Probiotic Supplements for Cats

Probiotics, also called flora are friendly bacteria found in the digestive tract of both animals and humans. Probiotic supplements are needed after a cat is given a course of antibiotics. This medication kills off both good and bad bacteria causing an imbalance in the digestive system. Probiotics supplements are beneficial because they help restore what was lost from taking antibiotics. Some supplements contain a combination of several strains of flora while others only contain one strain.

  1. Streptococcus thermophilus

    • Streptococcus thermophilus is a probiotic supplement that helps repair damage from antibiotics, stress and digestive disturbances. This strain helps to promote overall healthy digestion making it an excellent choice for cats. As your cat gets older he can benefit from taking probiotics regularly even when he has not taken antibiotics. Probiotics can help keep his system regular and relieve discomfort caused from diarrhea and other digestive problems.

    Bifidobacterium bifidum

    • Bifidobacterium bifidum is another probiotic supplement for cats. This strain is normally found in your cats mucus membranes as well as his digestive tract. This type of flora helps to control yeast in the body and maintain balanced digestion. In addition, Bifidobacterium bifidum helps to control diarrhea and other digestive upsets. Many supplements for cats contain this strain as well other types.

    Lactobacillus

    • Lactobacillus is a probiotic strain that lives inside human and cat intestines. This particular type is very beneficial because it manufactures certain vitamins such as vitamin K and lactase along with other anti-microbials such as lactocidin and acidolin. Give your cat lactobacillus that are made specifically for cats and follow dosage instructions carefully. Avoid giving your cat lactobacillus made for humans because the dosage is usually much higher. Some supplements for cats contain a number of different probiotic strains.