Your cat’s digestive health impacts every area of her well-being. If things are off in her gut, then she’ll likely not be feeling her best and may develop problems ranging from diarrhea to poor immune function to behavioral issues. Along with a nutritious, species-specific diet and regular veterinary care, supplementing her with probiotics and prebiotics can help your cat’s digestion.
Understanding probiotics and prebiotics
According to the Mayo Clinic, probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria (normal microflora) in the body. Probiotics are found in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut. The microorganisms include Lactobacillus acidophilus and other Lactobacillus species, and certain strains of Bacillus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacteria, and Streptococcus, all of which are commonly found in over-the-counter probiotic supplements.
Prebiotics, meanwhile, are typically found in high-fiber foods such as whole grains, bananas, soybeans and artichokes. They act as food for the gut microflora, and aid in digestion. They also help maintain immunity and healthy body weight, and reduce inflammation. Prebiotics are used with the intention of improving the balance of these particular microorganisms, which include Fructooligosaccharides (the most common type of prebiotic), Oligosaccharides, arabinogalactans and lactulose.
Fast fact: All these microorganisms are part of what’s called the gut microbiome. Found primarily in the large and small intestine, the microbiome can be thought of as another organ and consists of trillions of microorganisms co-existing peacefully within the body.
“Intestinal bacteria aid in digesting certain nutrients by providing enzymes that the body does not make on its own,” says retired veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve of LittleBigCat.com. “These organisms manufacture several B vitamins and help maintain an acidic pH in the gut. They also prevent colonization of the digestive tract by pathological (disease-causing) organisms such as Salmonella and Candida.”
When things get out of balance
Cats have notoriously sensitive digestive tracts. The bacteria in their gut microbiome have a direct effect on overall health, influencing not only digestion, but also immune system function and nutritional metabolism, as well as moods and mental health.
Fast fact: “Gut dysbiosis” describes an imbalance between healthy and unhealthy bacteria.
In addition to causing commonly-recognized digestive issues such as diarrhea or vomiting, gut dysbiosis is the source of many additional illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, heart problems, pancreatitis, and even cancer.
Giving probiotics and prebiotics to your cat
It should go without saying that if your cat seems unwell, you need to take her to the vet for a checkup before giving her any supplements, including probiotics and prebiotics. You need to know the cause of her symptoms before trying to treat them. If your cat’s health issues turn out to be caused by gut dysbiosis, then you and your vet can take steps to correct the problem.
Veterinarian Dr. Scott Gavalet recommends the use of probiotics under two circumstances. “[They are the] first line in treating diarrhea, and to replace the good bacteria when we prescribe antibiotics,” he says. So if your cat has been on antibiotics, and/or is prone to vomiting, constipation, diarrhea or bloating in the absence of other pathologies, a probiotic can help boost her levels of good bacteria.
How to choose the right supplements
The marketplace is full of probiotic and prebiotic products, ranging from powders and capsules to treats. Most are easily added to your cat’s food without affecting the taste. Some cat food companies also include these nutrients in their recipes. When choosing probiotics and prebiotics for your own cat, it’s imperative to look for high quality products made by a reputable company.
Fast fact: The digestive systems of cats and humans are quite different, so it’s important to use a supplement specifically formulated for cats, or better still, your individual feline.
Talk to an integrative or holistic veterinarian about which products would be best for your own cat’s needs. In the meantime, here are two important points to keep in mind:
- Because cats are carnivores and depend on a protein-rich diet, it’s crucial to select supplements tailored to their nutritional needs. For instance, Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium are beneficial for cats. Enterococcus generally lives in the colon and aids in the formation of normal feces and maintaining colon health. Bifidobacterium is found in the small intestine and is responsible for improved digestion.
- Prebiotics are often used in conjunction with probiotics to facilitate digestion and balance gut health. Herbalist Greg Tilford recommends herbal prebiotics because of their low risk of side effects. He notes that prebiotics can fill in the gaps by providing beneficial plant-based nutrients that cats might not be getting in their food.
Correcting and supporting your cat’s gut health, under the supervision of your veterinarian, will have a positive effect on her overall health and happiness. Introducing the right probiotics and prebiotics can help your cat’s digestion, balance her microbiome and help her feel better.
Probiotics from yogurt
Adding a probiotic to your cat’s diet can also include putting a teaspoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt in her food each day. Yogurt contains L acidophilus, the first bacterial strain to be identified and isolated, according to Dr. Hofve. L acidophilus was initially used in the 1920s and ‘30s to treat constipation and diarrhea in human patients. It has also long been given to patients after a course of antibiotics as a way to restore normal gut flora.
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Sally E. Bahner specializes in cat-related issues, specifically nutrition, holistic care and behavior. She has offered her services as a feline behavior and care consultant and gives classes on cat care. Sally is the resident cat behavior expert on Tracie Hotchner’s Cat Chat radio program, and a member of the Cat Writers’ Association and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
