The Benefits of Giving Probiotics to Cats
Probiotics are a popular health supplement that is known for making the environment in the gut better, which is important for our health. While the benefits of probiotics for humans are well-known, many cat owners are curious about the effects of probiotics for their furry friends. In this article, we’ll be discussing the benefits of giving probiotics to cats, as well as the best probiotic supplements and treats for cats.
✨ The Benefits of Giving Probiotics to Cats
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for our furry companions is essential for their overall well-being, and with the rise of pet ownership and awareness, many pet owners want to provide the best for their cats. Probiotics, also known as “good bacteria,” are often the first thing people turn to when they have digestive problems.
❂ Improving Intestinal Health
When it comes to probiotics, many pet owners might think of improving their pet’s intestinal health. The gut flora of living beings can be divided into good bacteria and bad bacteria, depending on the impact on the host. Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus are commonly known as good bacteria, but for cats, the good bacteria is actually called campylobacter, not bifidobacterium or lactobacillus.
To maintain a healthy gut, it’s essential to reduce the bad bacteria and increase the good bacteria. As cats age, research has shown that the number of bad bacteria, such as clostridium, increases in their gut. By consuming probiotics, the good bacteria can increase, improving the overall gut health of the cat.
If your cat is suffering from diarrhea or constipation, probiotics can be a great recommendation.
❂ Improving Oral Health
Probiotics not only improve intestinal health but also oral health. There are many bacteria in the mouth, and the good bacteria competes with the bad bacteria to prevent various oral health problems.
If the good bacteria is dominant, oral health problems such as oral inflammation, periodontal disease, and bad breath are less likely to occur. However, as cats age or have a weakened immune system, the number of bad bacteria can increase.
By consuming probiotics, the number of good bacteria in the mouth can increase, leading to an improvement in oral health.
❂ Boosting Immunity
Immunity is essential for overall health, and probiotics can also have a positive effect on it. It is said that newborn animals have a 99.9% proportion of good bacteria in their gut, but as they grow, the bad bacteria increases depending on the food they consume. Since cats are naturally carnivorous, they are more susceptible to an increase in bad bacteria.
By consuming more probiotics, the good bacteria can increase, leading to an improvement in overall health and a boost in immunity.
Additionally, it’s also believed that consuming probiotics during the use of antibiotics can be effective. Antibiotics can suppress the growth of bad bacteria, but they can also suppress the growth of good bacteria. By consuming probiotics during this time, the balance of good and bad bacteria can be maintained.
✨ How to Give Probiotics to Cats?
As humans understand the benefits and presence of probiotics, they can actively consume fermented foods such as miso and kimchi. However, cats cannot naturally consume probiotics on their own. Of course, just because humans can consume probiotics through food, doesn’t mean that they should give miso or kimchi to their cats.
When it comes to our beloved cats, we want them to have the benefits of probiotics, but how can we give it to them?
❂ Give Probiotic-rich Foods
Good bacteria probiotics are often found in fermented foods. In fermented foods that cats can eat, cheese and natto are examples.
Many cats love cheese, so this is a food that owners would like to give to their cats. However, do not give regular cheese sold at supermarkets because it contains high levels of salt and fat, which are not suitable for cats. When giving cheese, purchase a product specifically made for cats.
Yogurt can also be given to cats, but caution is needed when doing so. Do not give yogurt with added sugar, and be aware that the lactose in yogurt can cause diarrhea in some cats. Start with a small spoonful and observe the cat’s reaction.
Natto should also be given without its accompanying sauce and should be limited to a small spoonful.
❂ Give Probiotic Cat Snacks and Foods
Finding the right probiotic-rich food for cats can be difficult. Fortunately, there are now many cat snacks and foods that contain probiotics.
Choose a snack that your cat loves and is also rich in probiotics. This way, you can both enjoy the benefits of probiotics.
❂ Give Probiotic Supplements
For those who want to maximize the benefits of probiotics for their cats, probiotic supplements are recommended.
There are many different types of probiotics, including those that specialize in gut health and those that specialize in oral health.
The choice of probiotic supplement will depend on why you want to give it to your cat and what benefits you hope to achieve.
Probiotic supplements can be easily purchased online, but if you have trouble choosing, it may be helpful to seek advice from a veterinarian before making a purchase.
✨ Recommended Probiotic Supplement for Cats: “Cosmo-S Lacto”
One of the most highly recommended supplements for cats is “Cosmo-S Lacto.” This product was developed through 100 years of research on probiotics and is made from “lactobacillus extract.”
This supplement contains not only live lactobacillus but also the secretions (extracts produced by the lactobacillus) and cell substances (cell matter of lactobacillus), making it a highly effective probiotic supplement.
More and more veterinary clinics are also recommending it, making it a highly noteworthy supplement.
❂ Characteristics of Cosmo-S Lacto
Cosmo-S Lacto is made from non-pesticide, naturally grown soybeans and 16 carefully selected types of lactobacillus. The lactobacillus is cultured and fermented, and the extract is not taken immediately, but is matured for 1 year to extract the active ingredients, ensuring high quality.
Probiotic products can be divided into 3 categories, and Cosmo-S Lacto is a functional material in a new field called “Bio-genetics.” The other two categories are “Probiotics,” which expect the activity of microbes, and “Prebiotics,” which adjust the gut environment with oligosaccharides and dietary fiber and promote the activity of resident bacteria.
The third field, “Bio-genetics,” is said to be more effective in taking in the effects of the first two fields.
From this, you can expect the effects of Cosmo-S Lacto without doubt!
❂ Effects of Cosmo-S Lacto
Cosmo-S Lacto approaches the friendly bacteria in the gut of cats and helps maintain a good balance. The type and number of resident bacteria vary from individual to individual, so it is important to increase the friendly bacteria that suits you.
Not only does it help with diarrhea and constipation, but it also improves digestion and absorption, boosts immunity, improves body odor (bad breath), and leads to a normal coat.
By maintaining a healthy body, you can live every day with peace of mind without getting various diseases.
❂ How to Give Cosmo-S Lacto
Giving Cosmo-S Lacto is very easy. It is in liquid form, so just add a few drops to your cat’s usual food or water.
For the maintenance of health, it is recommended to add it to their daily meal.
It can be used by cats of any age, but if they are losing physical strength or are elderly, it is okay to give a little more.
Even if it is heated, the ingredients will not break down, so on cold days, it can be mixed with warm milk.
✨ Summary of Probiotics for Cats
Just like with humans, not all cats will respond the same way to probiotics. There is still much to be learned about the specific needs of cats and how probiotics can benefit them.
However, many cat owners struggle with their cats’ diarrhea or constipation, and they are always concerned about their cat’s health. Therefore, there is a high demand for probiotic-rich food, snacks, and supplements.
Probiotics can help improve the intestinal environment, but it’s also a fact that not all cats will respond to probiotics, depending on their individual health.
