The Benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics for Digestion in Cats

What Is the Gut Microbiome?

Your cat’s digestive system is home to a huge community of microorganisms, including bacteria. These microorganisms together make up the gut microbiome.

And while bacteria might sound like something you want nowhere near your cat, not all bacteria are bad. In fact, a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms plays an important role in digestion and overall gut health.

The microbiome can be affected by things such as diet, stress, illness, medication and changes in routine. When this balance is disrupted, a condition known as dysbiosis can occur. This may be associated with digestive problems and changes in stool quality.  

Your cat’s gut is like a tiny ecosystem. You want the good guys to have enough support to keep the ecosystem balanced.

And that brings us to probiotics.

What Are Probiotics for Cats?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide a health benefit when given in adequate amounts. Some commonly used probiotic organisms include species from groups such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus. 

In simple terms, probiotics are often described as good bacteria that can help support a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut.

They may be particularly useful when your cat's normal gut microbiome has been disturbed. For example, changes in diet, stress, illness or certain medications can affect the microbial balance. 

That doesn’t mean you should rush out and give your cat the first probiotic supplement you find, though. Different probiotic strains can have different effects, and evidence for one strain does not automatically apply to every other probiotic.  

So, when it comes to probiotics, more isn’t necessarily better.

What Are Prebiotics?

If probiotics are the helpful microorganisms, prebiotics are the food that helps support them.

Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates, including certain types of dietary fibre, that can be fermented by microorganisms in the large intestine. This fermentation can produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have several useful effects within the gut. 

So, while probiotics bring beneficial microorganisms into the equation, prebiotics help create an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive.

A simple way to remember it is:

And when probiotics and prebiotics are used together, they're known as synbiotics. The idea is that the two can complement each other by providing beneficial bacteria alongside a suitable food source for microorganisms in the gut.  

So, What Are the Benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics for Cats?

1. They Can Support a Healthier Gut Microbiome

One of the biggest reasons probiotics and prebiotics are used in pet nutrition is to help support the balance of microorganisms in the gut.

A healthy microbiome isn't about getting rid of every bad bacterium. It's about maintaining a balanced community where beneficial microorganisms can thrive without potentially harmful populations getting out of control.

Research into prebiotics has found that certain ingredients, such as chicory-derived prebiotics, can increase beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in cats while reducing certain potentially harmful bacteria.  

That balance can be important for keeping your cat's digestive system working happily.

2. They May Help Support Normal Digestion

Your cat’s digestive system has a big job: breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and getting rid of waste.

The gut microbiome plays a role in this process, which is why supporting a healthy microbial environment can be part of good digestive care.

Probiotics may help maintain a balanced intestinal microbiota, while prebiotic fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids that can support the cells lining the gut. Butyrate, for example, is an important energy source for cells in the colon.  

In other words, you're not just thinking about what's in your cat's bowl. You're also thinking about what happens after dinner disappears.

3. They Can Support Healthy Stool Quality

Changes in stool consistency can sometimes be linked to changes within the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics have been used as part of nutritional approaches for some gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea, although their effectiveness can depend on the specific probiotic strain and situation.  

Prebiotics may also influence stool quality by changing the activity and composition of gut microorganisms.

However, probiotics and prebiotics aren't a magic fix for persistent diarrhoea or other digestive problems. If your cat has ongoing loose stools, constipation, vomiting, blood in the stool or a noticeable change in eating habits, it's time to speak to your vet.

4. They May Help During Times of Gut Disruption

Cats can be creatures of habit.

Change their food? Excuse me, what is this?

Move the furniture? How dare you.

Put them in a carrier? This relationship is over.

Stress and dietary changes can affect the gut microbiome. Antibiotic use and some other medications can also alter the intestinal microbial community.  

This is one reason probiotics may be considered when a cat's gut microbiome has been disrupted.

A vet may recommend a particular probiotic based on your cat's individual situation, rather than simply choosing a random supplement from the shelf.

Probiotics vs Prebiotics: Which One Does Your Cat Need?

The answer isn't necessarily one or the other.

They perform different jobs, so the better question is: What does my individual cat need?

Some products combine both, creating a synbiotic approach. But again, your cat doesn't automatically need a supplement simply because it contains the latest trendy gut-health ingredients.

What About Cat Treats?

Treats are a lovely way to bond with your cat, reward good behaviour or simply make them feel like the tiny household royalty they already believe they are.

But treats should complement a balanced diet rather than replace it.

When choosing cat treats, think about the bigger picture. Look at the ingredients, nutritional value and how the treats fit into your cat's daily food intake.

Some cats also enjoy treats used as part of enrichment activities. Slow-feeding and interactive feeding can encourage more natural eating behaviour, which may be useful for cats that tend to inhale their food.

For example, a textured feeding mat can encourage licking and slow down eating. PetBites' LickiMat options can be used with wet food, dry food, treats and other suitable foods, turning snack time into a little enrichment session. 

But a treat is still a treat. Even the healthiest-looking snack should be offered in sensible amounts.

How Can You Support Your Cat's Digestive Health?

Probiotics and prebiotics can be useful pieces of the puzzle. But they're certainly not the entire puzzle.

A healthy digestive routine also includes:

• Feeding a complete and balanced diet suitable for your cat
• Introducing dietary changes gradually
• Providing access to fresh water
• Avoiding excessive treats
• Keeping stress as low as reasonably possible
• Speaking with your vet when digestive problems persist

And don't forget consistency. Cats can be surprisingly sensitive to sudden changes. If you're changing food, doing it gradually can give your cat's digestive system time to adjust.

Are Probiotics Always Safe for Cats?

Probiotics are generally considered a useful nutritional tool, but that doesn't mean every product is suitable for every cat.

The strain, dose, product quality and reason for use all matter. Research from the Purina Institute highlights that probiotic effects can be strain-specific and that not every commercially available probiotic has demonstrated efficacy.  

Prebiotics can also cause digestive effects if given in excessive amounts. Higher levels may result in fermentation-related issues such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, flatulence or diarrhoea.  

So, don't assume that doubling the dose will double the benefits. With gut health, sometimes more is very much not more.

If your cat has a medical condition, takes medication, has ongoing digestive symptoms or you're considering a probiotic supplement for a specific health problem, chat with your vet first.