The health of a domestic cat’s gut microbiota is very important to their health. A healthy gut microbiome improves and supports a healthy immune system. It affects hormones and general welfare. It’s something that cat caregivers should, I believe, think about. In this article I discuss how a caregiver might improve their cat’s gut microbiome. You also see ‘good gut bacteria’ to describe the same thing.
Two useful tags. Click either to see the articles:- Toxic to cats | Dangers to cats
Cat gut health is crucial for overall well-being. Here are some ways a cat caregiver can improve their cat’s gut microbiome:
Balanced Diet: Providing an appropriate, well-balanced diet tailored to your cat’s metabolism is essential. Consult with your veterinarian to choose a food that addresses your cat’s unique needs. Look for cat foods that feature probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health.
Probiotics: These are live bacteria and yeasts that help your cat’s digestive system thrive. Probiotics aid in overall immune function, support vitamin production, and help balance the “good” and “bad” bacteria within the gut.
Prebiotics: These are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics, encouraging their growth and activity.
Minimize Stress: Stress can negatively impact gut health. Create a calm environment for your cat, especially during changes or transitions.
Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome. Use them judiciously and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Minimally Processed Raw or Gently-Cooked Diets: These diets made from whole food ingredients can help maintain a healthy gut. Both raw and gently-cooked diets are excellent for overall gut health.
Gut Health Testing: For cats with chronic digestive disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease), consider gut health testing. This helps tailor interventions to your cat’s specific needs.
Remember to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice and recommendations based on your cat’s individual health and requirements. A healthy gut microbiome contributes to your kitty’s overall vitality!
Listed – some probiotic supplements for cats
Here are some probiotic supplements designed specifically for cats to support their gut health:
Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora for Cats: This liver-flavored powder contains probiotics and yeast. It’s beneficial for cats prone to diarrhea and provides extra gut support. You can sprinkle it on your cat’s food or mix it with a liquid.
VetriScience Laboratories Probiotic Everyday Gut Health Supplement for Cats Soft Chews: These soft chews are easy to administer and help maintain gut health. They’re suitable for daily use.
Pet Naturals of Vermont Daily Probiotic for Cats: A budget-friendly option, these probiotics come in chew form. They support digestive health and can be given to cats of all ages.
PetUltimates Probiotics for Cats: Ideal for cats dealing with constipation, this supplement promotes a healthy gut. It’s available in capsule form.
Fera Pet Organics Probiotics with Prebiotics: Specifically formulated for cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this supplement contains both probiotics and prebiotics.
Purina Calming Care Veterinary Supplements: While primarily calming, this supplement also supports gut health. It’s suitable for stressed-out kitties.
Skout’s Honor Probiotic Deodorizer: Not only does it help with odor control, but it also contains probiotics for gut health.
Healthy Kidney Inc. Kidney Restore: Designed for cats with kidney disease, this supplement includes probiotics to support overall health.
Vital Planet Flora Cat Probiotic: Boosts immune support and maintains gut balance. Suitable for cats of all ages.
Nutramax Proviable-DC: Especially beneficial for kittens, this probiotic supplement supports overall digestive health.
Remember to consult your veterinarian before starting any probiotics to ensure they’re appropriate for your cat’s specific needs.
RELATED: Treating Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease With Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
What difference between gut microbiota and gut microbiome?
Certainly! Let’s explore the difference between gut microbiota and gut microbiome:
Gut Microbiota:
Definition: Gut microbiota refers to the collection of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes) that reside in the digestive tract of an organism.
Composition: It includes various species of bacteria, each with its own unique characteristics and functions.
Location: These microorganisms inhabit different parts of the gut, including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Dynamic: The gut microbiota is dynamic and can change based on factors like diet, environment, and health status.
Function: Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, and even influences overall health.
Gut Microbiome:
Definition: The gut microbiome encompasses not only the microorganisms themselves but also their genetic material (such as DNA and RNA).
Genetic Diversity: It represents the collective genetic information of all the microorganisms present in the gut.
Holistic View: The gut microbiome provides a holistic view of the microbial community’s genetic potential.
Functional Insights: By studying the gut microbiome, researchers gain insights into the functional capabilities of the entire microbial ecosystem.
Metagenomics: Techniques like metagenomics allow scientists to analyze the genetic material from samples of gut microbiota to understand its diversity and functions.
In summary, while gut microbiota refers to the actual microorganisms residing in the gut, the gut microbiome encompasses both these microorganisms and their genetic material. Understanding both aspects is essential for unraveling the complex interactions within our digestive system.
RELATED: 17 facts about the ‘skin microbiota’ of your cat
