【Written by a Veterinarian】Do Cats Need Probiotics or Lactic Acid Bacteria? Gut Health for Longevity and Precautions for Administration

"Is it okay to give probiotics to my cat?" "Can probiotics improve my cat's gut health?"—If you're a cat owner who is highly conscious of your cat's health, you've probably thought about these questions. From common gastrointestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea to skin conditions, improving the gut environment can lead to significant improvements. In this article, a veterinarian explains probiotics, lactic acid bacteria, and gut health support.

Do cats need probiotics?

Role of Probiotics

Probiotics help regulate stomach upset and stop diarrhea. Most probiotics contain lactic acid bacteria, which travel to the intestines and help the beneficial bacteria work. In addition to lactic acid bacteria, they also contain ingredients such as digestive enzymes, which aid in digestion and absorption.

Cases where probiotics are prescribed for constipation or diarrhea

Probiotics are mainly prescribed for symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation. Since probiotics help the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora, they can be expected to improve stool consistency.

Probiotics for animals

There are probiotics for humans and probiotics for animals. Most of the products handled by veterinary clinics are designated as veterinary drugs. Probiotics contain other ingredients in addition to lactic acid bacteria, and in the case of veterinary drugs, the dosage is adjusted for animals. On the other hand, human probiotics are formulated for adults, so their weight differs from animals, and their metabolic pathways also differ from humans. There are many people who calculate the dosage by weight and split human probiotics to give to their pets, but in some cases, this may have adverse effects on cats. Please refrain from giving human probiotics to your cat on your own judgment.

Benefits of giving lactic acid bacteria to cats

Regulates intestinal environment and improves bowel movements

Innumerable bacteria called intestinal bacteria reside in the intestines. Intestinal bacteria are categorized into beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria, and opportunistic bacteria. This is referred to as the gut flora. When the stomach is upset, harmful bacteria are dominant. When lactic acid bacteria reach the intestines, they produce substances like lactic acid and acetic acid, creating an environment that inhibits the proliferation of harmful bacteria. When the intestinal environment is regulated, the intestinal barrier is maintained, inflammation is suppressed, and bowel movements improve.

Supports immunity and contributes to infection prevention

The intestines contain countless intestinal bacteria, and to prevent these bacteria from invading the body, the intestinal tract has lymphoid tissues called Peyer's patches. Lactic acid bacteria are known to activate immune cells, and lactic acid bacteria beverages that support immunity are sold for humans. Regular intake of lactic acid bacteria is thought to activate immunity and lead to the prevention of infections.

Maintaining health in senior cats and cats with chronic conditions

Lactic acid bacteria regulate the intestinal environment, thereby suppressing the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the intestines. In humans, it has been reported that harmful bacteria in the intestines produce carcinogens, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer and esophageal cancer. Although it is not yet known for cats, if the intestinal environment is regulated and immunity is activated, cancer may be suppressed.

The effects of lactic acid bacteria are also gaining attention in veterinary medicine, and various supplements are being developed. Lactic acid bacteria are expected to be effective for cats with chronic kidney disease. Uremic toxins produced in the intestines are metabolized in the liver and then excreted by the kidneys. In advanced chronic kidney disease, uremic toxins are not excreted by the kidneys and accumulate in the body, leading to "uremia." The mechanism is that consuming lactic acid bacteria breaks down uremic toxins in the intestines, making it difficult for uremic toxins to accumulate in the body. This may alleviate symptoms such as loss of appetite and vomiting during the uremic stage.

Furthermore, some lactic acid bacteria are known to activate the function of lymphocytes that suppress the overreaction of the immune system, which is expected to reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and allergic dermatitis.

Cat gut health care methods and precautions

Effectively utilizing probiotics, lactic acid bacteria supplements, and prescription diets

Probiotics and supplements containing lactic acid bacteria are primarily aimed at improving the intestinal environment. Since lactic acid bacteria do not permanently colonize the gut, their effects appear with continuous intake. Some therapeutic diets also contain lactic acid bacteria, so it is best to incorporate them in a way that is easy to maintain.

Boost effectiveness by combining with prebiotics

Gut health involves prebiotics and probiotics. Simply put, prebiotics are food that activates beneficial bacteria in the gut, and probiotics are the beneficial bacteria themselves. Food for beneficial bacteria includes oligosaccharides and dietary fiber. Even if you take beneficial bacteria like lactic acid bacteria through supplements, they won't be activated without food. It is important to also incorporate prebiotics.

Precautions for side effects or if it doesn't suit your cat's constitution

Probiotics may contain ingredients other than lactic acid bacteria. Also, supplements can contain various ingredients, and they may not suit your cat's constitution. If you notice any abnormalities after starting them, stop immediately and consult your veterinarian. And make sure to choose products specifically for cats or animals.

Daily gut health care for cats

Promote intestinal peristalsis with moderate exercise

When cats lack exercise, their metabolism and digestive organ movements may decline. Also, stress from lack of exercise can lead to decreased immunity. While strenuous exercise is counterproductive, moderate exercise can help maintain proper digestive function.

Stress care directly improves gut environment

When stress accumulates, the activity of immune cells decreases, leading to a weakened immune system. The same applies to the gut: stress can cause the intestinal environment to become dominated by harmful bacteria. To alleviate stress, it is important to engage in moderate exercise and create a safe and secure environment for your cat.

Summary | To protect your cat's health through gut health care

Numerous intestinal bacteria exist in the gut, and it is known that activating beneficial bacteria boosts immunity. Gut health care using lactic acid bacteria is gaining attention for improving the intestinal environment. It is advisable to regularly consume lactic acid bacteria preparations, and you should continue using them in a way that is easy for you, such as through supplements or food. Some gut health products may not suit your cat's constitution, so if any abnormalities occur, stop immediately and consult a veterinarian.