6 Ways to Improve Cat's Digestive Health

Whether it is us humans or our feline pets, gut health can significantly impact mental as well as physical health. Cats have hundreds of types of microorganisms that are single-celled in their digestive tracts. These are called gut microbiomes. This gut bacteria can be harmed due to many reasons such as antibiotics, food additives, or other digestive disorders. Below are some steps you can take to make sure that your cat’s digestive health is in check! 

• Probiotics: Probiotics will be your best friend if you need to work on the digestive health of your cat. Probiotics help in the regulation of bacteria in your cat’s gut and also promote good bacteria. It has been observed that probiotics along with microbiomes can help in counteracting inflammation which might be troubling your cat. Probiotics are not permanent. Whenever you notice that your cat is facing some kind of inflammation, you can give the required capsules. It is important to take care of your cat’s health and wellness.

• Diet: Diet is naturally one of the most important aspects when looking at digestive health. Cats do not need excessive carbohydrates. When your cat might eat foods high in carbohydrates the bacteria will act accordingly. This can even lead to excessive inflammation. Cats come from the feline family, they are carnivores. For them, the best kind of diet naturally is protein and low in carbohydrates. Focus on protein.

• Cutting out dairy products: Dairy is probably not the best choice for your cat. While we have grown up looking at a television showing milk is what cats love, consuming dairy products can be bad for a cat’s digestive health. Some cats are lactose tolerant but they are also adversely affected by milk. The diet that your cat has, as mentioned above, should be rich in nutrients. 

• Fibers: Fiber is another important aspect to consider when making sure to improve the diet of your cat. Soluble and insoluble fibers when incorporated into your cat’s diet can help with medium levels of fat. Along with fibers, you should also add water so your cat stays hydrated and the benefits from its food are received. Water can help in better absorption of nutrients. 

• Grains or no grains: As we have already mentioned above, cats need protein-rich diets. Along with proteins they need some amount of fat as well. Grains are not beneficial for cats. Why? Grains lack the enzymes that can facilitate cats to digest carbohydrates. And large amounts of carbohydrates can adversely affect their digestive health. You can reduce the content of grains in the food that is offered to your cat if you notice that they can't digest.

• Vegetables to the food: Cats do not do well if turned into a vegetarian. They need nutrients like amino acid taurine and fatty acid arachidonic, which are only available when consumed meat. Not only do these nutrients help with immunity but also help in optimal functioning of the heart and eyes of cats. 

So while they should consume meat, you should also ensure that you add some vegetables to their diets. You can add vegetables in the form of pureed and ensure that it is in lesser proportion. The aim to ensure that the intestinal workload is reduced. 

These are some of the things you can keep in mind if you have a cat. You do not have to apply all these things only when they face issues, it is a good idea to make sure that you create a habit of these pointers from the beginning itself to avoid digestive issues. Depending on the life stage your cat is at, the nutrient requirement might differ. Make sure to consult your vet and let them know your diet plan as well.