Probiotics for cats - what works?

Why Saccharomyces boulardii is a superstar for cat gut health

Probiotics have become a buzzword in both human and animal health. But what do they really do, and which ones actually work for cats?

Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host…

Cats have a gut microbiome just like humans, and it plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even behaviour. When that microbiome is thrown off balance (due to antibiotics, stress, diet changes, or illness), health problems can follow, such as diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, gut inflammation, and more.

That’s where probiotics come in.

Not All Probiotics Are Equal

Most probiotics on the market are bacterial strains like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. These are useful for dogs but there is not strong research on their use in cats.

Saccharomyces boulardii is different. 

It’s a yeast, and that gives it several unique advantages, especially for cats.

What makes S. boulardii special?

1. Survives stomach acid

   • Unlike many bacterial probiotics, S. boulardii survives the harsh acidic environment of a cat’s stomach without needing enteric coating or refrigeration

2. Antibiotic-Resistant

   • Because it’s a yeast, not bacteria, it isn’t wiped out by antibiotics. This makes it ideal during and after antibiotic therapy, when the gut microbiome is most vulnerable

3. Proven anti-diarrhoeal effects

   • In studies in cats, S. boulardii has been shown to reduce diarrhoea caused by antibiotics, infections (like Clostridium difficile), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

4. Reduces gut inflammation

   • It interacts with gut immune cells to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha, which are elevated in chronic gut disorders such as feline IBD

5. Prevents overgrowth of bad bacteria

   • S. boulardii can stop harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium species from binding to the gut lining, essentially crowding them out

Cat clinical studies and clinical use

While much of the research has been done in dogs, emerging evidence supports its use in cats, especially for:

• Chronic diarrhoea and IBD

• Antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal upset

• Stress-related gut issues (e.g., travel, boarding, or vet visits)

In clinical practice, I recommend S. boulardii whenever I give antibiotics, and have found great relief for cats with tummy problems, including IBD.

Dosing and Safety

S. boulardii is generally well tolerated by cats. Studies and clinical experience support doses in the range of 2.5 to 5 billion CFU per day, often split into 2 doses, depending on the product and clinical need. 

Always choose a veterinary-specific or high-quality human product, without added xylitol or flavourings, and please consult your vet before use.

The Takeaway

Probiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for cats, S. boulardii stands out as a clinically proven option for supporting feline gut health.

Whether your cat is recovering from antibiotics, battling chronic diarrhoea or IBD, or just needs a gut reset, this unique yeast may be just what their microbiome needs.

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