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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
A cat's gut is home to most of its gut bacteria and much of its immune system, so a balanced gut means a healthier cat. A good cat probiotic supports digestion, firmer stools and immunity. Choose one made for cats, with several strains and prebiotics, in a form that mixes easily into food.
Why your cat's gut matters
Because so much of the immune system sits in the gut, gut health affects your cat's whole body. Poor gut health can even affect mental health and mood.
What can upset your cat's gut
✓ Stress, such as moving house, a new pet or a vet visit
✓ Antibiotics and other pharmaceutical drugs
✓ Infections
✓ Diet, including sudden changes
✓ Harsh chemical cleaners at home
✓ Nutrient-depleted soil, which means fewer nutrients in the food chain
How probiotics help
✓ Better appetite and digestion
✓ Firmer stools
✓ Better nutrient absorption
✓ Stronger immunity and resilience against autoimmune disease
✓ Support for bladder health, teeth and gums
In one study, cats given a probiotic had more beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria, including L. acidophilus, and fewer Clostridium and Enterococcus faecalis bacteria in their stools.
After antibiotics, a probiotic helps repopulate the good bacteria and supports the gut lining.
What to look for
Made for cats. A cat's gut is different from a dog's or a human's.
Several strains, ideally around 10, so no single strain dominates.
Prebiotics, such as larch, to feed the good bacteria.
Easy to give. A powder that mixes into food, because pilling a cat is stressful for both of you.
The probiotics I recommend for cats
✓ Adored Beast Felix's Flora: species-specific, made for cats.
✓ Adored Beast Love Bugs: a general pre- and probiotic.
✓ Adored Beast Gut Soothe: when there's inflammation in the gut.
Keep rotating. I always recommend rotating probiotics from different companies, so your pet gets a wider variety of bacterial strains rather than the same few every day.
Frequently asked questions
My cat is fussy. How do I give it?
Start with a tiny pinch mixed into a favourite wet food, then build up slowly.
Can my cat share my dog's probiotic?
It's better to use one made for cats, like Felix's Flora.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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