Gut dysbiosis describes a microbiome imbalance. In a cat’s gut, the bacteria microbiome has a direct effect on overall health, influencing digestion, immune system function and nutritional metabolism, as well as moods and mental health.
Scott Gavaletz, DVM, recommends the use of probiotics under two circumstances: a) as a first line in treating diarrhea, and b) to replace the good bacteria when antibiotics have been prescribed.
Source: Animal Wellness, October 1, 2024. Link.
Intestinal bacteria aid in digesting certain nutrients by providing enzymes that the body does not make on its own. These organisms manufacture several B vitamins and help maintain an acidic pH in the gut. They also prevent colonization of the digestive tract by pathological organisms such as Salmonella sp. and Candida sp.” – Jean Hofve, DVM
NOTE: The author emphasizes seeing a veterinarian before giving a cat supplements saying, “You need to know the cause of the cat’s symptoms before trying to treat them.”
Image credit: Kitty MicroBiome™