Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and help to keep the gut microbiome balanced. A healthy gut microbiome supports the normal movement of food through the digestive system, nutrient absorption, and immune function. In cats, probiotics commonly consist of strains like Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium that help with the formation of healthy stool and support overall digestive health.
If there is an imbalance in the microbiome and there is more bad bacteria than good in their gastrointestinal tract, your cat may become ill and suffer from digestive issues. Probiotic supplements can be introduced to help compete with the harmful microbes, strengthen the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and restore a healthy gut environment.
Probiotics are typically available as powders, capsules, or chews that can be added directly to their wet food or given as a treat.
Here are just a few ways that probiotics benefit cats’ health.
A Balanced Gut Microbiome and Improved Digestive Health
Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria by adding beneficial bacteria to outnumber harmful microbes. This can help to support better digestion, more efficient nutrient absorption, and healthier stool consistency. Probiotics can restore the gut's biome after disruptions from stress, illness, dietary changes, or antibiotics.
Relief From Diarrhea
Probiotics can help restore normal gut flora more quickly and are often recommended for stress-related diarrhea, diarrhea due to antibiotics, and gastrointestinal infections. They can also reduce gas, bloating, and any associated abdominal pain.
Support for IBD, Food Allergies, and Chronic GI Problems
When taking probiotics, cats with sensitive stomachs or chronic GI issues may experience less vomiting or nausea. Probiotics can also help when transitioning your cat to a new food and help their body tolerate the new food more easily. While not a cure, probiotics can help reduce inflammation, improve stool consistency, and support overall gut function.
Enhanced Immune Function
Because 70% - 80% of immune cells are located in the gut, a healthier microbiome can strengthen immune response, reduce inflammation, and improve resistance to pathogens. This is particularly helpful for young kittens and senior cats with weakened immune systems.
Relief During Stressful Events
Stressful events like moving, traveling, veterinary exams, or new pets or people entering the home can commonly cause GI upset. Probiotics may help stabilize digestion during these challenging periods.
Restoration After Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria and can easily disrupt the gut biome. Probiotics can help repopulate the good bacteria and reduce side effects from the antibiotics, such as diarrhea. Probiotics should be given at least two hours after the antibiotics and for one to two weeks after finishing the course of medicine to restore a healthy gut biome.
Nutrition Absorption
Probiotics help the body to better absorb essential nutrients, which, in turn, helps the body to properly function. This helps maintain strong muscles and bones, a healthy immune system, a shiny coat, well-functioning organs, and sustained energy levels.
Improved Skin, Coat, and Mental Health
Probiotics can even improve skin issues and help to calm anxiety. An excess of harmful gut bacteria can affect more than the digestive health.
Maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria is crucial for cats’ health. Probiotics can help strengthen their immune system, absorb nutrients, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion and stool consistency.
However, it is important to pick a product that contains the right combination of strains for your cat's specific needs. Your vet can help you choose which kind is best for your cat.
Love, Nala
