Probiotics and Prebiotics for Cats

Your pet's microbiome is a complex community comprised of billions of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that work together to maintain homeostasis in your cat's GI tract. Each cat's microbiome is diverse and unique. This network of microorganisms begins to develop at birth, shaped by various influences such as their mother's microbes and their environment. The intestinal microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, immune health and organ function.

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the microbiome. This can lead to digestive distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Dysbiosis often occurs secondary to disease processes, antibiotic use or improper nutrition.

Probiotics contain live bacterial strains intended to increase the number of specific beneficial bacteria in your cat's digestive tract. By introducing certain beneficial bacteria, they can help improve the bacterial balance of your cat's digestive tract (and, in turn, support your cat's global health).

Every cat is unique. If your vet recommends a probiotic to help your cat recover from gut inflammation or other digestive upset, they can assist you in finding the best probiotic for your cat's needs.

Understanding Probiotic Strains

While cats and dogs have similar intestinal bacterial profiles, they're not the same. For example, some research shows cats have a larger number of microbiome species than dogs, suggesting higher bacterial diversity. A number of factors may account for the differences in gut microbiota between cats and dogs, including what they eat. As obligate carnivores, domestic cats require higher-protein diets, while dogs can digest and metabolize higher amounts of carbohydrates. Anatomy and metabolism may also play a role.

Currently, there's significant overlap between the beneficial bacteria found in cat-specific probiotics and dog-specific probiotics. This is because the majority of microbiome research has been done in dogs. Even if the species is the same as found in dogs, the strain is likely different, so the best probiotics for cats are derived from cats. Ongoing research on feline microbiomes can help identify specific beneficial bacterial strains for cats and refine cat probiotics to align more closely with their needs.

Prebiotics, or prebiotic fiber, are non-digestible food ingredients that feed the beneficial bacteria in your cat's gut. They're the fuel that nourish the good bacteria, promoting intestinal balance and harmony. As with probiotics, the goal of prebiotics in cats is to improve overall health by supporting the gut microbiome.

Prebiotics are resistant to stomach acid and intestinal digestive enzymes, helping them travel all the way to the large intestines. Once there, the microbes in your cat's microbiome ferment the prebiotic fiber, producing compounds called short-chain fatty acids. These compounds locally improve gut barrier function, reduce inflammation and regulate gut motility while providing energy.

Cat prebiotics and probiotics are both tools that can help support your kitty's digestive health and overall wellness. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotic fiber nourishes your cat's existing good bacteria, supporting their natural balance. Since every cat's microbiome is unique, talk with your vet about how to maintain your cat's gut and overall health with prebiotic nutrition.

What's the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?

Probiotics contain live bacterial strains intended to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut to restore balance. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that nourish the existing good bacteria in your cat's gut to promote their natural balance and maintain gut health.

What foods have prebiotic fiber?

Naturally occurring sources of prebiotic fiber include grains (e.g., oats, wheat, barley and rye), legumes (e.g., peas and beans), potatoes and bananas. Given the research into the microbiome's importance to overall health, some cat food formulas contain prebiotic fiber. Ask your vet for their recommendation based on your cat's specific needs.

Is yogurt a good probiotic for cats?

While yogurt contains gut-friendly probiotics, it's not a good source of probiotics for cats. Most cats are lactose intolerant, so feeding them dairy can cause GI upset. If your vet thinks your cat may benefit from a probiotic, they can recommend a cat-specific oral probiotic supplement.