Do cats need a probiotic? What about a prebiotic? Today these words are in fashion in relation not only to people, but also to animals. Therefore, manufacturers produce separate probiotics for cats and cats, earning good money on sales. And many owners buy it thoughtlessly, not understanding what it is and what it is needed for. But the readers of the Murkotiki website are not those who do first and think later. We hope our article will help you make a decision.
This article is part of the category Nutritional Supplements for Cats
Before delving into the intricacies, let's understand the fundamental point, namely, what the cat's intestinal microflora is and what it consists of.
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Intestinal microflora of cats
As you probably already know, microorganisms live in the intestines, including beneficial bacteria and opportunistic ones. Conditionally pathogenic are those whose excessive reproduction causes pathological processes. These include, for example, E. coli. And the most famous beneficial bacterium is, perhaps, Lactobacillus acidophilus. It’s not that she’s the coolest among all, it’s just that she has very good PR thanks to yogurt manufacturers.
It is important to know which strains of beneficial bacteria are most beneficial for your pet. Among them, in particular, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria:
- Bifidobacterium lactis;
- Bifidobacterium animalis;
- Lactobacillus acidophilus;
- Bifidobacterium longum;
- Bifidobacterium bifidum;
- Lactobacillus casei;
- and others.
Intestinal microflora is very necessary and important: it provides protection against pathogens that can be absorbed from the intestines into the blood, and also synthesizes biologically active substances necessary to maintain the vital functions of the whole organism. In addition, the intestines play a huge role in the formation of immunity.
When the microbiome becomes unbalanced, the result is often leaky gut, inflammation, and other pathologies. Leaky gut plays a major role in digestive problems and chronic inflammation throughout the body.
With dysbiosis, all the beneficial bacteria in the intestines cannot die at once: a certain amount always remains. But if many of them died, it means there is a reason. This doesn't happen by chance. There are many factors that can disrupt the ratio of good to bad bacteria in the gut, including:
- biologically inappropriate diet;
- emotional stress;
- worms;
- taking antibiotics and a number of other medications;
- eating inedible things;
- drinking contaminated water;
- sudden change in diet;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- aging of the body.
Indications for use
A healthy body copes with all processes independently and does not require outside help. The intestinal microflora, subject to proper and balanced feeding, is capable of multiplying itself and “working” smoothly.
Probiotics are used for:
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- bloating;
- gas formation;
- use of antibiotics and other bacterial drugs;
- diseases of the pancreas;
- pathologies of the kidneys and liver;
- acute infectious diseases of various etiologies;
- poisoning with dysfunction of the digestive system;
- when constantly feeding the cat dry food;
- suffered stress factors;
- with crowded contents;
- after visiting the pet hotel.
Prebiotics and probiotics for cats - what's the difference?
It is important to distinguish between concepts such as prebiotic and probiotic. A probiotic is a beneficial bacterium, and most often a combination of different strains. A prebiotic is something that feeds the microflora. Probiotics and prebiotics are completely different terms.
Many people believe that prebiotics only help feed beneficial bacteria, but this is not always the case. According to veterinarian Karen Baker, prebiotics can also cause the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, prebiotic supplements sometimes, on the contrary, aggravate problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Now we will not delve into the issue of prebiotics; for that, read another article. Let's just say that next we will talk specifically about probiotics.
Effective new generation probiotic preparations
Normally, the animal’s body independently copes with minor manifestations of dysbiosis: it’s not for nothing that they say that a cat has 9 lives. But if the animal is severely weakened by the disease, then probiotics are necessary for the speedy restoration of protective functions and normalization of metabolic processes.
The modern line of probiotic supplements and preparations is developed based on the latest scientific developments in the field of veterinary medicine. The composition of the drug includes complexes of beneficial microorganisms, vitamins and minerals. Dosages are calculated for pets of different weights and ages.
The taste preferences of pets are also taken into account: supplements for oral use include aromatic and flavoring components so that the animal does not resist treatment; for the same purpose, different forms of administration are provided (an example is in the table below).
Clinical cases of overdose and poisoning with probiotics and prebiotics are not known, since excess bacteria are simply excreted from the body in feces. However, you should pay attention to the composition of the drug and exercise caution if it contains additional components (vitamins and microelements) that can cause allergic reactions.
Separately from medicinal drugs, additives are used to prevent dysbiosis. It is taken into account that “complementary feeding” with probiotics can be started at the age of 1.5 months, when the kittens’ gastrointestinal biocenosis is fully formed. Supplements are indicated for cats of any age after illnesses.
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It is also necessary to take into account that all the inhabitants of the house, together with a cat, dog or hamster, form a symbiosis in which, alas, some infectious diseases are transmitted from the animal to humans, and vice versa. Therefore, veterinary pharmacies sell medications for cats and dogs, and medications for humans are suitable for animals, subject to dose adjustment.
Popular manufacturers of probiotics for cats:
- Pro Plan;
- Veda;
- Ceva;
- Viyo;
- EnteroZoo;
- Protexin;
- Armavir biofactory;
- AVZ;
- NPF Research Center;
- Ecoprom;
- Helvet;
- Biotech firm Component and many others.
The price range is available to all consumers. Here we must admit that the effectiveness of pre- and probiotics does not depend on the price, but on the brand, advertising costs and other marketing nuances. If we are talking about prevention and general supplements, without vitamin and mineral components, then their choice depends on the personal financial capabilities and taste preferences of cats.
To treat the gastrointestinal tract and restore immunity, it is still worth consulting with a veterinarian. It is quite possible that after laboratory testing and accurate diagnosis, he will prescribe a symbiotic (multicomponent) drug, depending on the established diagnosis, taking into account that disorders can be caused by an imbalance of different types of fiber.
Multicomponent drugs:
- Bifilong
- Acylact
- Ocarine
- Bifidin
- Bificol
Combination drugs have recently been classified as the most effective group, since the strains included in their composition are resistant to antibiotics:
- Probiofor;
- Primadophilius;
- Acipol;
- Polybacterin;
- Biphilis;
- Bactistatin;
- Bi-fidumbacterin forte.
Non-microbial drugs (prebiotics) are prescribed to stimulate the development of colonies that form a normal environment in the intestines.
Drugs indicated:
- Lactofiltrum
- Hilak forte
- milife
- Duphalac
- Adaptohit.
To selectively suppress opportunistic microorganisms, drugs containing phages (viruses that integrate into bacterial cells and suppress their growth and development) are used.
Phages do not kill beneficial organisms like antibiotics and are compatible with other therapeutic agents. Phage therapy is the latest achievement of genetic engineering in the fight against infections. However, despite the fact that more than 10 drugs containing phages are freely available in pharmacies, they should be used only as prescribed by a veterinarian.
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An equally important component in normalizing the intestinal ecosystem is diet therapy, but even here it is necessary to consult a veterinarian, because the right diet speeds up the cat’s recovery.
For example, there are diets specifically designed to treat pancreatitis or liver failure - high in enzymes or low in fat and calories. Even if your cat really likes a certain food, you shouldn’t go along with it without studying the composition and consulting with a specialist.
Why give probiotics to cats?
Normally, cats maintain a balanced intestinal microflora, which does not need to be introduced from outside. A kitten, like a human child, receives it during childbirth and in the first days after. Then what settles in, then multiplies.
No one has doubted the benefits of a healthy intestinal microbiome for a long time. But at the same time, many veterinarians and human doctors express doubts about the benefits of taking probiotics in supplements, because they believe that the bacteria in them will die in the stomach when they encounter acid, and those that do reach the intestines will most likely be incapacitated . Doctors who adhere to this point of view argue that all probiotics are placebos with unproven effectiveness.
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The author of this article had the opportunity to verify the opposite from personal experience. After taking antibiotics, the intestinal microflora was disrupted, which made itself felt with severe pains and cramps in the abdomen, which always ended in diarrhea. The doctor prescribed pharmaceutical probiotics in capsule form. After a few days of taking them, the situation returned to normal. But this is only a personal opinion, as, indeed, are the opinions of doctors who oppose probiotic supplements. It is better to turn to the results of studies that are based not on personal impressions, but on objective observations.
Italian researchers decided to determine how taking a strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus affects the quality of feline stool. Scientists assessed the hardness and moisture level of the stool. The feces of cats given the probiotic had higher levels of L. acidophilus and lower levels of opportunistic bacteria. That is, the results of the study indicate that the addition of viable strains to the diet leads to the fact that they reach the intestines intact and continue to reproduce, suppressing the growth of pathogenic microflora.
Further studies were conducted among healthy cats in comparison with cats suffering from pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. It turned out that the effect of balancing microflora goes far beyond the intestines alone. According to findings published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, probiotic supplementation may have systemic and immunomodulatory effects in healthy cats and kittens. Probiotics have a therapeutic effect in a number of diseases:
- sluggishness of the gastrointestinal tract;
- allergy;
- diabetes;
- chronic inflammation;
- dermatitis;
- obesity;
- diarrhea and constipation;
- liver pathologies;
- mood swings and behavioral disorders.
A study conducted by the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences assessed the effect of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium on the incidence of diarrhea in cats. This study involved 217 cats who were divided into two groups: one group received a probiotic and the other received a placebo. The results showed that the percentage of cats with diarrhea was significantly lower in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. The benefit of oral live microorganisms for cats with chronic diarrhea was also confirmed, with more than 70% of owners seeing improvement in cats suffering from diarrhea after 21 days of probiotic therapy.
Thus, although many doctors do not believe in the power of probiotics in supplements, citing many seemingly logical arguments against them, the practical use of these supplements shows the opposite. Another question is how to choose such a supplement and how to introduce it into the body so that it is effective?
How to use?
In order for probiotics to bring maximum benefit to both kittens and adult cats, you must follow the following rules of administration:
When combining therapy with an antibiotic, it is worth taking a break between drugs for at least 2 hours.
- To improve cat health, it is recommended to give probiotic products that contain 2 or more types of beneficial bacteria.
- Medicines with bacteria are given in the morning on an empty stomach, so they are better absorbed.
- The dry additive is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2, and the liquid additive is added to the feed.
- When taking antibiotics, medications with probiotics are given to the cat after 2 hours.
Food with probiotics
Some owners want to buy dry cat food with probiotics. Manufacturers offer such options, in particular, this applies to the following brands:
- "Grandorf"
- "Proplan";
- Royal Canin;
- and many others.
Veterinarian Karen Baker advises avoiding commercial pet foods with added probiotics. it contains strains that are no longer viable. The bacteria in probiotics must be alive and capable of reproduction - only then will they help the body.
EXPERT COMMENT: US VETERINARIAN KAREN BACKER
“Commercial pet products containing probiotics are not worth the money. The manufacturing process kills too many live bacteria, rendering the probiotic effect useless by the time it is packaged and shipped.”
She cites a study published in The Canadian Veterinary Journal that found that of 19 commercial pet foods tested for probiotic properties, not a single product actually contained live microorganisms listed on the label that could colonize the gut. Instead of foods with probiotics, Karen Baker advises adding natural foods to your pet's diet.
Kefir and yogurt
You can make kefir at home by adding a packet of kefir starter to raw organic milk. This option is much better than regular store-bought kefir or yogurt. Add 1 teaspoon of prepared kefir to your pet's food once or twice a day. This option is suitable for those animals that do not have intolerance to fermented milk products.
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At the same time, many doctors doubt that the bacteria contained in kefir or yogurt will pass unharmed through the acid in the stomach. So this method of enriching the intestines with probiotics is a big question.
Fermented vegetables
Fermented vegetables contain many beneficial bacteria, as well as prebiotics - substances that nourish the intestinal microflora. Vegetables provide an even greater variety of beneficial bacteria than probiotic supplements. Fermented vegetables can be purchased in stores, but it is cheaper to prepare them at home. When adding them to your pet's food, start with small amounts, and then gradually increase the portion to 1-2 teaspoons per day (depending on the weight of the animal).
Probiotics: what they are, where they are found
Probiotics are a group of beneficial microorganisms, of which the most significant are:
- Bifidobacteria;
- Lactobacilli;
- Lactococci;
- Streptococci;
- Propionic acid bacteria.
Each species has several dozen strains, many of which belong to the group of lactic acid bacteria.
Probiotics are found in foods (feed), food additives, and are produced in dosage form - in dry and liquid form. Therefore, one way or another, they enter the body constantly, in various forms, forming a biocenosis - a favorable environment in the stomach and intestines of the host.
Side Effects of Probiotics for Pets
Complete probiotic supplements generally have no negative effects on pets and are considered safe. Monopreparations, including only 1-2 strains of unidirectional action, can lead to undesirable consequences if they are selected incorrectly. Therefore, we recommend that you consult a veterinarian when prescribing a single drug.
If you're choosing fermented vegetables as your source of probiotics, it's best to start with small amounts and then gradually increase the amount to allow your digestive system to adapt. Feeding too many fermented vegetables can cause stomach upset.
Instructions for use of probiotics
There is no single correct instruction for the use of probiotics. Each preparation contains a certain microflora.
In any case, you should:
- adhere to the manufacturer's instructions;
- comply with storage conditions. They may differ significantly. For example, for some the manufacturer indicates from - 25 ᵒC to +25 ᵒC, and for others from +4 ᵒC to + 8 ᵒC;
- do not use after the expiration date;
- give preference to complex preparations that list the strains of microorganisms and the amount of at least 1.0x106 CFU/g;
- purchase only certified products and only in pharmacies.
It is necessary to clearly distinguish probiotics (those that contain microorganisms) from feed additives (contain amino acids, vitamins, microelements).
Causes of constipation
Constipation in cats - what to do? First of all, don't panic. You need to find out the cause of constipation. This can be either simple stress, by eliminating which you will bring your pet back to normal, or serious illnesses, when constipation is only a concomitant manifestation of the disease.
Main reasons:
- Diseases of various natures, pathologies (adhesions in the intestines, neuralgia, diabetes, tumor, urolithiasis) - in this case, any treatment is agreed with a veterinarian.
- Violation of intestinal contractile function is a natural process that accompanies the aging of an animal. The work of the gastrointestinal tract slows down, pushing feces becomes more difficult. It is recommended to give the cat a light massage in the abdomen after eating, and switch it to special food for elderly pets.
- Sterilization. The operation involves anesthesia. The drugs used can cause constipation in cats, which goes away as the animal recovers. Nutrition and medication for this period are prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Foreign objects in the intestines that your cat has ingested. The help of a veterinarian will be required.
- Blockage of the intestines by hair. There are special foods that promote hair removal, for example, Purina One.
- Parasites. Even domestic cats that do not go outside should be regularly treated for parasites using anthelmintic drugs. After the parasites are destroyed, it is recommended to give the cat high-calorie food for some time. Such a diet will restore the animal's depleted resource.
- Excess weight. If constipation is not accompanied by deterioration in health, lethargy, and your cat moves little and is prone to obesity, you need to adjust its diet. Portions should be small and feedings should be frequent. Simple carbohydrates in the diet are kept to a minimum; food containing dietary meats (chicken, rabbit, lean veal) is chosen. Veterinarians recommend avoiding spices as they stimulate the appetite. At the same time, they increase activity (outdoor games, multi-tiered houses).
Poor diet is the most common cause of constipation. We will tell you how to feed pets with digestive problems in this article.
Side effects
Exceeding the dose of the drug can lead to bloating in your pet.
All probiotics are good for your cat's health. They strengthen the animal’s immune system and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. But in case of overdose, beneficial substances can be harmful and lead to side effects. In large quantities, probiotic supplements cause cramping and bloating in cats and can cause diarrhea. Therefore, in order to avoid such unpleasant phenomena, before giving them to animals, you need to consult a veterinarian to select the correct dose.
List of drugs
Probiotic "Subtilis"
Subtilis is suitable for animals that have experienced stress.
A combined probiotic product that consists of B. subtilis and B. Licheniformis bacteria. Reception is indicated for indigestion, reduced immunity and stress. "Subtilis" is available in the form of a dry powder or liquid, which is given to animals with food or diluted with water for drinking. There are no contraindications to taking the drug, and in the correct dose it does not cause any side effects.
"Biovestin"
The product is given to cats to restore their natural microflora after consuming antibiotics, in case of food allergies, infectious diseases and stressful situations. Biovestin is recommended to be taken with food or half an hour before eating. For effective therapy, the drug is used for at least 2 weeks.
Probiotic "Bifidum"
This drug can also be given to an animal for preventive purposes.
This is a monocomponent biologically active supplement that is used for diarrhea, poisoning, mastitis, to increase the animal’s body’s defenses, and also for detox when using antibiotics. After taking the drug, the symptoms of digestive disorders disappear within 24 hours. “Bifidum” is recommended to be given to kittens from 2 months of age both for the treatment of pathologies and for preventive purposes on an ongoing basis.
Havenaar R. proved in 1992 that probiotics are vital microorganisms that benefit the body of animals and humans, improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
