Best Probiotics For Cats

Just as with humans, the bacteria in your cat's gut can become disrupted, leading to uncomfortable symptoms and conditions. In this blog post, our veterinarians in Ypsilanti discuss your cat's gut health, how to manage it, and the best cat probiotics.

Do cats need probiotics?

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

If you notice that your cat frequently experiences digestive upset or anxiety-related symptoms, it may be overloaded by unhealthy gut bacteria.

An entire system of bacteria is growing in your cat's stomach, which, when kept at a healthy balance, can allow your kitty to live comfortably. However, when the harmful bacteria begin to outweigh the good bacteria, it can cause havoc on their digestive system and overall well-being.

How can probiotics help your cat's gut?

Probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast that can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria. Many factors and situations can lead to an unhealthy balance of bacteria.

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

• 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 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 increase flatulence.
• Constipation: Along with flatulence, gastrointestinal concerns can lead to constipation.
• Immune system booster: If you have a very young or very old cat, probiotics could boost its immune system.
• Overweight and obesity: Some vets believe that 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 cause issues affecting the bacteria in your cat's stomach.
• Infections: As mentioned above, probiotics may be recommended if your cat is being treated for infections using antibiotics.

The Best Types of Probiotics for Cats

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

• Bifidobacterium
• Enterococcus
• Lactobacillus spp
• Streptococcus.

Cats benefit from probiotics like Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium, best suited for their digestive system. Enterococcus is located in the colon and supports colonic health and the formation of healthy feces. Bifidobacterium, found in the small intestine, focuses on maintaining digestive health.

It's important to choose a probiotic with various strains, preferably at least two, as each serves a different purpose and offers different benefits.

What probiotics do vets recommend?

When selecting a probiotic for your cat, it's important to focus on the delivery method. Probiotics are available in different forms, such as powders, capsules, chews, or incorporated into food. The key consideration is to select one that contains the specific combination suitable for your cat's needs.

It's not recommended to create probiotics at home. Leave the science of gut bacteria to the experts.

Are there any side effects with probiotics for cats?

While the most notable side effect is flatulence, our vets in Ypsilanti 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 daily 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.