
Probiotics are living microorganisms, a type of bacteria that is good for your gastrointestinal system. There are different ways for you to intake the probiotic such as vitamin capsules and your everyday foods like yogurt and sauerkraut.
Probiotics are needed because of chlorinated drinking water and and foods that have been overly processed because you are not receiving the right amount of beneficial bacteria that your gut depends on. Keep in mind the majority of your immune system is living in your gut.
The major benefits of a high quality probiotics is an aid in digesting your foods, enhances the B vitamins and improves calcium absorption, helps maintain a healthy amount of intestinal micro-flora, helps support the overall immune function, plus many other benefits. It has also been argued that probiotics help the development of allergies in children, and may also help prevent yeast and urinary tract infections.
Can I Give My Cat Probiotics? Answer: Yes
Probiotics are not only good for us humans but animals such as cats as well. The probiotics help keep your cat’s digestive systems working. If your cat eats grass or happens to get stressed it can mess with the gastrointestinal track. Like people a cat’s diet is important which is why they need good bacteria in there gastrointestinal tract.
Probiotics can help your pets immune system, healthy digestion, and help your cat’s overall health. Pets deserve the best care. Which is why most pet owners pay a little extra for flea and tick treatments, heart worm medications, and high quality food.
More Information About Probiotics And Cats
For younger healthy cats probiotics may not be needed since they should have a decent amount of good bacteria already. Just like people, cats can get stressed out, and ill which can cause your cat to have an irritable bowels. Cats with these problems will need the good bacteria the most.
It can get overwhelming looking at all the different types and prices of probiotics available. Just keep in mind that some probiotics are better than none. Giving your cat any amount of good bacteria will help them in many ways, it depends on how much you can spend on the probiotics.
The Advantages Of Probiotics For Your Cat
Many veterinarians say probiotic supplements are safe with little or no known side effects and will not cause your cat any harm, since the bacteria is natural and should be already in the body of your cat . It can also help reduce allergic reactions, prevents the overgrowth of certain types of fungi, kills off the harmful bacteria, and stimulates the immune system.
Another advantage is if your cat has a digestive ailment such as diarrhea it can help naturally without causing any harm to your cat, since your cat may not have enough good bacteria to fight off the bad bacteria.
Signs Your Cat May Need Probiotic Supplements
If your cat has excessive flatulence (or gas), constipation, diarrhea, sluggishness, skin problems, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), then you may want to consider a probiotic supplement since it can help with these common problems.
As your cat ages the balance of good and bad bacteria in the intestinal tract can be affected. To help your cat you should definitely invest in the supplements to improve the number of good bacteria. You may also want to invest in the supplements if your cat needs medication, an inadequate diet, and if your cat is exposed to fertilizers, pesticides and/ or chemicals.
What To Look For In A Probiotic Supplement
Cats can have probiotics, and it is actually very good for them, so they can stay healthy. Some probiotics are better than none but there is a recommended amount your cat should be given. What you should look for is a formula that has a 1:1:1 ratio of Lactobacillus Casei, Bifidobacterium Thermophilum, Enterococcus Faecium. Also consult with your cat’s veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. There are also online sites that with products and ratings from other cat owners.
When trying to keep your cat healthy be sure to keep in mind garlic and onion destroy a cat’s red blood cells, to much calcium and vitamin D can be toxic, and too much vitamin C can lead to overly acidic urine, which can lead to crystal formation and a life threatening blockage.
One thing that I think you should add is that human gut bacteria are different from cat gut bacteria. Giving a human probiotics to a cat will end up with a confused mix of gut bacteria in the cat. A human diet and nutritional needs are significantly different from a cat’s needs, so the bacterial mix would be significantly different as well, as listed in the article.
Make sure you are getting probiotics especially formulated for your little carnivore. If you have questions on the probiotics you should use, consult with your veterinarian.