Unlocking the Secret: How Prebiotics for Cats Boost Gut Health!

What’s the deal with prebiotics for cats?

You’ve probably heard a lot about the microbiome lately…it’s a hot topic in human health, and it turns out it’s just as important for our cats, too.

The microbiome is made up of trillions of microscopic organisms that live in the gut (and on the skin), and they do way more than just hang around. A healthy gut microbiome can help protect your cat’s kidneys, reduce stress and anxiety, lower the risk of bladder infections and skin flare-ups, and even strengthen their immunity against things like recurrent cat flu.

But there’s a lot of jargon out there when it comes to gut health, so let’s break it down, starting with prebiotics.

So, what exactly are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are types of dietary fibre that feed the good bacteria and yeast in the gut. Think of them as fuel for the beneficial microbes that keep your cat’s gut in balance.

But do cats really need prebiotics?

Good question. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their natural diet is mostly meat. But that doesn’t mean fibre is off the table, just that it needs to be the right kind. The right type and amount of fibre can help improve stool quality, support a healthy microbiome, and deliver those health benefits we just talked about.

Which prebiotics actually help cats?

Here’s where it gets tricky. Most studies on prebiotics have been done in dogs, not cats. And cats have very different gut bacteria and fibre needs.

Let’s look at a few common types:

• Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS): These feed helpful Bifidobacterium in the gut. There's not much solid evidence they benefit cats specifically, though.

• Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS): These may help calm gut inflammation, but studies show they work better in dogs than in cats.

What does help? Psyllium!

Ask any cat vet, and they’ll probably tell you they love psyllium. It’s a gentle, soluble fibre with mild prebiotic effects. It helps regulate the gut, especially for cats dealing with constipation, diarrhoea, or furballs.

Bonus: there’s research showing it may also help feed the good gut bacteria.

One important note: If your cat is dehydrated (which often happens with kidney disease), psyllium might not be a good option for constipation. Always check with your vet first.