Probiotics for Cats – How to Choose the Best

How To Choose The Best Probiotics for Your Cat

A healthy cat is a happy cat. And what’s the first step to having a happy cat? Ensuring that it’s gut health is good, of course. Whether in food or supplement form, the best probiotics for cats can help.

But how do you ensure that your cat’s gut health is good? By including probiotics in its diet, of course!

If you’re wondering what probiotics are and why you should consider supplementing your feline friend with them, the answer is simple.

Probiotics are good bacteria that confer a health benefit to the host. In this case, the host is your cat!

Probiotics are essential for digestion, immunity, and overall health of cats – just like humans.

This blog will tell you how to choose probiotics for cats and how to introduce probiotics in their diet.

But before we begin, let’s understand what probiotics are and why they’re important for cats.

What are Probiotics for Cats?

Probiotics are good bacteria that can help support good health in cats, starting in the digestive tract. These bacteria can help keep the digestive system functioning properly and ward off inflammation.

They may also help promote a healthy immune system and promote skin health. The most common types of probiotics used for cats are yogurt-based probiotics or antibiotics-detergents-sorbitol (AOS).

Did you know? Researchers have called probiotics for cats “a promising tool for the maintenance of pets’ health.”

When choosing a probiotic for your cat, it’s important to consider factors such as whether the probiotic contains live bacteria or only probiotics, the type of bacteria it contains, and its efficacy for treating specific health issues in cats.

Some of the benefits of giving probiotics to your kitty include:

  • Improved digestion
  • Immune system support
  • Soothing inflammation
  • Cognitive wellness
  • Nutrient absorption

Benefits of Probiotics for Cats

The beneficial effects of probiotics for cats are well-established. Probiotics can help support digestive health and function by providing beneficial bacteria to the gut.

A healthy gut biome helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity, and overall health. Probiotics can help digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation by supplementing the gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria.

They may also help support a healthy immune system in cats by providing beneficial effects on immune system function. This includes reducing the effects of stress and anxiety on the immune system.

Finally, probiotics may help reduce the effects of antibiotics on the microbiome by teaching the body to develop resistance to antibiotics.

This could help prevent potential adverse effects of antibiotics, such as diarrhea or vomiting.

Overall, probiotics offer many benefits for cats overall health and overall well-being.

A black cat with white paws drinking cream, which has probiotics.
Look at this nice cat! She’s got the cream. Which actually supplies some probiotics.

Cat Probiotics vs. Dog Probiotics: What’s the Difference?

Cat probiotics are the same probiotics you can find in dog food. However, cat probiotics are more likely to be effective than dog probiotics due to the unique digestive system of cats.

Cat-specific probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that work to improve a cat’s gut health, providing protection against diarrhea and other health issues.

To ensure the efficacy of cat probiotics, make sure they are specifically formulated for cats and avoid feeding your cat any extra bacteria other than those included in the supplement.

Additionally, check the label for additional ingredients that may benefit your cat’s health, such as prebiotics or antibiotics, as these could interfere with the efficacy of cat probiotics.

Overall, cat probiotics are a good addition to your feline’s diet and can help improve bowel health and immune system function.

Can I give my cat probiotics made for humans?

This is generally not a good idea. Always be sure to give your cat dietary supplements that are formulated for felines, specifically. This is for your cat’s safety, especially in the context of dosages.

Potential Side Effects of Probiotics for Cats

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help support good health in cats. Some cats may experience mild digestive upset from probiotics, such as diarrhea or vomiting.

Cats with allergies or sensitivities may have an adverse reaction to certain probiotic strains. Overdosing on probiotics can cause a buildup of bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea and other digestive issues.

Probiotics can also interfere with some medications, so be sure to discuss their use with your veterinarian before giving them to your cat.

Additionally, probiotics shouldn’t be given to cats with antibiotics unless directed by a vet. In rare cases, probiotics could cause a cat to become sick or die from a bacterial infection or immune system response. It’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s directions and cautionary statements when giving probiotics to your cat.

Types of Probiotics for Cats

The types of probiotics for cats vary, but some of the most commonly used probiotics are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. These bacteria aid digestion and support the immune system. They can also help with gut health and balance in cats. They may help reduce digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting in cats.

Some probiotic supplements contain l- oligosaccharides, a type of sugar that probiotics can feed on.

Another type of probiotic supplement is Streptococcus. This probiotic helps to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in cats. It can aid digestion and absorption of nutrients by helping to regulate gut microorganisms.

Enterococcus is another type of probiotic supplement that’s beneficial for gut health in cats. It has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can improve overall health and well-being.

How to Give Probiotics to Your Cat

If you’re looking to give your cat probiotics, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the type of probiotics best suited for your kitties’ needs. When making the choice of probiotic supplement, consider factors like the bacteria strains used in the supplement and whether it is pre- or post-biotic.

Another important factor to consider is if the supplement contains probiotics Can orutable bacteria, which can help with digestion and overall health.

Choose a probiotic supplement that has multiple strains of beneficial bacteria that are appropriate for cats, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacter. Also make sure to consider the delivery method, such as capsule or food supplement, and make it easy for your kitty to take.

Probiotics for Cats: Buyer’s Guide

If you’re looking for a probiotic supplement for your cat, you’ll first want to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best probiotic for your feline friend.

There are several different types of bacteria that can be used for probiotics, but it’s important to select a supplement that contains the type of bacteria your cat needs.

When choosing a probiotic supplement, consider the source of the supplement and if it is manufactured under good manufacturing practices (GMP).

This will ensure that the bacteria is free from harmful antibiotics and other chemicals, resulting in a supplement with optimal potency and freshness.

Finally, pay attention to the shelf life and storage instructions on the supplement to ensure that your cat gets the best possible gut health benefits.

Did you know? If you see “CFU” describing probiotics on a cat supplement or your cat’s food, know that this acronym stands for “Colony Forming Units.” This measure is used on label claims to show how many viable beneficial bacteria will be delivered in each serving.

Fera Pet Organics Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics for Dogs & Cats, 72-g

When choosing a probiotic supplement for your cat, it’s important to pick a supplement with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria.

Look for a probiotic supplement that is specifically formulated for cats. This should include probiotics from both animal sources (e.g. yam lactobacillus) and plants (e.g. bifidobacteria).

Make sure the supplement is tested for safety and efficacy, and read the label carefully. Make sure the ingredients are suitable for your cat’s needs and dietary preferences. (as well as suitable to your own personal quality standards.)

PetHonesty Digestive Probiotics+ Premium Gut + Immune Health Cat Supplement, 4.2-oz bottle

If you’re looking to add probiotics to your cat’s diet, there are several factors to consider. The type and number of probiotics in the supplement is important, as is the overall balance of the diet and the overall health of the cat.

It’s also important to choose a supplement made from natural ingredients and to ensure that it’s been tested by a third-party organization for safety and efficacy. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your cat gets the probiotics it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.

NaturVetDigestive Enzymes Plus Probiotic Soft Chews Digestive Supplement for Cats, 60 count

There are a variety of species-specific probiotics for cats on the market, each designed to support specific digestive health needs.

A good place to start is with a species-specific probiotic cat supplement like NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotic Soft Chews.

These high-quality probiotics contain beneficial bacteria strains that support cats’ digestive health. It is suggested to help cats with diarrhea or inflammatory bowel issues.

Plus, they’re easy to use and digestible, making them an excellent choice for any cat owner.

It’s important to read the ingredients list when choosing a probiotic for your feline friend. Look for a supplement that contains species-specific probiotics and minimal fillers.

Additionally, consider the administration method such as capsules, powder, or treats. Research any potential side effects and talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen.

Conclusion

With so many probiotics for cats on the market, it’s challenging to find the best probiotic supplement for your cat. However, with research and guidance, you can find the perfect probiotic supplement for your cat’s GI tract and gut health.

If you’re struggling to find a probiotic supplement that works, try NaturVet’s Digestive Enzymes + Probiotic Soft Chews supplement. It contains prebiotics and digestive enzymes along with probiotics that support your cat’s overall health.

You can also try Fera Pet Organics’ ProBiotics supplement. The supplement is available in capsule and powder form and supports optimal digestion, immune health, and overall health of your cat. Purina also makes some probiotic foods, that will surely appeal to your cat’s appetite.

Remember it’s crucial to always talk to your DVM before giving any supplement to your cat. It is best to discuss the specifics of your cat’s health with a veterinarian to ensure that it is safe and beneficial for your kitty.

Additionally, be sure to read any labels carefully when choosing a probiotic supplement for your kitty as not all ingredients are created equal.

As with any cat supplements, it’s important to monitor your kitty’s dosage carefully and consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs of toxicity or side effects.