Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome in Cats: Causes, Signs and Treatment

Leaky gut syndrome — also known as intestinal permeability — isn't a disease or diagnosis. It's an umbrella term for the clinical signs associated with gastrointestinal conditions, including dysbiosis in cats. Dysbiosis describes a change in the composition and/or diversity of microbiota (microorganisms) in the small intestine.

So, what is leaky gut syndrome, exactly? In a healthy cat, the intestinal walls serve as a protective barrier to keep out foreign invaders and allow key nutrients from food to pass through. When the integrity of the cells that make up this barrier is disrupted, substances such as allergens or toxins can pass through and enter the bloodstream. Furthermore, when the barrier is overloaded and not functioning properly, it can't absorb nutrients from food as it should.

When your cat's intestinal cells can't filter or absorb nutrients as they should (known as malabsorption), their system starts flushing key nutrients and letting in harmful agents such as bacteria, toxins and allergens. This can cause a range of signs, including:

• Diarrhea or loose stools

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

• Flatulence

• Lethargy

• Poor coat or skin condition

• Allergies

If you notice a sudden onset or intermittent appearance of these signs, contact your veterinarian for an exam. Your cat may still be eating plenty — or even more — but their body won't be able to effectively process the nutrition they need to function at their best.

Chronic leaky gut syndrome may also lead to systemic signs of inflammation and disease. For example, while research is still ongoing in cats, leaky gut syndrome has been linked to heart disease and diabetes in humans.

Leaky gut syndrome isn't a medical diagnosis, so your vet won't be able to confirm it or rule it out. Instead, they'll look for the root cause of your cat's signs, such as inflammatory bowel disease or dysbiosis.

The good news is that much of the groundwork for gastrointestinal disease testing is the same. These tests may include:

• Bloodwork

• Radiographs

• Ultrasound

• Stool sample exams

• Intestinal biopsy

The cornerstone of treatment for leaky gut syndrome is to resolve inflammation and give the intestinal barrier time to heal. If your vet suspects a food allergy, they may recommend a hypoallergenic food to eliminate allergens that may be causing inflammation of the intestinal cells. In general, offering your cat highly digestible, nutritionally balanced food cansupport a healthy microbiome and ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Your vet may establish a multi-modal treatment and maintenance plan that could include fiber supplements, antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics and even antibiotics. Depending on the diagnosis, they may also recommend nutraceuticals (dietary supplements) for ongoing disease management. Other approaches include deworming and evaluating any medications your cat is taking that may lead to excess inflammation.

When managing your cat's symptoms at home, pay attention to their behaviors and decrease stressful situations wherever possible. For example, introduce changes gradually when they can't be avoided, and minimize or avoid boarding stays, car trips or other events that trigger stress.