Microbiome Magic

The microbiome is the diverse collection of microscopic organisms that share our—and our cat’s—bodies. A plethora of studies show that the composition of the gut microbiome has a profound effect on overall health—and not just GI health. The microbiome influences disease states and even mood! Improving gut health has been shown to help with anxiety and depression. 

“The microbiome influences disease states and even mood! Improving gut health has been shown to help with anxiety and depression.”

So, what affects the microbiome? Diet is huge. Things like stress, antibiotics, and second-hand smoke can negatively impact your cat’s microbiome as well. 

Keeping Your Cat’s Microbiome Happy

Diet has a major impact on gut bacteria. Prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that act as food for the pre-existing good bacteria, stimulating growth. Metabolizing prebiotics like fiber generates substances that keep the microbes and the cells of the intestinal tract in our cats’ guts happy. Research shows that high-fiber diets have been associated with greater diversity and number of gut bacteria in people. Ask your veterinarian if your cat would benefit from dietary fiber supplementation, suggests the Morris Animal Foundation, a non-profit at the forefront of microbiome research.

Decreasing a cat’s exposure to second-hand smoke, as well as providing adequate exercise and rest, might be important factors in not only keeping cats healthy but keeping their microscopic friends happy, too. 

Other researchers are looking at using oral probiotic cocktails to influence gut microorganisms, and still others are looking at how diet alterations might change the microbiome. Exciting stuff!

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Cat magazine. Subscribe today!