The health benefits of probiotics on humans are well known. But did you know that you can also give them to your cat? Specially formulated for our fluffy friends, probiotics for cats have the same benefits as those for humans. What are the benefits of probiotics for your cat? When should I give them? For how long? Which probiotics should you choose? Read all about it in this article.
What are probiotics?
First of all, probiotics are not the same as prebiotics. There's even a significant difference between probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics are live non-pathogenic microorganisms that, when ingested in sufficient quantities, have a beneficial role in improving our cats' intestinal flora and digestive tract. These microorganisms are mainly 'good' bacteria. They interact with other bacteria (sometimes pathogenic) in the digestive tract, creating a barrier between the walls of the tract and the pathogenic bacteria. They allow the microbiome to rebalance itself and function properly. Taking them can contribute to improving the nutritional composition of the gut flora, strengthening the digestive and immune health.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are not living microorganisms, but molecules that nourish the 'good' bacteria present in our felines' intestines. These include, among others, fibres or flavonoids that nourish these essential intestinal bacteria. To have a beneficial effect on the body, prebiotics need a favorable 'ground' provided by probiotics, which will directly interact with 'bad' bacteria.
When should you give probiotics to your cat?
Probiotics are recommended in cases of:
- Digestive problems in cats: diarrhea, soft stool, constipation, vomiting, gas. Probiotics will support your furry friend's gut microbiome.
- A change in diet. A switch in our cats' diet (dry food and/or wet food), may disrupt their digestive system, leading to digestive issues.
- A stressful event, such as a move, a visit to the vet, a trip, the arrival of a new cat or a baby in the family, a hospitalisation, or even if you've been away for a few days… Any break in routine can be a source of stress for your cat and disrupt his digestive system.
- An antibiotic treatment: before, during, and up to 4 weeks after an antibiotic treatment to help your cat’s gut flora rebuild properly.
- A drop in appetite resulting from a medication treatment, a stressful event, or simply a dietary change that disrupts our felines' routine. Our cats are greedy animals but also very particular about the contents of their bowl. And the slightest change can put them off their food.
When it comes to eating there are two types of cats: the wary (neophobic) and the curious (neophilic). As explained in our article 'Why has my cat stopped eating?' there are more neophobic cats, especially among older cats whose eating habits become harder to change. They prefer familiar food to new flavors. Neophobia doesn't only concern older cats, it's also common in cats who've had limited dietary diversity during their first weeks of life. Powder-form probiotics (they also come in capsule form) can be a big help for neophobic cats. Generally very palatable, they stimulate their appetite.
Probiotics can also be given to cats as a preventive course or when the seasons change (4 times a year) to strengthen their digestive health and immune system.
Are probiotics suitable for all cats?
Probiotics for cats can be given to all cats, whether kittens, adults, seniors, or to those suffering from a medical condition.
For kittens
It's perfectly fine to give probiotics to kittens once they start eating solid food. Switching to solid food can cause minor digestive issues, and probiotics can be particularly beneficial to help their tiny tummy cope with this delicate transition. They can also be helpful during adoption, which can be a very stressful time for the kitten who has to leave his mother and establish his bearings in a new home. Or after a holiday, sterilization, or treatment for common kitten conditions such as coryza.
For adult and senior cats
Adult cats can also benefit from probiotics for all the same reasons mentioned previously: digestive issues, stress, antibiotic treatment, dietary changes, drop in appetite, or simply as a preventive course.
For senior cats aged over 8 years, probiotics are particularly effective as their digestive flora is more sensitive and more likely to become imbalanced.
For sick cats
Probiotics can also be given to cats suffering from medical conditions, including diabetes, renal impairment, urinary problems (idiopathic cystitis, urinary stones), IBD (Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
Contrary to popular belief, there are no reasons not to give probiotics. Quite the opposite, they promote better immune defenses and strengthen gut flora no matter what. However, it's always a good idea to get advice from your vet.
How long should you give probiotics to your cat?
Sometimes, a few days is enough to see the benefits of probiotics on your cat. But to start really noticing any effects, we recommend a minimum 30-day course of treatment. Probiotics can also be given over several months or throughout the year. However, get advice from your vet before starting a course.
Which probiotics should you choose for your cat?
There are many probiotics for cats, all showing similar benefits. But be careful, not all probiotics are equal. For probiotics to be effective, they must contain strains of bacteria that are resistant enough to reach the cat's intestines. They must also be quality products and in sufficient quantity to impact the microbiome. Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli are widely considered to be the best quality strains.
There are also two types of probiotic forms: powder or capsule. If your cat's reluctant or has difficulty swallowing capsules, the powder form can be sprinkled directly onto his dry or wet food.
Ziggy Care Probiotics for cats and kittens
At Ziggy, we are convinced that a happy tummy = a happy cat.
So we've developed our own probiotics to take care of your cat's digestive health. Formulated by feline nutrition expert Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, Ziggy Care probiotics contain a certified quantity of the probiotic Enterococcus Faecium NCIMB 10663 (4b1707) to help promote good intestinal transit, a healthy microflora, and to strengthen your furry friend’s natural immune defenses.
"I designed this product with an effective and certified probiotic strain, without frills or unnecessary additives. It’s a very appetising formula that contains only what's essential. Like the entire Ziggy range, Ziggy Care probiotics are made in France, and the nutritional composition is 100% transparent" - Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, veterinary specialist in clinical nutrition.
The very-appetizing Ziggy Care probiotics are universally loved by our feline friends, even the most fussy ones. A new well-being ritual that makes all our cats purr with delight!
Bonjour Sophie,
Merci pour votre commentaire.
Vous pouvez donner nos probiotiques à tous vos chats. Ils sont adaptés aux chatons, aux chats adultes, mais aussi aux chats souffrant d’une pathologie. Nos probiotiques ont été formulés par notre vétérinaire spécialiste en nutrition clinique, le Dr Vétérinaire Géraldine Blanchard. Leur formulation est unique. Notre vétérinaire a choisi l’Enterococcus Faecium NCIMB 10663 (4b1707), à l’efficacité validée et en quantité efficace permettant de favoriser la bonne santé et l’équilibre microbien de l’intestin.
Si vous avez d’autres questions, n’hésitez pas à nous écrire directement par email à hello@ziggyfamily.com.
Plein de caresses à vos moustachus. 💛
L’équipe Ziggy
J’ai 7 chats. 2 seniors. A qui dois-je favoriser la prise de probiotique?
Pourquoi n’y a-t-il qu’une seule souche? (Pas de lactobacillus ni bifidobacterium)?
Pas de postbiotique?
Probiotique ?
Même si le probiotique n’est pas une souche vivante, il est important dans le rôle de la nutrition des bonnes bactéries.
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