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Are Probiotics Beneficial for Cats? A Comprehensive Gui

19. December 2024
What are Probiotics?Probiotics refer to beneficial microorganisms that attach to the epithelial cell

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics refer to beneficial microorganisms that attach to the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract. In the human body, there are approximately 100 trillion probiotics living in our digestive systems.

These probiotics can synthesize digestive enzymes, which, along with enzymes produced by the animal body, help in the digestion of nutrients in the intestines. They also stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes by the body and enhance the absorption of nutrients in the intestines. The role of probiotics in the intestines of pets is similar to that in humans.

However, at present, scientific evidence in the medical field cannot prove that probiotics are helpful in improving the immune system, gastrointestinal health, alleviating constipation, and preventing colds. Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission in the United States does not allow advertisements that make such claims.

Probiotics must meet several requirements:

1. They must be active when purchased;

2. The dosage must be sufficient to produce an effect;

3. They must have beneficial health effects.

Only when all these requirements are met can they be called probiotics.

How to Choose Probiotics?

When examining the ingredient list of probiotics on the market, you'll find that many are designed for human intestines. These probiotics lack specificity!

This often leads to parents giving their cats probiotics meant for children. It's important to note that probiotics suitable for the human intestine are not suitable for pets and may not be effective. In the wild, feline species enjoy hunting rodents and birds, which require the digestion of animal bones. Additionally, the stomach acid pH of cats is around 2.0.

This means that additional probiotic supplements may lose their activity under lowacid conditions. The end result could be counterproductive if the introduced bacteria disrupt the balance of the existing gut flora.

What to Do When Cats Have Soft Stools?

Many cats may experience soft stools or diarrhea. When this happens, parents often resort to adjusting their cat's gastrointestinal health. While this intention is not wrong, is it really a good idea to give them probiotics? The answer is no! A better solution is to identify the cause first. For instance, if a cat is already suffering from diarrhea, it's more important to stop the diarrhea and treat the symptoms appropriately, which is the most ideal solution.

If a cat has severe diarrhea, you can first use a pediatric montmorillonite powder. Then, follow the instructions, weigh the cat, and calculate the appropriate dosage based on its weight.

After that, investigate the cause of the diarrhea.

In conclusion, do probiotics really benefit the intestines? The answer is yes. However, any商家 that does not disclose the ingredient list, claims that probiotics can enhance immunity, or uses probiotic strains intended for humans is engaging in deceptive practices.

When choosing probiotics for pets, parents should be vigilant and avoid falling for scams!

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