Acidophilus is a bacteria found in fermented foods such as yogurt. It’s also present in supplements and is available in powdered form. Acidophilus is a supplement that’s given to cats to maintain good digestive health. It helps to treat diarrhea, flatulence or smelly stools.
Acidophilus for Cats
Acidophilus is generally prescribed by veterinarians to treat cats with upset stomachs. Pets with cancer, suffering from side effects of chemotherapy also benefit from acidophilus. The supplement or powder duplicates the action of the acidophilus bacteria and protects the cat from harmful bacteria and parasites by releasing hydrogen peroxide that’s toxic to such organisms. Research has proven that acidophilus is beneficial to the health of healthy cats as well as ailing ones.
It helps by altering the bacterial balance in the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, thus increasing the effectiveness of white blood cells and decreasing the susceptibility of red blood cells to osmotic pressure. Acidophilus also enhances the immune systems of cats and improves the efficiency of their digestive systems.
Acidophilus and Cats
Cats have a tendency to eat unsavory things that can harm their digestive systems. If they exhibit symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea for an extended period of time such as weeks or months, they could be suffering from a serious digestive problem, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome. Acidophilus supplements are highly recommended in such cases.
Acidophilus supplements specially formulated for kittens and older cats contain acidophilus, digestive enzymes and friendly microorganisms. Such supplements cleanse the digestive tracts of the cats, deodorize and purify them. The supplements are fortified with Vitamin E, taurine, cranberry juice and yucca in addition to the acidophilus.
Benefits of Acidophilus
Acidophilus supplements have several health benefits. They help maintain a healthy digestive system. They effectively treat and prevent diarrhea and cure the problem of smelly stools and foul odor. The yucca contained in the supplement acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and provides relief from painful joints in arthritic cats. Acidophilus supplements prevent shedding caused by digestive imbalances and also negate the harmful effects of antibiotics on the digestive system.
The taurine contained in the supplement prevents the development of early heart disease or blindness. The supplements are also fortified by Vitamin E and this has a beneficial effect on the cat’s skin and fur.
Side Effects of Acidophilus in Cats
- Flatulence
- Temporary bloating
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing, itchiness and swelling of the face
Dosage for Cats
The dosage of acidophilus for cats is expressed not in grams or milligrams but in the number of live organisms present. The suggested dose is 20 to 500 million microorganisms depending on the pet’s weight. A human dose can be administered to cat. Cats weighing less than 20 pounds, should be given a quarter of the human dose. Half the human dose should be administered to pets weighing more than 20 pounds and less than 50 pounds. The full human dose should be given to cats that weigh more than 50 pounds. The precise dose is not important as the supplement consists of living organisms.
Acidophilus supplements should be given in conjunction with a nutritious diet and tender loving care for maximum effectiveness. The label on the supplement should confirm that it contains live acidophilus at the time of purchase and not only at the time of manufacture.