Cat Probiotics: A Comprehensive Guide to Better Feline Digestion

Does your cat suffer from digestive problems or allergies? When bad bacteria in your cat's gut outweighs the good bacteria, it can lead to a host of different health problems. Probiotics for cats help restore your kitty’s natural gut bacteria balance and lead to better overall health.

As a cat owner, you want the best for your feline friend. One way to ensure their health and well-being is by considering cat probiotics. But what exactly are probiotics for cats, and how can they benefit your pet?  

In this article, we will explore the importance of probiotics, their benefits, and whether your furry friend needs them. We will also provide recommendations for some of the best cat probiotics available.

What Are Probiotics for Cats?

Probiotics have gained widespread recognition in human health for their ability to support gut health, improve digestion, and boost the immune system. The same principles apply to our feline friends. So what are probiotics for cats?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called good bacteria. Good and bad bacteria exist all over your cat's body, inside and out, but when the bad bacteria start to overpopulate, it can quickly and negatively impact your cat's health.

Using cat probiotic supplements can help to rebalance the ratio of good to bad bacteria, resulting in better health and fast relief of symptoms.

Benefits of Cat Probiotics

Adding probiotics to your cat’s diet can offer a number of health benefits. From a simple digestive aid to improving overall well-being, boosting your cat's good bacteria population will lead to a healthier and happier feline.

Improved Digestion

The most common use of probiotics for cats is to improve digestion and resolve health issues related to the digestive system. This can include diarrhea, constipation, gas, and general digestive discomfort.

Probiotics in your cat’s digestive tract help break down food more efficiently, leading to better nutrient absorption and distribution. This will have a positive total body effect. Better digestion can also help improve bathroom habits and litter box odours.

Enhanced Immune System

A healthy gut is an integral part of a strong immune system. With a robust immune system, your cat can more easily fight off infections, viruses, and harmful bacteria. Every system in your cat's body is at the mercy of their immune system, so better immunity leads to better overall health.

Even when treating your pet internally with probiotics, you can expect to see physical improvements in your cat. Improved skin and coat health, better weight management, and more energy can all result from a healthy cat immune system.

Allergy Relief

This one may seem hard to believe, but probiotics can help to treat and even eliminate some allergies, like food or seasonal allergies in cats. Not all allergies are true allergies, which means they can be easily treated and in some cases eliminated by correcting your cat's immune response to these ingredients or environmental factors.

This is because a large portion of your cat's immune system lives in their digestive tract. When your cat has poor digestion, it can cause the immune system to overreact or respond inappropriately. Improving digestion with cat probiotics can correct the immune system and prevent symptoms like cat dandruff and hot spots.

Reduced Anxiety and Stress

Probiotics don't act as a calming aid directly, but they can help to relieve discomfort that can lead to anxiety in cats. If your cat is always feeling a little itchy or is suffering from frequent or recurring bouts of diarrhea, it's likely to take a toll on their mental health too.

If your cat is suffering, they could be grumpy, reactive, lethargic, or just on edge. Improving digestion can reduce or eliminate symptoms, and help your cat get back to feeling like themselves again.

Does My Cat Need Probiotics?

Not all cats need probiotic supplements, but they can be beneficial in certain situations. Many cat foods contain probiotics to ensure proper digestion of cooked foods, but if your cat is experiencing any minor health issues related to digestion or skin and coat, offering a probiotic for cats can help to replenish good bacteria populations and improve health.

Consider giving your cat probiotics if they experience:

• • Frequent or recurring diarrhea or constipation
  • Digestive issues after antibiotic treatment
  • Stress from travel, new environments, or changes in routine
  • Skin or coat problems or allergies
  • Frequent infections or a weakened immune system

If your feline friend shows any of these symptoms, probiotics might help improve their health. 

Remember, to always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen. It's always best to rule out a more serious underlying cause before you start treatment.

Types of Probiotics for Cats

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

• • Bifidobacterium
  • Enterococcus
  • Lactobacillus spp
  • Streptococcus

For cats, the best types of probiotics are Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium. Each type of probiotic resides in a specific area of your cat’s digestive system. 

• • Enterococcus: primarily lives in the colon and supports colonic health and healthy feces formation. 
  • Bifidobacterium: is found in the small intestine and focuses on overall digestive health.

Different probiotics serve various functions, so choosing a product with multiple strains (at least two) is important to provide comprehensive support for your cat’s digestive system.

Side Effects of Cat Probiotics

The most common side effect of cat probiotics is mild flatulence. Giving a high dose of probiotics to your cat right off the bat can increase the risk of a reaction. It's a good idea to start probiotics with half doses for the first 3-5 days and then increase to the full recommended dose. 

Also, consider all sources of probiotics in your pet's diet. If you often feed probiotic-rich food sources like raw goat's milk or raw green tripe, then you may not need to give your pet a full dose of probiotics.

Talk to your vet about your cat's total diet to learn the best dosage of cat probiotics for their needs, age, and weight.

How Prebiotics and Probiotics Work Together

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. They act as a food source for probiotics, helping these beneficial microorganisms thrive and maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

Common prebiotics include dietary fibres such as inulin (from chicory root), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and certain types of oligosaccharides.

The synergy between prebiotics and probiotics is essential for optimal digestive health. This is why many probiotic supplements specifically targeting digestive health will contain both pre- and probiotics.

Best Cat Probiotics Products

When selecting a probiotic supplement for your cat, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your feline friend, as well as the quality and effectiveness of the product. The effectiveness of a probiotic can depend on factors such as the strains of bacteria used, their viability, and the delivery method.

As recommended above, choosing a probiotic supplement for cats with multiple strains can help ensure a better overall result. The format of the supplement can also be a factor. Powders tend to be the most potent, while soft chews and treats may be less potent. 

Less potent options aren't bad, but aren't the right choice for every cat. If you are looking for a high-dose probiotic to address chronic illness or more severe symptoms, then a powder or pill might be the smarter choice.

Cats that just need a little boost may thrive with a treat or food that includes probiotics. Talk to your vet about your cat's health needs to help determine how robust the cat probiotic should be.

Here are some of the top probiotics for cats available in Canada:

Purina FortiFlora Feline Probiotics

Purina FortiFlora is a popular choice among cat owners. This probiotic is designed to support your cat’s digestive health and immune system. 

The formula contains a special strain of probiotics, Enterococcus faecium, which has been proven to help with diarrhea and digestive upset.

• • Helps manage diarrhea
  • Easy-to-administer powder
  • Contains antioxidants

Adored Beast Apothecary Felix's Flora

Felix's Flora by Adored Beast Apothecary is a natural probiotic and prebiotic blend specifically formulated for cats. It promotes healthy gut flora and supports your cat’s overall digestive health.

• • Organic ingredients
  • Supports gut flora
  • Prebiotic and probiotic blend

Baci+ 3in1 Solutions

Baci+ 3in1 Solutions is a versatile product that combines probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes. This combination helps support digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.

• • Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes
  • Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Suitable for daily use

Thrive ProGut

Thrive ProGut is a high-quality probiotic supplement designed to improve your cat's digestive health. It contains multiple strains of beneficial bacteria and is easy to mix with your cat’s food.

• • Multi-strain probiotic formula
  • Promotes healthy digestion
  • Easy-to-administer powder

Naturvet Digestive Enzymes Soft Chews

Naturvet Digestive Enzymes Soft Chews are a convenient and tasty way to give your cat probiotics. These chews contain digestive enzymes and probiotics to support your cat’s digestive system.

• • Soft chew format
  • Contains digestive enzymes and probiotics
  • Tasty and easy to administer

Probiotics can be a valuable addition to your cat's diet, supporting their digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being. Whether your cat needs help with digestion, allergies, or stress-related issues, there is a probiotic out there that can help. 

Consider trying one of the recommended products and consult with your veterinarian to find the best solution for your feline friend.

Natural Sources of Probiotics for Cats

Sometimes the very best medicine is food. If you are looking for a natural food source to offer your cat probiotics, then there are a few safe, effective, and delicious options that can be added to any diet or fed as a treat.

Here are two of the most popular cat-safe foods that are rich in probiotics:

1. Goat's Milk: The most popular option for cats is to offer raw goat's milk, like The Honest Kitchen Cat Blend Instant Goat's Milk. The natural good bacteria present in raw milk is great for boosting digestion. Goat's milk, unlike cow's, is safe and easily digestible for cats of all ages. Plus, cats love it!
2. Green Tripe: Another great option for cats is to offer raw green tripe, like Feline Natural Lamb Tripe Freeze Dried Booster. Tripe may be stinky and unappetizing to us, but this protein-rich food is very palatable to cats. It's the stomach lining of a cow or other ruminant animal, so in addition to natural probiotics, tripe contains helpful digestive enzymes to further support the breakdown of food.

FAQs About Cat Probiotics

Can I Give My Cat Probiotics Every Day?

Yes, you can give your cat probiotics every day. Daily use helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. The probiotics also support overall digestive health and immune function. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or your veterinarian.

How Do I Know If My Cat Needs Probiotics?

Signs that your cat might benefit from probiotics include frequent diarrhea, constipation, digestive issues after antibiotics, stress-related digestive upset, skin problems, and a weakened immune system. If you notice these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for advice.

Are There Any Side Effects of Probiotics for Cats?

Probiotics are generally safe for cats, but some may experience mild side effects such as gas or bloating when starting a new probiotic. If side effects persist or worsen, discontinue use and contact your cat’s veterinarian.

Can Probiotics Help with My Cat's Diarrhea?

No one likes a messy litterbox. Luckily probiotics can help with diarrhea by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They can be particularly effective in cases of stress-related diarrhea or after antibiotic treatment.

How Do I Choose the Best Probiotic for My Cat?

When choosing a probiotic for your cat, consider factors such as the specific health needs of your cat, the probiotic strains included, and the product format (powder, capsule, chew). Look for products with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria and positive customer reviews.

Are Probiotics Safe for Kittens?

Probiotics can be safe for kittens, but it’s important to choose a product specifically formulated for young cats and to follow the recommended dosage. Consult with your veterinarian before giving probiotics to kittens to ensure they are appropriate for your pet's age and health.

Where Can I Buy Cat Probiotics?

At Home Alive Pets, we are committed to providing top-quality products to keep your feline friends happy and healthy. Explore our extensive range of cat probiotics and other digestive aids to find the perfect solution for your pet's needs.