Three Supplements To Help Your Cat When They Have Digestive Issues
Having a cat with digestive issues is no walk in the park. These kitties could have trouble keeping food down, or not want to eat at all. Knowing what supplements could ease your kitty's digestive distress will help put both you and your cat at ease.
Vitamins
If your cat has food allergies, you may have to put it on a highly restricted diet for several weeks. If you're concerned about your cat getting all its nutrients, you may want to consider giving it a vitamin supplement. However, if your cat has food allergies, clear the supplement with your vet first. They'll be able to see if there are any potential ingredients that could trigger your cat's allergies.
Probiotics
Probiotics can be helpful to most kitties. This is especially true if they have digestive issues. Standard probiotics can help restore the colony of digestive bacteria in their gut after antibiotic use. If your cat's stool is less than solid after a round of antibiotics, ask their vet if they could benefit.
Another form of probiotics uses digestive enzymes. These enzymes are used in pet foods to entice cats to eat. These work great if your cat's upset belly is preventing it from getting enough food.
When choosing a probiotic, make sure you pick one out that doesn't use dairy enzymes. Cats are naturally lactose intolerant and don't take well to anything with dairy inside.
Weight Gain Supplements
Some cats with severe digestive issues may have a hard time maintaining their weight. Cats can become nauseated from many different conditions, ranging from an upper respiratory infection to liver failure. Thankfully, there are supplements on the market designed to help your cat put on weight.
Many of these supplements include a lot of fat to get your cat to gain weight. There are different flavors to choose from, so choose the one your cat likes best. If your cat turns up its nose at the gel, you can mix the gel in its food. If your kitty still won't take the supplement, you may have to syringe it into the side of their mouth. You never want to syringe a liquid down the back of your cat's throat as your cat could aspirate the liquid and become very ill.
Sometimes kitties with digestive issues require more intensive care. Ultimately, you should always consult your cat's veterinarian before putting it on a supplement. Your vet will be able to determine if your cat could benefit from a supplement. Visit a veterinary clinic for more information.