Can Cats Drink Yakult? (Veterinarians’ Thoughts)
In moderation, Yakult is safe for cats to consume. It contains live probiotic bacteria that can help with digestive issues, and it’s also a low-calorie treat.
However, it’s important to remember that Yakult is a dairy product, so it should be given in moderation and to cats that are not lactose intolerant.
In this blog post, I’ll share three vet opinions on whether or not it’s safe to give your cat Yakult. I’ll also provide some guidelines on how much Yakult you can safely give to your cat.
Veterinarians’ Thoughts on The Safety of Yakult for Cats
As a cat parents, it’s important to do your research before giving your cat any new food or drink. So, I spoke to two veterinarians about whether or not they think it’s safe for cats to consume Yakult, and all of them said that in moderation, it should be fine.
Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, says that Yakult is “a safe treat for cats in moderation” and that the probiotics it contains can be beneficial for their digestion. She recommends checking with your vet first if your cat has any digestive issues, as they may have special dietary needs.
Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, also says that Yakult is safe for cats to consume in moderation. She notes, however, that it’s important to remember that Yakult is a dairy product and some cats may be lactose intolerant.
If you’re not sure if your cat is lactose intolerant, she recommends checking with your vet before giving them Yakult.
Moderation = What Does That Actually Mean?
Now that we know that veterinarians think Yakult is safe for cats to consume in moderation, the next question is: what does moderation actually mean?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer.
Dr. Wooten says that you should start by giving your cat “a few spoonful’s a day” and then increase the amount gradually over time.
Dr. Coates says that you should start by giving your cat “a small amount” and see how they react, adding that some cats may be more sensitive to the live bacteria in Yakult than others.
If you do decide to give your cat Yakult, it’s important to keep an eye on them and see how they react. If they have any negative reaction (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), stop giving it to them immediately and consult with your veterinarian.
The Benefits of Giving Yakult to Cats
Here are some of the benefits that have been associated with giving Yakult to cats:
1. It can help with digestive issues
Yes, the live probiotic bacteria in Yakult can help with digestive issues. If your cat is suffering from diarrhea, for example, the probiotics can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in their gut.
2. It’s a good source of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important vitamin for cats, and Yakult is a good source of it. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, which is important for strong bones and teeth.
3. It’s a good source of B vitamins
Yakult is also a good source of B vitamins, which are important for a variety of things, including energy metabolism, the nervous system, and red blood cell production.
4. It can help them to better absorb nutrients
The live bacteria in Yakult can help your cat to better absorb nutrients from their food. According to one study, cats who were given Yakult had higher levels of vitamins A and E in their blood than cats who weren’t given Yakult.
5. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Yakult has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for cats who suffer from allergies or inflammatory bowel disease.
The Risks of Giving Too Much Yakult to Cats
While there are many benefits associated with giving Yakult to cats, there are also some risks associated with giving too much.
1. It can cause digestive issues
Giving too much Yakult to your cat can actually cause digestive issues. This is because the live bacteria can produce lactic acid, and too much lactic acid can upset the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in your cat’s gut.
2. It can cause dehydration
Too much lactic acid can also cause dehydration, so it’s important to make sure that your cat has access to plenty of fresh water if you’re giving them Yakult.
3. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea
Giving too much Yakult to your cat can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat is vomiting or has diarrhea, stop giving them Yakult and consult with your veterinarian.
4. It can cause an imbalance of electrolytes
Giving too much Yakult to your cat can also cause an imbalance of electrolytes in their body. This can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian if you’re considering giving Yakult to your cat.
5. It can interfere with medications
The live bacteria in Yakult can also interfere with some medications, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving Yakult to your cat if they’re on any medication.
Is Yakult Good for Your Cat’s Diarrhea?
If your cat is having problems with diarrhea, you may be wondering if Yakult is a good option. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer.
While Yakult does contain probiotics, which can help to restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, it is also high in sugar. This can actually make diarrhea worse.
In addition, Yakult is not specially formulated for cats and may not contain the right strains of probiotics to be effective.
Therefore, it is best to speak with your veterinarian before giving Yakult to your cat. They can recommend a probiotic that is specifically designed for cats and will be more likely to provide relief from diarrhea.
Is Yakult Good for Deworming Cats?
Most people think of deworming as something that’s only necessary for outside cats, but the truth is that all cats can benefit from regular deworming. Unfortunately, Yakult is not an effective dewormer for cats.
The active ingredient in Yakult, lactic acid, is effective against certain types of bacteria, but it has no effect on parasites. If your cat has worms, you’ll need to use a medication that’s specifically designed to kill parasites.
Fortunately, there are many safe and effective dewormers available from your veterinarian. With regular deworming, you can help keep your cat healthy and free of parasites.
My Final Thoughts
In closing, I want to emphasize that while I believe that cats can safely consume Yakult, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your cat’s diet. Every cat is different, and what may be safe for one cat may not be safe for another.
Additionally, it’s important to understand that Yakult is a dairy product, and as such, it contains lactose. Some cats are able to tolerate lactose, while others are not.
If you’re considering giving Yakult to your cat, be sure to start with a small amount and watch for any adverse reactions. And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your veterinarian.
My lactating cat don’t want to eat because she’s suffering from diarrhea and because of that she can’t feed her kittens.. what will I do please help me! Thank you.
Hello Pier Angelie!
I know you’re going through a difficult situation with your lactating cat and her kittens. Diarrhea can be very dangerous for cats, so it’s important that you take immediate action.
First, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. The vet can examine her and make sure that she isn’t suffering from an infection or another illness that needs to be treated with medication. The vet will also be able to advise you on the best diet for your cat and make sure she has all the nutrients she needs while she is lactating.
In addition, you should monitor the kittens very closely to make sure they are getting enough nutrition. If your cat is not able to feed them, you may need to supplement their diet with kitten formula. You should also make sure that they are warm and comfortable, as kittens are very sensitive to temperature changes.
Finally, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s health and nutrition while she is lactating. Make sure she has plenty of fresh water, and offer her high-quality cat food that is rich in proteins and vitamins. Make sure she gets regular exercise to keep her body strong and healthy.
I hope this advice helps you take care of your cat and her kittens. Good luck!
My cats is eating normally as he should but he’s stool have blood and mucus 3 days now, i keep searching in the internet what could be the home remedy for that symptom but every video that I’ve watched says “go to the vet” but i don’t have enough money to be able to go there I’m just a student here in Philippines. I love my cat so much, please help me.
I’m really sorry to hear about your cat’s health issues. It’s important to remember that while the internet can provide some guidance, it’s not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. However, I understand your situation and I’ll try to provide some general advice based on the research you’ve shared.
Firstly, if your cat is bleeding or has mucus in its stool, it could be a sign of several serious conditions such as colitis, internal bleeding, or other digestive system problems. These conditions require immediate attention from a vet. If you’re unable to see a vet, there are some home remedies that might help, but they might not address the underlying issue:
1. Diet: A bland diet of rice and boiled hamburger, mashed potatoes, white fish or boiled chicken may help ease diarrhea if that’s causing the bloody stools.
2. Hydration: If your cat is dehydrated, a 50-50 water and Pedialyte solution could help. But you should consult with a vet before trying this.
3. Fiber: Canned pumpkin is rich in fiber and can help regulate bowel movements.
4. Natural Remedies: Psyllium nigrum, Avena sativa (oats) or Aloe ferox are natural cleansers of the digestive system.
5. Herbal Tea: Certain herbal teas may help conditions that cause bloody stool.
Remember, these remedies might help with the symptoms but they won’t necessarily treat the underlying problem. Please try to find a way to get your cat to a vet or reach out to animal charities or shelters that might be able to help. It’s crucial to get your cat checked by a professional to ensure it gets the right treatment.