Probiotics for Cats

Nearly every cat owner will encounter a hairball, regurgitated food or cat vomit at some point; cats are known to have sensitive stomachs impacted by even the smallest change in routine.

Just like in humans, a cat's digestive tract needs healthy bacteria to keep working smoothly. Probiotics for cats are one way to help your cat’s stomach and GI tract in times of stress and as part of a daily regimen.

What Are Probiotics for Cats?

Probiotics are live, naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that, when given to a cat, can help promote digestive health. Probiotics for cats balance your pet's intestinal gut bacteria (also known as their microbiome) and provide enzymes that may assist with digestion, which helps keep their gut healthy. Probiotics, along with a high-quality, healthy diet, can be especially beneficial to a cat in times of stress, helping their overall health.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are nourishment for your cat’s healthy probiotic bacteria that stimulate probiotic growth and/or activity. Some supplements for cats offer a blend of both probiotics and prebiotics, called synbiotics.

Can Cats Take Human Probiotics?

Keep in mind that the digestive tracts of cats and humans are different, and so are their nutritional needs. Always give your pet supplements designed for cats, not humans. Cats are much smaller than humans, so the dosage for a human more than likely will not correlate to a cat. Plus, supplements for humans may contain ingredients that are dangerous to cats.

When Should You Give Your Cat Probiotics?

Cats can take probiotics on a regular basis to promote everyday digestive health and well-being. A regular probiotic regimen could be good for a cat prone to getting an upset stomach (from eating food too fast, eating grass or plants, etc.) or aging cats.

Cats can also benefit from taking probiotics temporarily during times of stress. In stressful situations, probiotics can help keep the bacteria in your cat's gut balanced, support the protective layers of the intestines and assist with normal digestion and absorption.

There are several situations that may disrupt the healthy bacteria and microbiome in your cat — and short-term probiotic use can help get their digestive function back on track.

• Stress: Traveling, grooming, boarding, trips to the vet, changes in routine, adding new members to the household (human or another pet) and other life changes can lead to an upset tummy in cats.
• Deworming: When deworming cats, side effects (though uncommon) may include an upset stomach with vomiting and diarrhea.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotic therapy can make cats sleepy and cause digestive imbalance.
• Dietary changes: Transitioning to a new cat food can disrupt your cat’s digestion.

Endurosyn^® Feline Digestive Oral Gel is a great option in anticipation of stressful situations (traveling, boarding, vet visits, etc.), as well as during sudden scenarios that disrupt a cat’s GI tract (deworming, antibiotics, dietary changes, etc.).

How Endurosyn^® Digestive Health Probiotic Oral Gel Can Help Cats During Times of Stress

Endurosyn^® Digestive Health Probiotic Oral Gel is formulated with amino acids, electrolytes, vitamins, synbiotics, fatty acids and lactic acid bacteria to support your cat’s immune system, digestive system and overall health — helping maintain energy and well-being during sudden times of stress. Endurosyn^® also helps restore your cat's proper digestive function, appetite and hydration following the sudden onset of digestive imbalances.

Three-day Endurosyn^® contains naturally occurring probiotic bacteria, plus the prebiotic inulin to nourish the probiotics. These synbiotics work together to improve bowel function and help your cat’s GI health get back on track.

Endurosyn^® is formulated in a palatable poultry-fish flavor in an easy-to-dose gel.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Probiotics for Cats?

Side effects are extremely rare for good-quality probiotics, which is why it's crucial to consult with your vet about the best probiotics for cats. Additionally, look for the NASC Quality Seal, which identifies products from companies that are committed to quality, vigilance and continuous improvement.

As with anything new you give your pet, including supplements, beware of potential side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat just does not seem to tolerate a probiotic very well, they could possibly have an allergy or intolerance to other ingredients in it, such as fish or poultry. In these scenarios, check with your veterinarian to find a better fit for your cat.

Using probiotics for cats can help keep your pet's digestive tract healthy and maintain their overall health, plus help during times of stress. Choose a high-quality supplement such as Endurosyn^® Digestive Health Probiotic Oral Gel to help keep your cat healthy and happy.