Best Probiotics For Cats

Similar to humans, cats can experience gut bacteria disruption that could result in various uncomfortable symptoms and conditions. Our vets at Los Angeles provide valuable insights on managing your cat's gut health, including the best cat probiotics.

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 regularly experiencing digestive issues or anxiety-related symptoms, it is likely due to an overload of unhealthy gut bacteria. Your cat's stomach hosts a complex ecosystem of bacteria that, when balanced, promotes their comfort. However, if the bad bacteria outweigh the good bacteria, it can disrupt their digestive system and overall health.

How can probiotics help your cat's gut?

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

In addition to affecting your cat's digestion, harmful bacteria can also impact their weight, hormones, mood, and immunity and increase their likelihood of infections. Probiotics can aid in various areas, such as:

• 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, 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 both cause issues affecting the bacteria in your cat's stomach.
• Infections: As mentioned above, probiotics may be recommended if your cat is having treatment for infections using antibiotics.

The Best Types of Probiotics for Cats

Some of the most prevalent probiotic types are those that are lactic acid-based, such as:

• Bifidobacterium
• Enterococcus
• Lactobacillus spp
• Streptococcus.

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

Different types of probiotics reside in specific areas of the body. For instance, Enterococcus typically resides in the colon of your cat, while Bifidobacterium can be found in the small intestine. Enterococcus plays a significant role in colon health and helps form healthy feces, while Bifidobacterium focuses on maintaining good 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 probiotics do vets recommend?

If you're looking for a probiotic for your cat, it's important to consider the delivery method. Probiotics are available in different forms, such as powders, capsules, chews, or added to food. What matters most is choosing a probiotic that has the right combination of ingredients for your cat's specific needs.

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

Are there any side effects with probiotics for cats?

While the most notable side effect would be flatulence, our vets in Los Angeles 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 observe any alterations in your cat's digestive health under these circumstances, you should consult your veterinarian regarding using probiotics for treatment.

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.