6/6Ravan/amps69/+4 59/+9 63/pmps93/+5 100/+8 97/
- Thread starter JoyBee&Ravan
- Start date
JoyBee&Ravan
Member Since 2018
I came across some interesting info I'd like to share.
“The microflora in a cat's small and large intestine are different than for people, so we can't assume that human probiotics will work in cats,”
The strains that cats tend to do best with are those of the Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus families. Bifidobacterium tends to live in the small intestine, whereas Enterococcus generally resides in the colon (large intestine). So each strain could have a different function when it comes to promoting health. Bifidobacterium is more involved with digestion and the Enterococcus aids with the formation of normal feces and helping to maintain colonic health. Mahaney says you really can’t go wrong with purchasing a product with additional bacteria strains but stresses that it’s important to opt for a supplement that contains the two bacteria mentioned above.
Antibiotics are notorious for wiping out healthy gut flora. In order to combat this, Frey recommends giving a cat a daily dose of probiotics when a cat has been on antibiotics in order to help repopulate the digestive tract. To be proactive, pet parents can also give their cats probiotics at the same time that they start a dose of antibiotics. “The probiotics are often extended for several weeks beyond stopping the antibiotic, as it takes a long time to make those good bacteria stick,” says Frey.
Risks and Considerations of Probiotics for Cats
Adverse effects of probiotics are rare in cats. Frey, however, warns that cat owners should choose their probiotic brands wisely. “The supplement industry is loosely regulated and there isn't a governing agency that requires a company to prove its label claims for amounts and strains. Companies only have to respond to complaints,” she explains. Human supplement manufacturers are required to have more oversight than veterinary ones. There is, however a veterinary organization called National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) that does provide some oversight. Frey recommends giving cats a veterinary product that has the NASC label or a product from a company that also produces human supplements and foods whenever possible.
But at the end of the day, it all comes down to what works the best for your specific pet. “We know so little about probiotic and normal flora populations in animals. There is much to learn,” says Frey. “No one product works for every animal so trying different probiotics and watching for results is a good common sense approach.”
“The microflora in a cat's small and large intestine are different than for people, so we can't assume that human probiotics will work in cats,”
The strains that cats tend to do best with are those of the Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus families. Bifidobacterium tends to live in the small intestine, whereas Enterococcus generally resides in the colon (large intestine). So each strain could have a different function when it comes to promoting health. Bifidobacterium is more involved with digestion and the Enterococcus aids with the formation of normal feces and helping to maintain colonic health. Mahaney says you really can’t go wrong with purchasing a product with additional bacteria strains but stresses that it’s important to opt for a supplement that contains the two bacteria mentioned above.
Antibiotics are notorious for wiping out healthy gut flora. In order to combat this, Frey recommends giving a cat a daily dose of probiotics when a cat has been on antibiotics in order to help repopulate the digestive tract. To be proactive, pet parents can also give their cats probiotics at the same time that they start a dose of antibiotics. “The probiotics are often extended for several weeks beyond stopping the antibiotic, as it takes a long time to make those good bacteria stick,” says Frey.
Risks and Considerations of Probiotics for Cats
Adverse effects of probiotics are rare in cats. Frey, however, warns that cat owners should choose their probiotic brands wisely. “The supplement industry is loosely regulated and there isn't a governing agency that requires a company to prove its label claims for amounts and strains. Companies only have to respond to complaints,” she explains. Human supplement manufacturers are required to have more oversight than veterinary ones. There is, however a veterinary organization called National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) that does provide some oversight. Frey recommends giving cats a veterinary product that has the NASC label or a product from a company that also produces human supplements and foods whenever possible.
But at the end of the day, it all comes down to what works the best for your specific pet. “We know so little about probiotic and normal flora populations in animals. There is much to learn,” says Frey. “No one product works for every animal so trying different probiotics and watching for results is a good common sense approach.”
Last edited:
carfurby (GA)
Member Since 2012
Ravan is looking good. How is Peggy Sue doing? Interesting information about probiotics.
JoyBee&Ravan
Member Since 2018
Why does your cat Purr?
People often consider purrs to be an expression of affection, and it is clearly a communication tool. Cats and kittens rarely purr when they are alone. Purrs are aimed at other cats or people. The purr has been described as the feline equivalent to a smile, which makes great sense. After all, people smile for all kinds of reasons–happiness, nerves, fear–and a smile (or a purr) doesn’t necessarily indicate happiness.
Purrs rumble at all sorts of occasions, even when Kitty is frightened or in pain. Some behaviorists suggest that the purr is a sign of submission that signals to the other cats and people that, “I offer no threat” or, “comfort me.” That may be why the purr is used both in times of contentment to express joy, and during times of stress to relieve tension.
When your cat comes to you with kneading paws and luxurious purrs, perhaps that’s her way of calling you MOM!
Our house cats also have a mysterious power-purr. Dr. Karen McComb is the lead author of a study at the University of Sussex in England, that was published in the journal Current Biology in 2009. She identified a “soliciting purr” different than the everyday sound, that had similar frequencies to a crying human baby.
This specialized purr with an embedded obnoxious high frequency was found to be used by cats in the study as an effective means to get owners out of bed to fill the food bowl. Apparently the cry is always at a low level in normal purring, but cats with a close relationship with their owners seem to learn to dramatically exaggerate what prompts a beneficial response in their humans. Smart kitties, eh?!
Whatever the cat’s reason for the purr, we humans certainly enjoy the sound (except when too early in the morning). The purr is a feline lullaby that soothes the singer as well as the listener’s soul.
People often consider purrs to be an expression of affection, and it is clearly a communication tool. Cats and kittens rarely purr when they are alone. Purrs are aimed at other cats or people. The purr has been described as the feline equivalent to a smile, which makes great sense. After all, people smile for all kinds of reasons–happiness, nerves, fear–and a smile (or a purr) doesn’t necessarily indicate happiness.
Purrs rumble at all sorts of occasions, even when Kitty is frightened or in pain. Some behaviorists suggest that the purr is a sign of submission that signals to the other cats and people that, “I offer no threat” or, “comfort me.” That may be why the purr is used both in times of contentment to express joy, and during times of stress to relieve tension.
When your cat comes to you with kneading paws and luxurious purrs, perhaps that’s her way of calling you MOM!
Our house cats also have a mysterious power-purr. Dr. Karen McComb is the lead author of a study at the University of Sussex in England, that was published in the journal Current Biology in 2009. She identified a “soliciting purr” different than the everyday sound, that had similar frequencies to a crying human baby.
This specialized purr with an embedded obnoxious high frequency was found to be used by cats in the study as an effective means to get owners out of bed to fill the food bowl. Apparently the cry is always at a low level in normal purring, but cats with a close relationship with their owners seem to learn to dramatically exaggerate what prompts a beneficial response in their humans. Smart kitties, eh?!
Whatever the cat’s reason for the purr, we humans certainly enjoy the sound (except when too early in the morning). The purr is a feline lullaby that soothes the singer as well as the listener’s soul.
Last edited:
JoyBee&Ravan
Member Since 2018
She is still hanging in there. Eating OK, not as good as she was a few days ago? I know a lot of people don't agree with me but I strongly feel when my cats get stressed out, ( i.e. Taking them to the vet ) They take a long time to get back to normal. Peggy Sue has been hiding since I brought her to the vet
Tuesday. Especially when I want to give her some supplements . She has been starting to cringe & run when she sees me with the feeding syringe, to give her CBD oil or Slippery elm. It's getting to the point that if it gets her so upset I won't force her.
I'm still very concerned about having dental done next Tuesday. She's eating & playing & doesn't seem to be in any pain. I'm still very concerned about her having issues with the anesthesia.
I'm still trying to find a good Probiotic for cats?
carfurby (GA)
Member Since 2012
I don't know about one made for cats. When I give my cats an antibiotic, I give them Florastor along with it. Sending prayers for Peggy Sue.
Ti-Mousse (GA) Pepe (GA)
Member Since 2018
Nice quote!!
Lots of good information for us to read! Thanks Joy for sharing all this!
Sonia & Leo
Member Since 2018
Thanks for the info on probiotics Joy. I copied and put in my "Leo notes" folder for future reference.
Poor Peggy Sue being stressed since Tuesday, but going to the vet and getting examined is no fun and her mouth probably hurts even if she's not showing it. It's good you're not forcing her and hopefully she'll start acting more like herself soon. I know how scared you are about the anesthetic, this is a terribly difficult decision.
Poor Peggy Sue being stressed since Tuesday, but going to the vet and getting examined is no fun and her mouth probably hurts even if she's not showing it. It's good you're not forcing her and hopefully she'll start acting more like herself soon. I know how scared you are about the anesthetic, this is a terribly difficult decision.
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
SO interesting! purring is such a cool phenomenon, I love it!
Before Mowgli flew out to live with me, his vet gave him the supplement Zylkene to lower his stress levels, he definitely flew better than I thought he would, and he was MEGA relaxed by the time he got to my house out west
Probably CBD would achieve the same thing for Peggy Sue... it's too bad she's too stressed to take it. I understand your concern about the anesthesia but I do really think you've made the right decision to have the dental done. It will be better for her in the long run for sure I hope Peggy Sue relaxes soon
Judy and Boomer
Member Since 2014
Boomer doesn't purr often; never has. But occasionally he will give me a high-pitched purring sound, like he's REALLY loving the head rubs he's getting.
Ravan is looking awesome!
Ravan is looking awesome!
JoyBee&Ravan
Member Since 2018
Peggy Sue is not doing so good today. Refused to eat anything since last night. She's very thin & I'm not sure what to do. She's been hiding since Tuesday evening when we got back from the vet.
I really do feel that when our animals are very sick the stress can tip it into a downward spiral.
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
Awe, poor Peggy-Sue. I think stress can definitely exacerbate health issues in any species. The good thing is that you're already takings steps to get her healthy again. Is there anyway to set up a feeding station in her hiding spot, maybe put a comfy blanket there and give her a little oasis of peace for now? if you can isolate her from Ravan maybe even give her some higher carb food so she may be more enticed to eat.
Peggy-Sue has a stressful couple days coming up but honestly it is definitely in her best interest. I think you're doing such a great job with her, you're a very caring cat mom and you are doing what is best, she can't go on with her teeth the way they are, I would do the same as you in your situation, and I think your vet will do everything in his power to keep PS safe
JoyBee&Ravan
Member Since 2018
Peggy Sue has stopped eating I don't think she's going to make it for a dental.She's so thin she can hardly walk. No food since yesterday
Sonia & Leo
Member Since 2018
That's really not good. I wonder if she's in a lot of pain because of her teeth? Is there any way you could get her in sooner than Tuesday?
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
Good point, it might be best to try and get her in sooner than later, it definitely could be that she isn't eating because of her teeth.
I'm thinking of you Joy and Peggy Sue, vines and vines and vines your way. I'm still cheering Peggy-Sue on!!
Bellasmom
Member Since 2018
Do you have any mirtazapine to increase appetite or 1/4 of a 10mg of Zyrtec will work also, it helped Abby when she wasn’t eating
JoyBee&Ravan
Member Since 2018
I don't think she's having a lot of pain. I know my cat & she would not be playing & eating raw meat just 2 days ago if she was in pain. I spoke to the vet a little while ago. He felt she wasn't in any condition to proceed with a dental. He suggested she may have cancer.
Bellasmom
Member Since 2018
I am so sorry to hear this! Breaks my heart, does he want to see her
JoyBee&Ravan
Member Since 2018
The CBD oil works to give them an appetite. She is hiding now if I even go near her with any meds. She just doesn't want food or to be held. I don't think there anything I can do now.
He agreed that there wasn't much he could do.
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
Awe, Joy, that is horrible news. I’m so sorry to hear it. I’m still sending vines. You Just never know.
carfurby (GA)
Member Since 2012
Sonia & Leo
Member Since 2018
Oh no Joy, I'm so very sorry.