For cats, the situation is complicated by the fact that they are inactive, and many of them rarely go outside and suffer from a lack of fresh air. As a result, these animals often experience disturbances in the intestinal microflora. Probiotics for cats will help solve the problem, as they can restore the balance of nutrients and prevent a decrease in immunity.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms (yeast and bacteria) that normalize intestinal function, restoring the composition and activity of natural microflora. There are a number of negative factors that provoke the development of the disease:
- The use of low-quality feed, a sharp change in diet.
- Vaccinations are necessary for a cat, but can become very stressful for the animal.
- A course of steroid drugs (for example, prednisolone) or antibiotics. After using strong antibiotics, probiotics for a cat are extremely necessary, since without them your cat will likely develop severe dysbiosis, the consequences of which we will discuss below.
- Any surgical intervention.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Renal failure, pancreatitis and hyperthyroidism, urinary tract pathology.
How to help your pet with constipation?
Treatment for many days of constipation in a cat at home, which is possible only after consultation with a veterinarian, is a set of procedures to facilitate the process of defecation. In this case, only an accurate diagnosis will not harm, but help the animal. If constipation is caused by intestinal obstruction, surgery is necessary; if the cause is helminths, deworming is necessary; if there is an intestinal infection, special medications are needed. In any case, constipation cannot be ignored in order to prevent sad consequences.
Therapeutic treatment involves means to soften feces and prevent their accumulation (Lactusan, Duphalac). In case of excessive vomiting and dehydration of the pet’s body, droppers are used. In particularly complex and advanced cases, anesthesia may be required for painless bowel cleansing.
For inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, Veracol for cats is used, which helps restore digestive processes, destroy pathogenic microflora and relieve spasms. Its use restores intestinal motility, tissue immunity and liver function.
The food additive Fortiflora for cats restores the intestinal microflora due to the probiotic it contains. It is used to treat imbalances, including constipation, with the use of antibiotics, changes in environment and reduced immunity. This additive is poured directly onto the food, and since Fortiflora has a good smell and taste, pets consume it with pleasure.
Viyo immunostimulating oil for cats improves digestive processes, supports the animal’s intestinal microflora, accelerates the body’s recovery from illness, and treats skin diseases. It is also used after surgery for better wound healing. All medications and their dosage must be prescribed by a doctor after examination, ultrasound and diagnosis!
When is a cat especially susceptible to dysbiosis?
Cats become especially susceptible to dysbiosis in the following cases:
- while staying in a special hotel for cats;
- when moving to a new home;
- when a new animal appears in the house.
Emotional or physical stress can upset the balance of microflora in a cat's intestines, leading to constipation or chronic diarrhea. The consequences of these diseases can be very serious. The absorption of amino acids and other elements important for the health of the animal is impaired. As a result, this can trigger the development of allergies, sepsis and even intestinal lymphoma.
Often, pet owners are interested in what to give their cat for diarrhea. To answer this question, it is necessary to do tests and find out the cause of the disease. Only after receiving the results will the veterinarian be able to tell whether probiotics for cats are indicated in a given case.
What are the causes of constipation?
Constipation in a cat after sterilization is a fairly common, albeit undesirable, consequence of the operation. After the administration of narcotic drugs for anesthesia, peristalsis slows down. This dysfunction is situational and usually resolves on its own within a week. After this period, if there is no positive result, you must contact a veterinary clinic. Let's look at other causes of constipation.
Before deciding how to force your cat to go to the toilet, you need to find out the reason from an experienced doctor. In this case, the veterinarian will ask for information about the animal’s feeding regimen, its eating habits, age and past or chronic diseases.
Any laxative for a cat at home without diagnosis can lead to aggravation of the condition or additional health problems!
Possible causes of constipation in a cat may include:
- swallowed fur;
- unbalanced diet and insufficient water;
- perineal hernia;
- dysfunction of the paranal glands;
- orthopedic diseases that do not allow you to choose a position for emptying;
- narrowing of the anus (stricture);
- tumors of the intestines or anus, prostate in cats;
- an increase in the volume of the large intestine (megacolon);
- ingested objects, which can lead to intestinal rupture and, in the most severe cases, peritonitis;
- side effects of medications;
- helminthic infestation;
- abdominal trauma, hematomas and edema.
At the same time, with age, the possibility of constipation increases due to the natural weakening of intestinal motility and a decrease in the mobility of the pet. Natural food causes problems much more often than high-quality industrial food. At the same time, a natural laxative for a cat is contained in the right foods - boiled vegetables and cereals other than rice, containing coarse fiber. Read the article about premium dry food.
When is probiotic use recommended?
These drugs are vital for:
- Malabsorption is a violation of the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. This disease almost always accompanies diarrhea.
- Detoxification from antibiotic treatment. After each administration of antibacterial agents, probiotics for cats are prescribed.
- Renal failure developed against the background of hyperthyroidism. In this case, it is recommended to switch your pet to cat food with probiotics (Eagle Pack Holistic, Nutro, Brit, Proformance).
What are prebiotics for?
A prebiotic is a special substance in food that is not digested in the gastrointestinal tract, but is instead fermented by the intestinal microflora. Thanks to fermentation, the microflora is strengthened, and due to this, the functioning of the digestive system is improved and the body’s immunity is strengthened. Health depends on the state of the intestinal microflora. Prebiotics naturally stimulate the immune system.
Prebiotics affect intestinal microflora and strengthen the immune system
How to choose the right composition?
First of all, we want to warn pet owners that probiotic milk formulas that are formulated for humans may be harmful to your pet. The microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of cats is significantly different from that of humans.
Experienced veterinarians name three important nuances when choosing this drug:
- It is desirable that the drug contains 10 or more strains of beneficial bacteria.
- Each dose of the drug must contain at least twenty million microorganisms.
- You should choose products from a world-famous company that produces probiotics for cats. Feedback from veterinarians and owners is also very important in this case.
It should be noted that even knowing the principle of choosing these drugs, you should not self-medicate: the drug should be prescribed to your pet by an experienced veterinarian after the animal’s tests have been carried out. It must be purchased from specialized veterinary pharmacies or pet stores. Pay attention to the storage conditions of probiotics: they usually retain their properties at low temperatures.
The shelf life of such products does not exceed two to three weeks, since that is how long beneficial bacteria live. Even if, according to the instructions attached to the drug, its shelf life is, for example, a month, already in the fourth week its effectiveness is significantly reduced.
Prebiotic drinks Viyo
Viyo is a dietary supplement that includes a complex of prebiotics. Produced by a Belgian company of the same name. Externally, the additive looks like broth, has a brown color and a pleasant smell that attracts animals. The drink is placed in special sachets that contain the daily dose of the drug. You should choose a specific Viyo option based on the age and needs of your pet.
One package includes 7 sachets, which are designed for a week's course. Sometimes the drug is released in vials, but this form is rare.
The drink should be stored at a temperature of 5 to 30 degrees within the expiration date. Give your pet 1 sachet every day in pure form or with the addition of a small amount of water in the morning before meals.
Viyo Reinforces Cat Adult
Viyo Reinforces Cat Adult is a prebiotic drink designed specifically for adult cats. The composition is suitable for pets aged 1 to 7 years. It is an excellent prevention of the formation of kidney stones, strengthens the body's defenses, and also improves digestion.
Viyo Reinforces Cat Adult is suitable for cats from 1 year to 7 years old
The composition includes such components as:
- meat;
- animal by-products;
- vegetable by-products;
- oils and fats;
- minerals;
- inulin;
- fructooligosaccharides;
- amino acids;
- vitamins: A, D, E.
Viyo Reinforces Cat Adult contains only natural ingredients. There are no preservatives, dyes or GMOs in the composition.
The components are selected in such a way as to satisfy the daily needs of an adult pet for vitamins, amino acids and other beneficial substances. The drink is used for a course of 7 to 14 days, depending on the purpose. For prevention, a week of use is enough. If the cat is sick and refuses food, then the best option is a 14-day course.
Viyo Reinforces Cat Kitten
Viyo Reinforces Cat Kitten is a nutritional drink for kittens, intended for pets from 1 to 12 months. The active components are not digested in the stomach, but begin their action in the intestines, stimulating the growth of beneficial microflora. In addition, the number of pathogenic bacteria is reduced. The drug improves the digestive processes of kittens, accelerates the growth and development of small pets, protecting against a number of diseases.
Viyo Reinforces Cat Kitten contains components that accelerate the growth and development of the pet
The product includes:
- water;
- meat products;
- milk;
- minerals;
- inulin;
- fructooligosaccharides;
- omega-3 and 6 acids;
- vitamins: A, E and D.
Viyo Reinforces Cat Kitten is suitable for all breeds. The drink does not cause flatulence or fermentation processes in the intestines.
Viyo Reinforces Cat Senior
Viyo Reinforces Cat Senior is a prebiotic drink that is used for cats over 7 years of age. The composition is selected in a special way; it contains more active components. The drug contains an increased concentration of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances necessary to maintain digestion and health of an adult pet.
Viyo will also help cleanse the animal’s body of waste products of worms if you start the course immediately after deworming. Before and after vaccination, the drug promotes rapid restoration of the immune system, which is especially important for older cats.
The drink is recommended to be consumed from 1 week to a month. The older the pet, the longer the course of treatment should be.
Viyo Reinforces Cat Senior is designed for cats over 7 years old
The drink contains the following components:
- fructooligosaccharides;
- inulin;
- dairy products;
- vitamins of group B, as well as E and D;
- oils;
- fats;
- complex of minerals.
Nutritional liquid should be given to your pet regularly. Omissions have a negative impact on the treatment process. It is also important not to give the drug immediately after meals, since such therapy will not bring benefit.
Viyo for dogs
Viyo for dogs is also available in three variations, intended for puppies, adult pets and older animals. The drink contains the following components:
- water;
- meat;
- vegetables;
- vegetable oil;
- animal fat;
- fructooligosaccharides;
- inulin;
- Shark cartilage;
- omega 3 and 6 acids;
- vitamin A, D, E.
The drug helps increase beneficial bacteria and the body's resistance to infections, reducing stress levels. After the course of treatment, the coat is restored, becoming shiny and silky. The prebiotic maintains muscle tone, allowing the animal to remain alert for a long time.
Viyo for dogs improves the health of the digestive tract
This prebiotic drug can be given to a dog regardless of weight. The dosage for all pets is standard - 30 ml, that is, 1 sachet.
"Bifitrilak"
The drug contains a mixture of antioxidants, a prebiotic, natural sugars, micro- and macroelements, a natural mineral sorbent and antimicrobial natural substances. It is a brown powder with shiny inclusions that have a pearlescent sheen. It has no taste or smell. This is a pure, natural product with prebiotic, probiotic and sorbent properties. Absorbs and removes toxins from the body.
The activity of the drug is determined by the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli included in the composition, which are active against a wide range of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. Expanded vermiculite, used as an adsorbent, absorbs gases, alkaloids, and heavy metal salts.
The drug is used mixed with milk, water, colostrum or feed. The suspension is prepared immediately before use, shaking the composition well until smooth. Adult cats are given 0.3 grams per day for 2-3 days. For kittens, the dose is halved.
How to use Vaseline oil?
To alleviate the condition and as a maintenance therapy for animals suffering from chronic constipation, Vaseline oil for cats is used according to prescription.
This is a mild laxative that is given orally to your pet. At the same time, how much petroleum jelly to give a cat depends on the severity of the disease. Sometimes a few drops are enough to alleviate the condition, and sometimes long-term regular treatment is required.
Your veterinarian will help you determine the dosage. Typically, the first dose involves 10-20 ml of the product poured into the pet’s mouth using a syringe. Over the next 3-4 hours, natural bowel movements should occur. If this does not happen, the amount is reduced by 5 ml and given to the cat again. This manipulation is carried out every 5 hours. You cannot use petroleum jelly without knowing the diagnosis: it is prohibited for intestinal obstruction, helminthiasis, and acute inflammatory processes in the intestines.
"Enterol": instructions for use, price
Probiotic that normalizes intestinal microflora. Made with the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, which competes with opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms for space in the intestines. This opposition explains the antimicrobial effect of the drug against Klebsiella, Clostridia, Shigella, Candida, Staphylococcus, Yersinia and other pathogenic microorganisms.
Enterol is one of the few probiotics that is used to treat people and pets. Available in sachets and capsules.
Indications for use
For diarrhea, regardless of origin (viral, bacterial or stress), the instructions for use recommend using Enterol. The price of the drug is quite affordable - 10 sachets for preparing a suspension are 320 rubles. The drug is used for prophylactic purposes during antibiotic treatment.
Application and dosage
The probiotic for cats “Enterol” is used by adding it to drink (water, milk). To obtain the maximum effect, the drug is given to the animal not immediately after feeding, but after about two hours. You should know that this probiotic contains living cells, so adding it to drinks with a temperature below fifty degrees is not recommended. During treatment with Enterol, it is necessary to provide the animal with access to fresh water, preferably additional fluid administration, by any means - oral or parenteral.
The daily dose for an adult animal is one sachet per day. The dose can be divided into two doses - morning and evening. For kittens, the dosage is halved.
Probiotics for cats: bacteria and yeast
At the moment, about 10-15 different strains of bacteria and yeast probiotics are used in probiotic preparations for cats (rarely more than 2-3x in each individual preparation), most of them are similar to human ones.
| Name | Functions | Note |
| Bacillus clausii | Fighting pathogenic bacteria | |
| Bacillus licheniformis | Fights pathogenic bacteria, stimulates the immune system, produces protease (an enzyme that breaks down sugars) | Can cause serious gastritis, including sepsis, as well as mastitis |
| Bacillus subtilis | Stimulating the immune system | |
| Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus sporogenes | Stimulates the immune system, treats bloating, abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome, normalizes digestion when taking antibiotics | |
| Bifidobacterium adolescentis | Creating an unfavorable (acidic) environment for pathogenic and opportunistic intestinal bacteria | |
| Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis; Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. Lactis | Stimulate the immune system, normalize intestinal function in older cats, reduce the risk of diarrhea, treat colitis | It is not recommended to use together with tetracycline antibiotics |
| Bifidobacterium bifidum | Creating an unfavorable (acidic) environment for pathogenic and opportunistic intestinal bacteria, treating ulcerative colitis, treating colds, reducing the risk of diarrhea | |
| Bifidobacterium breve | Treatments for ulcerative colitis | |
| Bifidobacterium longum | Creation of an unfavorable (acidic) environment for pathogenic and opportunistic intestinal bacteria, treatment of ulcerative colitis, treatment of colds | |
| Enterococcus faecium | Treatment and prevention of diarrhea, carbohydrate fermentation | |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | Creating an unfavorable (acidic) environment for pathogenic and opportunistic intestinal bacteria | |
| Lactobacillus brevis | Stimulating the immune system | |
| Lactobacillus bulgaricus | Stimulate the immune system, treat ulcerative colitis | |
| Lactobacillus casei | Treatment of acute and infectious diarrhea, fight against pathogenic intestinal bacteria, support for Lactobacillus acidophilus, normalization of digestion in diseases of the pancreas, production of amylase (an enzyme for the absorption of carbohydrates) | |
| Lactobacillus helveticus | Treatment of diarrhea, fight against pathogenic intestinal bacteria, stimulate the immune system, improve lactose absorption | |
| Lactobacillus paracasei | Suppression of pathogenic microflora, absorption of carbohydrates, treatment of ulcerative colitis, normalization of digestion during chemotherapy | |
| Lactobacillus plantarum | Treatment of ulcerative colitis and depression, prevention of oxalate formation, production of antimicrobial substances, reduction of allergic reactions, prevention of increased gas formation in the intestines | |
| Lactobacillus reuteri | Treatment of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, gum disease, normalization of digestion when taking antibiotics. | |
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus | Treatment and prevention of diarrhea, reduction of allergic reactions, treatment of allergic and other dermatitis | |
| Lactococcus lactis | Treatment and prevention of dermatitis, stimulation of the immune system | |
| Propionibacterium freudenreichiii ssp. Shermani | Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, stimulation of the immune system, improvement of fat absorption | |
| Ruminococcus albus | Improved fiber absorption | |
| Saccharomyces boulardii | Treatment of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, improvement of carbohydrate absorption, stimulation of the immune system, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitoxin effects | With a significant decrease in immunity (FIV, leukemia), etc. may cause a serious fungal infection |
| Streptococcus thermophilus | Treatment of intestinal inflammation, normalization of digestion when taking antibiotics | With a significant decrease in immunity (FIV, leukemia), etc. may cause sepsis or complicate bacterial infections |
Pharmacological properties
The medicinal properties of zoonorm are determined by bifidobacteria on activated carbon particles, which are microcolonies. The activity of this drug is determined by the ability of microcolonies to adhere to the mucous membrane of the animal’s gastrointestinal tract and retain healing properties when passing through the aggressive environment of the small intestine and stomach.
Lactose filler has a beneficial effect on the growth of bifidobacteria. The drug "Zoonorm" actively fights opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. In the shortest possible time, it normalizes the intestinal microflora and activates digestion.
“Zoonorm” promotes the complete synthesis of B vitamins, the absorption of calcium, and has an immunomodulatory and antitoxic effect. The drug is given to cats and kittens in 5–10 doses. The duration of treatment is determined by the veterinarian.
Side effects
Exceeding the dose of the drug can lead to bloating in your pet.
All probiotics are good for your cat's health. They strengthen the animal’s immune system and normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. But in case of overdose, beneficial substances can be harmful and lead to side effects. In large quantities, probiotic supplements cause cramping and bloating in cats and can cause diarrhea. Therefore, in order to avoid such unpleasant phenomena, before giving them to animals, you need to consult a veterinarian to select the correct dose.
Pharmacological properties
The FOSim+ composition used in Viyo guarantees the absorption of the active components - inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) in the intestines. An excellent nutritious drink increases the number of beneficial bacteria that strengthen the animal’s natural defenses. Fructo-oligosaccharide fibers, as well as inulin from FOSim+, are not processed in the stomach. They are fermented in the colon. As a result, there is an increase in healing bacteria, and the number of pathogenic bacteria is sharply reduced. Experts consider daily use of 0.1 g of inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides effective.
Why is constipation dangerous in a cat?
Rare defecation leads to hardening of feces, while organic substances poison the animal’s body with decay products. Gut bacteria that help digest protein produce short-chain fatty acids. These substances both absorb water from stool and produce mucus to remove it.
At the same time, microorganisms of the large intestine produce toxins, and bile contains breakdown products of hemoglobin. Defecation is a natural process of removing processed and toxic substances from the body. If this does not happen, they are absorbed by the intestines and have a detrimental effect.
Feedback from cat owners
We have presented you with just a few probiotics for cats. The medications we have listed receive varying reviews from pet owners. “Enterol” is recognized as the most effective, and the improvement in the condition is noticeable already on the second day of use. Next in terms of effectiveness is Viyo, however, the owners say that the first time cats refuse to drink this drink on their own, they have to give it using a syringe. But then, the animals happily drink it on their own in the morning.
All cat owners agree that probiotics should only be used on the recommendation of a veterinarian. He will prescribe your pet the most effective drug for him.
List of drugs
Havenaar R. proved in 1992 that probiotics are vital microorganisms that benefit the body of animals and humans, improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Dysbacteriosis is dangerous for both humans and animals. In this condition, intestinal activity decreases, vitamins and nutrients are less absorbed by the body, and, as a result, the immune system suffers.
For cats, the situation is complicated by the fact that they are inactive, and many of them rarely go outside and suffer from a lack of fresh air. As a result, these animals often experience disturbances in the intestinal microflora. Probiotics for cats will help solve the problem, as they can restore the balance of nutrients and prevent a decrease in immunity.
Cost and analogues of the drug
The price of “Bifidumbacterin” depends on the shape, number of pieces in the package and manufacturer. A package of 10 bottles from a domestic manufacturer can cost only 72 rubles.
If the pharmacy does not have Bifidumbacterin in stock, you can purchase the following similar products instead:
- "Bifinorm";
- "Lactobacterin";
- "Baktisubtil";
- "Probifor";
- "Lactobifadol";
- "Bififol".
