Supporting Your Cat's Gut: Tips For Digestive Health

Cats are playful, independent and inquisitive creatures, but their adventurous nature means they can be exposed to contagions that can cause digestive issues. To help your cat's digestive system, it's important to ensure they have a balanced diet. Cats are carnivores, so their diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It's also beneficial to add prebiotics and probiotics to their diet, as these promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and help regulate digestion. You can also add small amounts of vegetables to your cat's diet to boost immunity and mitigate the effects of ageing. However, it's important to cut out dairy products as most cats are lactose intolerant. Finally, remember that cats can be sensitive to sudden changes in their diet, so introduce new foods gradually.

Include prebiotics and probiotics in their diet

Prebiotics and probiotics can be a great way to improve your cat's digestive health. Prebiotics are a type of dietary fibre that promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Many foods naturally contain prebiotics, but you can also supplement your cat's diet with extra prebiotics. It is recommended to start with small doses to see how your cat responds. Prebiotics have been observed to induce a microbiome shift in mice, which can counteract inflammation caused by a high-fat diet.

Probiotics, also known as 'friendly bacteria', are microorganisms that line the digestive tract and facilitate the optimal absorption of nutrients. Lactobacillus acidophilus and streptococcus are some strains of probiotic bacteria that help treat or prevent illnesses, especially gastrointestinal issues. Probiotics can also be used to restore beneficial bacteria in the gut after a cat has been on antibiotics. They improve digestion and boost the overall immune system.

Probiotics are available in various forms, such as powders, pills, and treats. Studies have shown that feeding your cat probiotics builds systematic immunity by adding positive GI flora. A healthy gut also reduces the possibility of diseases like diabetes and cancer. It is important to consult your vet to determine which probiotics are best for promoting your cat's digestive health.

Cut out dairy products

Cats are lactose intolerant and should not be given any dairy products. Lactose intolerance can lead to diarrhoea, so it is recommended to not give milk to cats.

Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Cats do not have the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose. This means that when cats consume dairy products, the lactose passes through their digestive system unchanged. This can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea and gas.

In addition, dairy products can be high in fat, which can also cause digestive problems for cats. High-fat foods can lead to obesity and other health issues in cats, including digestive sensitivities.

It is important to note that cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they must eat meat. Their teeth are designed for slicing rather than chewing, and their digestive system is geared towards processing high levels of protein and fat from animal tissues. A cat's diet should include optimal levels of high-quality fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as selected fibres to aid digestion, and vitamins and minerals for overall health.

If your cat is experiencing digestive issues, it is important to consult your veterinarian. They can advise you on any changes you need to make to your cat's diet to help address these issues.

Feed them a high-protein, low-carb diet

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. In the wild, cats would only eat a couple of percent of carbohydrates, which would come from the stomach contents of their prey.

A cat's digestive system is sensitive, and variations in their diet can cause stomach upset. Cats tend to eat small meals frequently throughout the day. Their diet directly contributes to the health of their digestive system and their overall health.

Cats are unable to synthesize certain nutrients in their body that are needed for effective functioning, including taurine (found in protein), certain fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin A. Their diet must include these essential components to support their overall health and wellbeing.

A cat's diet should include:

• High protein: Cats have a high protein requirement, which is used to regenerate cells in their body, including their claws, antibodies, and coat. Protein contains 11 essential amino acids, such as taurine, that a cat needs to function effectively. Without taurine, they can suffer degeneration of their retina and heart problems.
• Moderate fat: Fat is an energy-dense part of a cat's diet and contributes to their overall health and the health of their digestive system. For example, cats need specific fatty acids to replenish their skin cells and maintain an effective barrier. However, too much fat can lead to obesity and other problems, including digestive sensitivities in some cats.
• Low carbohydrates: Carbohydrates should ideally make up less than 10-12% of a cat's diet. Cats cannot digest carbohydrates as well as protein, and carbohydrates take up room in the diet that could otherwise be used for protein.

By feeding your cat a high-protein, low-carb diet, you are giving them what their body wants and needs to thrive. This type of diet can provide the following benefits:

• Reduced gastrointestinal distress
• Lower chance of diabetes and reduced blood sugar levels
• Less risk of inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, FLUTD, and other illnesses
• Potentially longer life

Add small amounts of vegetables to their meals

Cats are carnivores and their digestive systems are designed to process high-protein and high-fat foods from meat. However, adding small amounts of vegetables to their meals can help boost their immunity and mitigate the effects of ageing.

When adding veggies to your cat's diet, it's important to cook or steam them and include them in small portions. Pureed vegetables can also be added but in lesser proportions. It's crucial to remember that your cat's diet should be predominantly meat-based, as they require certain nutrients like the amino acid taurine and the fatty acid arachidonic, which are predominantly found in meat.

Some vegetables that are beneficial for cats include pumpkin and squash, as they are high in fibre and can help with constipation. Additionally, vegetables provide antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

It's also important to note that cats lack the necessary enzymes to process carbohydrates effectively, so it's best to avoid grains and other high-carbohydrate foods as they can cause digestive issues like stomach upset and intestinal discomfort.

Consult your vet about supplements

As a cat owner, it is important to know that your cat's digestive system is sensitive and intricate. It is crucial to provide the right care to keep it healthy and effective.

Consult your vet about the best supplements for your cat's digestive health. They may recommend a probiotic, which can help regulate digestion and minimise the chances of digestive disorders. Probiotics are available in various forms, such as powders, pills, and treats. However, not all probiotics are created equal. Your vet can advise you on the best type and brand of probiotic for your cat's specific needs.

Prebiotics are another type of supplement that can be beneficial for your cat's digestive health. These are special kinds of dietary fibre that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Prebiotics include nutrients that positively affect the existing microflora in your cat's gastrointestinal tract.

If your cat has been on antibiotics, your vet may recommend a probiotic supplement to help restore the balance of bacteria in their gut. Antibiotics can kill off both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leading to long-term changes in your cat's gut health.

In some cases, your vet may suggest a faecal microbiota transplant (FMT). This procedure moves beneficial gut bacteria from a healthy cat to your cat, who has an unhealthy microbiome. While FMTs are typically performed in a veterinary hospital under sedation, there are now oral FMT capsules available that may be a less stressful option.

Additionally, your vet may recommend digestive enzymes designed specifically for felines. These enzymes can help improve your cat's ability to digest and absorb nutrients, especially if their pancreas is struggling to produce enough enzymes on its own.

Remember, it is always best to consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any new supplements or making significant changes to their diet. They can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your cat's unique needs.

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