in your cat's stomach.
The Best Types of Probiotics for Cats
The most common types of probiotic strains are lactic acid-based, like:
- Bifidobacterium
- Enterococcus
- Lactobaccillus spp
- Streptococcus
For cats, in particular, the best types of probiotics are Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium.
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 maintain digestive health.
The different types of probiotics have different purposes and can provide different types of aid. This makes choosing a probiotic with a number of different strains (at least two) very important.
What are the best probiotics for cats?
When it comes to choosing a probiotic for your cat, you might want to strictly focus on the delivery method. Ask your vet whether a chew, capsule, powder, or premium probiotic cat food will be best for your and your cat's circumstances. The important thing about choosing probiotics for cats is that you choose one that contains the right combination for your cat's needs.
If you are considering adding probiotics to your feline friend's diet, speaking to your veterinarian beforehand is always wise. Your vet will be able to investigate any symptoms your kitty may be having, rule out any serious underlying health concerns, and recommend the best probiotics based on your cat's health status and needs.
Probiotics are not something that you should create at home. Leave the science behind gut bacteria to the experts.
Are there side effects of probiotics for cats?
Common side effect of probiotics for cats include nausea, flatulence and mild diarrhea. Our vets would also like to remind you that these are live bacteria, so they should only be administered under the direction of a vet.
When administering probiotics during an antibiotic treatment, it is important to avoid giving these two medications together to reduce the risk that the good bacteria in the probiotic are destroyed before having any beneficial effect. Our vets recommend waiting at least two hours between these two medications.
If you notice any disruption in your cat's digestive health after you've given them a probiotic, speak with your vet about which probiotics your cat is taking and whether any changes need to be made.