Probiotics for Cats

When your cat's gut bacteria becomes disrupted, it can lead to many uncomfortable issues. Our Fort Collins vets discuss probiotics for cats, their potential side effects, what they can help with and if probiotics are actually good 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 that your cat is often experiencing digestive issues or symptoms related to anxiety, it could be due to an overload of unhealthy gut bacteria. Your cat's stomach has a complex system of bacteria that, when balanced properly, can provide your furry friend with a comfortable life. However, if the bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria, it can negatively impact their digestive health and overall well-being.

What can probiotics help with?

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

Harmful bacteria can impact your cat's health, including digestion, weight, hormones, mood, immunity, and susceptibility to infections. Probiotics can help address these concerns.

• Diarrhea: This can commonly be caused by viruses such as feline panleukopenia or parasitic diseases such as giardiasis.
• Antibiotics: Probiotics are common in humans. Taking antibiotics as medication helps to rid the body of illness-causing bacteria and good bacteria. Taking probiotics may also help restore the balance in cats.
• 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 kitty, they could use probiotics' immune-boosting benefits.
• 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 undergoing treatment for infections using antibiotics.

What are the best probiotics for cats?

The most prevalent kinds of probiotics are those based on lactic acid, including:

• Bifidobacterium
• Enterococcus
• Lactobacillus spp.
• Streptococcus

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

Each of these probiotics lives 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 forming 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 several strains (at least two) very important.

What type of probiotics would a vet recommend?

If you're looking for a probiotic for your feline companion, it's important to consider the delivery method. Probiotics come in various forms, such as powders, capsules, chews, or even integrated into food. The main factor to remember is to select a probiotic with the appropriate combination of ingredients to meet your cat's requirements.

You should not create probiotics at home – leave the science behind gut bacteria to the experts.

Can cats have side effects from probiotics?

While the most notable side effect is flatulence, our vets in Fort Collins 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 probiotics be given to a cat?

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.