Can probiotics cause diarrhea in cats

As our closest companions, we don’t allow our cats to be harmed by any medication, especially probiotics. As the solution to cat diarrhea, probiotics can also cause diarrhea in cats. What’s going on? Let’s find the truth together!

Why Probiotics Can Cause Diarrhea in Cats?

In general, probiotics are often considered beneficial for gut health in humans and animals, as they can help maintain a normal balance of flora in the intestines. However, sometimes probiotics can cause diarrhea in cats, and the reasons may fall into one of the following categories:

Overdosage: If you give your cat too many probiotics, the intestinal flora may become out of balance, resulting in diarrhea. A cat’s intestinal tract has its own natural bacteria, and an excessive amount of probiotics may disrupt this equilibrium.

Inappropriate Type of Probiotic: Different probiotics may have varying impacts on your cat’s intestinal tract. Certain probiotics may not be appropriate for cats or may trigger an adverse reaction resulting in diarrhea.

Underlying Digestive Problems: Cats with underlying digestive issues, such as intestinal sensitivities or abnormalities, may experience diarrhea as a result of probiotic therapy.If your cat is experiencing diarrhea and probiotics are suspected as the cause, it is recommended that you discontinue the probiotics and monitor the symptoms.

If the diarrhea persists or worsens, it is best to consult your veterinarian for further diagnosis and treatment.

How to Make Sure if Cat Diarrhea is Caused by Probiotics

It is not easy to determine the symptoms caused by probiotics in cats, because it can vary from individual to individual. Typically, if your cat develops diarrhea after using probiotics, you can stop using the probiotics and watch for changes in symptoms.After stopping the probiotic, you can give your cat some time, usually 24 to 48 hours, to see if the diarrhea symptoms improve. During this time, you can make sure your cat is getting proper hydration and diet, and watch for other potential changes in symptoms such as changes in appetite, vomiting, or other digestive problems.If your cat’s diarrhea persists or worsens after discontinuing probiotics, or if other serious symptoms develop, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian as soon as possible for further diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian can determine the cause of the diarrhea and give appropriate treatment recommendations based on the cat’s symptoms and health condition.

How to Avoid Cat Diarrhea Caused by Probiotics

Choose the Appropriate Types of Probiotics For Cats

Lactobacillus acidophilus

The probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus works to restore the balance between lactobacilli and undesirable bacteria in their intestine, boosting intestinal health (as seen by greater feces quality) and returning digestive functions to physiological levels.

Bifidobacterium

Bifidobacterium is a live gram positive anaerobe that is capable of improving the balance of the intestinal microflora of animals. Bifidobacterium species are less prevalent in the gut of the dog and cat compared to Lactobacillus; however, the effect that Bifidobacterium has on digestion, absorption, and utilization is quite similar.

Enterococcus faecium

By producing the enterocins A, B, and P (genus-specific bacteriocins), Enterococcus faecium can combat pathogenic gut microbes, such as Escherichia coli, reducing gastrointestinal disease in hosts.However, the constant exposure to high levels of this microbe results in immunosuppression by reducing the expression of IL-8, IL-10, and CD86, predisposing livestock to severe Salmonella infections.

Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis has advantages in inhibiting pathogenic bacteria, enhancing immunity, and helping digestion.Bacillus subtilis is able to synthesize enzymes such as alpha-amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, etc., which will work in the digestive tract along with the digestive enzymes in the animal’s body to aid in digestion.

Bacillus licheniformis

During the growth and metabolism of Bacillus licheniformis, it can produce a variety of antimicrobial active substances, such as short peptide, polymyxin, bacillin, and mycobacteriocin, which can effectively inhibit the pathogenic bacteria and improve intestinal colonization resistance. Unlike Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus, and Bacillus subtilis, which are sensitive to all antibiotics, Bacillus licheniformis is insensitive to erythromycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and first- and second-generation cephalosporins, and can be administered with most of the antibiotics . Studies have reported that Bacillus licheniformis can increase the percentage of beneficial intestinal bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococci were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Several studies have confirmed that Bacillus licheniformis is effective in treating patients with diarrhea, and the KPS score was significantly higher than before treatment (P < 0.05).In addition, bifidobacteria-like probiotics need to be stored at low temperatures, while Bacillus licheniformis has a natural bacillus structure, that can be stored at room temperature and maintain its activity during transportation, use, and storage, At the same time, the bacillus structure is resistant to acids and salts, and is not easily inactivated by gastric acid, bile, and digestive enzymes.Thus, it is convenient to store and easy to carry around.

Therefore,when you choose probiotics,you are supposed to choose Bacillus licheniformis,Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus rather than Enterococcus faecium and Bifidobacterium.Because the former is healthier than the latter for cats.

Best products recommendation

Hs. Viko has made significant advancements in probiotic research and has successfully created probiotic tablets and powders enhanced with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis.

Cat-friendly Probiotic Types and Dosages Benefit Diarrhea Treatment

Probiotics have many benefits for your cat, as long as you choose the appropriate types and use the right dosage!

• Restore the balance of flora
• Improved intestinal function
• Anti-inflammatory effect

It’s worth noting that various probiotics may have different effects on your cat’s gut. Therefore, selecting the correct type and dosage of probiotics is crucial. Prior to administering probiotics, it is advisable to seek advice from your veterinarian or the product manuals to identify the suitable probiotic product and usage method for safety and efficacy.

FAQS

Can probiotics cause constipation in cats?

No.Moderate intake of probiotics in cats helps treat constipation.However,excessive probiotic intake can lead to diarrhea in cats. It is important to adhere to the instructions provided on the leaflet.

Is it safe to give cats human probiotics?

Most veterinarians believe that giving your cat human probiotics is unlikely to hurt him, but it is also unlikely to benefit him, so choose a probiotic formulated exclusively for cats.