Probiotics for Cats

Similar to humans, the microbiota in your cat's gastrointestinal tract can become imbalanced, resulting in various uncomfortable symptoms and conditions. Here, our Hattiesburg and Wiggins vets share some information about your kitty's gut health, how to manage it, and the best probiotics for cats.

Do cats need probiotics?

You are probably well aware of the direct correlation between probiotics and good digestion – which may lead you to wonder if probiotics are good for your cat.

If you observe frequent digestive disturbances or symptoms of anxiety in your cat, it could indicate an overabundance of unhealthy gut bacteria. There is an entire system of bacteria growing in your cat's stomach which, when kept at a healthy balance can allow your kitty to live comfortably.  But when the bad bacteria begin to outweigh the good bacteria, it can cause havoc on their digestive system and entire well-being.

Are probiotics good for cats?

Probiotics, living microorganisms like bacteria and yeast, can aid in restoring the equilibrium of beneficial bacteria. Several factors and circumstances can contribute to an imbalanced bacterial environment.

Along with the effect on your cat's digestion, these bad bacteria can also cause trouble with your cat's weight, hormones, mood, immunity and increase their risk of infections. Some of the areas that probiotics can help include:

• Chronic diseases: Bad gut bacteria can contribute to inflammatory bowel disease or feline intestinal lymphoma.
• Other diseases: Hormonal diseases and allergies can both cause issues affecting the bacteria in your cat's stomach.
• Infections: As mentioned above, probiotics may be recommended if your cat is undergoing treatment for infections using antibiotics.
• Diarrhea: This can commonly be caused by viruses such as feline panleukopenia or parasitic diseases such as giardiasis.
• Antibiotics: The use of probiotics is common in humans taking antibiotics as the medication helps to rid the body of illness-causing bacteria, but also the good bacteria. Taking probiotics may be able to help restore the balance in cats as well.
• Stress: Stress can be related to gastrointestinal issues, by giving your cat a probiotic, you can help them manage their gut health through stressful situations.
• Flatulence: When a cat (or any other creature) suffers from gastrointestinal issues, it can lead to an increase in flatulence.
• Constipation: Along with flatulence, gastrointestinal concerns can lead to constipation.
• Immune system booster: If you have a very young or very old kitty then they could use the immune-boosting benefits of probiotics.
• Overweight and obesity: Some vets believe that there is a direct link between the health of the cat's gut bacteria and obesity.

The Best Types of Probiotics for Cats

The most common types of probiotics are lactic acid based such as:

Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus spp, Streptococcus.

For cats in particular, the best types of probiotics are Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium. 

Each of these probiotics inhabits a specific region. Enterococcus typically thrives in your cat's colon, while Bifidobacterium is commonly found in the small intestine. Enterococcus contributes to colonic health and promotes the formation of healthy feces, while Bifidobacterium supports overall digestive well-being.

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 probiotics do vets recommend?

When selecting a probiotic for your feline companion, it's essential to prioritize the delivery method above all else. Probiotics can be found in a variety of options – from powders, capsules, chews, or formulated into food. The important thing about choosing probiotics for cats is that you choose one that contains the right combination for your cat's needs.

Probiotics are not something that you should create at home, leave the science behind gut bacteria to the experts.

Cat Probiotics Side Effects

While the most notable side effect would be flatulence, our vets in Hattiesburg and Wiggins also would like to remind you again that these are live bacteria, so they should only be administered under the direction of a vet.

When should cats take probiotics?

Aside from taking on a daily basis to help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, you may also want to consider giving your cat probiotics if you begin to notice any of the following concerns:

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.