Probiotics for Cats

[KLS52]

Me again...the vet suggested that Bogart go on probiotics because he will most likely need to be on an extended course of Doxycycline and it can be very irritating to the stomach and/or esophagus. Has anyone had any experience with giving probiotics to any of their furbabies, and if so, is there a particular brand that you really liked? Thanks again.

 

[RabbitLuvr]

I have given probiotics to one of my rabbits!

He had chronic stomach problems, and a couple years ago I gave him a powdered probiotic I got at the pet store to try to help him. I wasn't sure the proper dosage, but it was easy to mix in with a treat (canned pumpkin).

The last time I took him to the vet, the doctor prescribed a long course of daily probiotics. This time I was given Probios, which came in a gel form. It was packaged in a giant tube, for horses! I had to give him a pea-sized amount twice a day. Again, I gave it on a treat, usually a bit of parsley or banana slice folded in half with the probiotic in the middle.

I didn't notice a difference with the powder, but he did seem to have an improvement with the gel. It's possible I wasn't giving the correct amount with the powder, or it had been stored improperly, or something.

 

[KLS52]

Thanks, RabbitLuvr! I wish Bogart was a rabbit, lol. He's such a pain to try and medicate and he's a very finicky eater, especially when he's congested, because then I suppose he can't smell the food very well so it doesn't appeal to him.

 

[RabbitLuvr]

Awww, poor guy! Are there any treats he will still eat when he's congested? Or does he not like to eat anything at all?

I'm afraid I don't have experience giving meds to cats, but I've heard it can be quite difficult.
With rabbits, it can be easy as long as they're still eating. Giving meds to them gets dicey once they are refusing food.

Did your vet suggest a particular brand, or just "probiotics?" I wonder if cats can have the same kind that people take?

 

[KLS52]

The vet did not specify a brand but I will call on Monday to see what he suggests.
Bogart is not big on treats. For awhile, I was able to get his meds in him in pill form by breaking them in half and taking a tiny piece of pill pocket, enough to hold the pill to pieces of his favorite dry food, which he will now only eat out of my hand, the little stinker. He has not had any wet cat food for a few days now, only the dry, and a teaspoon or two of baby food. I expect him to get back on track once his nose clears up, but for some reason, it's been two weeks now...he'll seem clear for a day or so and then he's back to the stuffy nose. But this seems to be his pattern.

 

[ledboots]

My dog had to be on antibiotics, and I gave doggy probiotics so it wouldn't screw up her digestion. I got a jar of powdered dog probiotics for about $8 from the pet store, and I give a quarter teaspoon per day mixed with food. I can't smell it, but Pepper knows it's in there, so I have to put it in a treat food. It seems they'd have kitty probiotics, too.

 

[mlp]

I used FortiFlora for years, but I eventually started using the canine version, because it's less expensive than the feline version, and the only difference is in the flavoring.

This year, I switched to Probiotic Miracle. It's available in a tub, rather than individual packets, and thus is less expensive. I go through a lot - two of my cats have IBS, and are on daily probiotics. I read a lot of reviews, and chose it based on those reviews. I buy it through Amazon.

ETA: I add it to their canned food, and have never had a problem getting them to eat it.

 

[Lord Snot]

I have also been giving one to Harry, because he was on antibiotics and it can sometimes screw witht heir digestive systems. It was called BioLapsis but it was only for rabbits, so that won't help you

It smelled really nice and fruity and I had no problems getting Harry to eat it. I dissolved the power in the amount of water recommended then mixed in enough pellets to soak up the water. He would lick the bowl when he was done.

 

[KLS52]

I used FortiFlora for years, but I eventually started using the canine version, because it's less expensive than the feline version, and the only difference is in the flavoring.

This year, I switched to Probiotic Miracle. It's available in a tub, rather than individual packets, and thus is less expensive. I go through a lot - two of my cats have IBS, and are on daily probiotics. I read a lot of reviews, and chose it based on those reviews. I buy it through Amazon.

ETA: I add it to their canned food, and have never had a problem getting them to eat it.

I have FortiFlora in my cart on Amazon now...maybe I'll go with that one for now. I wish I knew about giving cats probiotics when Mandi was still alive. She had IBS, too. I bet it would have helped make her feel better. It's kind of annoying that veterinarians don't suggest alternative treatments. It's one reason I like the new vet that I've been taking Bogart to. When he hits a roadblock with conventional treatments, he's not afraid to read up about things online and check out other veterinarian blogs. That's how he came up with the Cerenia. Of course, there are other issues about his practice that I'm not thrilled about but I guess I'm going to have to weigh the pros and cons and see if it's worth sticking with him.

 

[KLS52]

Gave Bogart the FortiFlora and he took it in some baby food with no problem. He seemed to actually like it. I'm going to try it in his regular canned food...he's so finicky and only eats 2-3 bites at a time. If he likes the taste of the FortiFlora, maybe it will get him to eat more food in one sitting...that would be nice.

 

[ledboots]

Gave Bogart the FortiFlora and he took it in some baby food with no problem. He seemed to actually like it. I'm going to try it in his regular canned food...he's so finicky and only eats 2-3 bites at a time. If he likes the taste of the FortiFlora, maybe it will get him to eat more food in one sitting...that would be nice.

That's good. If his digestion improves, hopefully his appetite will, too. Is he still on antibiotics? If so, they advise giving the probiotic a couple hours before or after the medicine so the probiotic isn't all killed by the antibiotic. At least that's the advice with humans and dogs, so I'm extrapolating to cats here.

 

[KLS52]

I had no idea...I was giving the probiotic with the doxycycline since both get mixed with food. Thanks for the tip!