Fortiflora for cats: composition of the dietary supplement, methods of application

A change in diet, gastrointestinal diseases, taking antibiotics, stress and other negative factors inevitably lead to changes in the intestinal microbiota in cats. An imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms leads to digestive disorders, which causes constipation or diarrhea in pets. Fortiflora for cats (Fortiflora Purina) is intended to restore normal intestinal microflora and strengthen the immune system. It is a food additive with a probiotic. Not a medicine.

Purpose

Manufacturers advise giving fortiflora to your pet in the following cases:

• Gastroenteritis.
• Dysbacteriosis.
• Imbalance of intestinal microflora.
• Stomach upsets.
• Gastrointestinal pathologies.
• Diarrhea.
• Problems with stool (an actual problem for almost all kittens).
• To recover from coronavirus.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fortiflora is an effective feed additive with a probiotic effect, which has a number of advantages over analogues:

• attractive taste for cats;
• convenient release form for mixing with food or liquid;
• wide spectrum of action;
• can be used over a long period of time;
• it is permissible to use in pregnant and lactating cats;
• has no contraindications or side effects.

The only disadvantage of the drug Fortiflora, which is noted by cat owners, is the high price.

How it works

Fortiflora contains lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus faecium SF68). Microgranules quickly enter the gastrointestinal tract along with food. And their quantity is calculated in such a way as to have a positive regulatory effect on the cat’s body. In addition, Purina ensures that the bacteria increase the body's resistance to many diseases.

The medicinal supplement also contains vitamins and minerals. They not only improve metabolism, but also protect the cat from free radicals. Meat ingredients are also added to the powder; they give the supplement a pleasant taste, and therefore the furry ones will not refuse this medicine.

After a month or a month and a half, all SF68 bacteria leave the cat’s body. At this time, her own lactobacilli and bifidobacteria should be activated.

Instructions for use

It is recommended to give Fortiflor to cats once a day. The daily dose of a probiotic supplement is 1 sachet, regardless of the weight and age of the animal. The powder can be mixed with dry and wet food, as well as with natural food. The instructions do not contain recommendations regarding the time of taking Fortiflora, so it can be given both in the morning and in the evening.

The duration of the course of application is determined individually. When treating gastrointestinal diseases, taking the supplement lasts until the symptoms disappear completely. When using Fortiflora for the prevention of disorders caused by stress, it begins to be given three days before the expected event and within three days after.

Important! Fortiflora for cats cannot be subjected to heat treatment, since as a result of heating, living bacteria die and the powder loses its effectiveness.

According to the instructions, the only contraindication to the use of a probiotic supplement is a specific food allergy. It can be used for kittens, pregnant and lactating cats. Typically, a probiotic supplement does not cause side effects. But sometimes cats develop allergies, manifested by itching, skin rashes and increasing diarrhea.

In this case, Fortiflora is stopped, and the animals are prescribed symptomatic treatment.

Reviews

Victoria: When our beautiful Vasilina fell ill, the veterinarian prescribed a course of antibiotics. Fortunately, the cat managed to recover, but the doctor pointed out that the gastrointestinal tract was suffering greatly from antibiotics, so we were prescribed a course of fortiflora. A package of 30 sachets costs more than 1,600 rubles in our city, which is a lot of money. And we only need 14 bags, so we didn’t want to pay for a full package. But my husband was able to find this food additive on the Internet, and the very next day 14 bags of fortiflora were delivered to our home. I would like to note that after 2 weeks of use the cat’s appetite improved, so I am sure that fortiflora helps cats. No adverse reactions were observed. Using the product is extremely simple, since you just need to pour the powder into a portion of food.

Ilya: After the operation, the doctor prescribed my cat a diet consisting only of healthy foods. Such measures had to be taken because the intestinal microflora was greatly damaged by long-term therapy with various drugs. After 3-4 days I had to go to the veterinary clinic again because Musya could not go to the toilet. The veterinarian advised to give the pet an enema, and then start giving Fortiflor powder. It was supposed to not only normalize stupas, but also restore the functioning of the digestive system. A month-long course not only helped restore the cat’s previous appetite and activity, but also had a beneficial effect on the coat. Since now it does not fall out, and has also become thicker. Well, at least it seems so to me. I can recommend Fortiflora to all cat owners, but just remember to consult a specialist before use!

Composition and medicinal properties

The main component of the Fortiflora probiotic supplement is the intestinal microorganisms enterococcus faecium sf 68. They are natural inhabitants of the cat’s intestines.

Beneficial bacteria perform a number of functions in the body:

• improve food digestion;
• help better absorption of nutrients;
• inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria;
• normalize stool.

Stress factors, food changes and some medications reduce the number of beneficial bacteria. The drug Fortiflora helps replenish their population.

Fortiflor granules are protected by a special shell, which prevents the destruction of bacteria in the stomach.

Additionally, the probiotic contains other beneficial components:

• Yeast is a source of protein, rich in B vitamins and amino acids. The components participate in the metabolic process, strengthen the immune system and improve appetite. Yeast also contains enzymes that help better absorb feed, vitamins and amino acids.
• Taurine is a vital amino acid responsible for the normal functioning of the digestive and cardiovascular systems. Additionally strengthens the immune system. A cat's body is almost always deficient in this amino acid. The Fortiflora supplement helps to compensate for its deficiency in full.
• Iron – helps increase hemoglobin, prevents the development of anemia. The element is also involved in the process of transporting oxygen in the blood.
• Iodine is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and regulates the metabolic rate in the body.
• Copper – participates in oxidative processes, hematopoiesis, increases the protective functions of the body.
• Manganese – plays an important role in cat metabolism and strengthens the immune system.
• Zinc – promotes faster tissue regeneration, participates in metabolic processes, accelerates growth in kittens.
• Selenium – has antioxidant, detoxifying and immunomodulatory properties. Promotes normal growth and development of kittens.
• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that increases the body's protective functions.

With a course of taking Fortiflora in cats, stool is normalized, appetite is restored, and the condition of the skin and coat improves. In allergic animals, the product also reduces the manifestations of allergic reactions.

Overdose

Cases of negative reactions with a significant increase in the rate of the mixture practically do not occur. There are some mentions of allergic reactions. To prevent unpleasant manifestations, you need to give the food supplement according to the instructions, after consulting a veterinarian.

How long does the treatment last?

The supplement with lactobacilli FortiFlora is suitable for long-term use. The initial course is 1 month; as prescribed by the veterinarian, the use of the product is extended or the course is repeated at a certain interval. A visit to the veterinary clinic for a possible increase in the duration of the course of treatment is mandatory.

If your cat has diarrhea with blood and/or mucus

What to do if your cat has diarrhea with blood or mucus? It has been noted that diarrhea with mucus most often occurs during the period of anthelmintic therapy, after the use of appropriate drugs.

This is especially pronounced in animals with a large number of worms. The parasites die from the drugs and leave the body along with fecal matter in the form of mucous diarrhea.

Treatment

In some cases, changing the animal's diet is enough to restore intestinal function to the proper level. If the owner decides that the cat needs a diet, then first of all smoked and sweet foods are excluded from the diet. The same fate awaits milk. Porridges are good for the diet, especially oatmeal and rice.

In advanced cases, the veterinarian may prescribe antibacterial and antiviral drugs. These include special serums and immunostimulants. Another cat is being treated:

• Disinfecting enemas;
• Enzymes that improve the functioning of the digestive system;
• Broad spectrum antimicrobial agents.

If the cause of bloody and/or mucous diarrhea in a cat is worms, then the pet will need to undergo deworming. This is a standard procedure that helps cleanse the animal’s body of parasites. Also, regardless of the type of procedure performed, the cat must be provided with constant access to clean water. After all, if the cause of diarrhea lies in poisoning, then water is the best way to rinse the pet’s body without the slightest harm to its already poor health.

Benefits of Fortiflora for cats

The advantages of the drug are:

• No addiction.
• The drug can be used for a long period.
• Efficiency.
• Safety. Does not contain harmful components and toxins, which allows the drug to be prescribed to small kittens.
• Convenient packaging. As a general rule, 1 sachet is intended for 1 dose.
• Presence of meat components. The drug is attractive to the animal and cats usually take it with pleasure.
• Ease of use. The drug does not need to be diluted with water, observing the proportions. The powder is added to the feed and mixed with it.
• Speed ​​of action. The first results are noticeable already 2-3 days after taking the drug.

What is FortiFlora?

FortiFlora from the manufacturer Purina Proplan is a probiotic supplement for pets. It contains beneficial microorganisms with properties such as:

1. The production of antibodies to various viruses, which helps strengthen the immune system.
2. Neutralizes toxins derived from harmful microbes that enter the digestive system.
3. Suspension of the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, preventing attachment to the intestinal mucosa.
4. Synthesis of B vitamins. They take part in all metabolic processes in the dog’s body.

The probiotic can be used from birth of the puppy.
But if he feeds on mother’s milk, then there is no point in using the product. When artificial feeding, it should be used in case of growth retardation, signs of dysbiosis, or digestive problems. The price of one package is from 50 rubles. Analogues of the product are Pro-Kalin, Kanigest, Evitalia Vet.

About the drug

Forti Flora is a probiotic food supplement prescribed by veterinarians to restore the intestinal microflora of cats. The causes of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract are:

• stress;
• changes in the animal's diet;
• past infectious diseases;
• helminthiasis;
• taking antibiotics.

Manufacturer: Purina Nestle. This drug is part of the manufacturer’s line of medicinal feeds and is produced in the form of a powder with live bacteria in capsules, ensuring their vital functions.

When purchasing a product, it is important to check the expiration dates and clarify the storage conditions of the drug . Storage of Fortiflora at temperatures above 25C0, as well as in conditions of high humidity, is not allowed.

When deciding how to give fortiflora to cats in powder (by sprinkling it into food or voluntarily and forcibly pouring it into the mouth), you should take into account that an open sachet should not be stored for more than a day.

It has a pleasant taste and smell for animals.

The drug is packaged in 1 g sachet. Can be sold in packs of 30 pieces or individually. Before use, be sure to read the instructions printed on the back of the package and on the separate insert sheet.

The composition of the drug includes:

• live bacteria (Enterococcus faecium strain);
• meat and offal;
• vitamins;
• minerals;
• yeast;
• taurine

Storage period and conditions

The medicine “Fortiflora” helps people solve many health problems for their patients.
That is why veterinarians believe that the drug should be in every home where a cat lives (after all, scientists have adapted the new product for). Of course, the supplement will not harm if it does not expire

It is important to check the release date before use. From this moment on, the product is allowed for use for 3 years.

Opened cardboard packaging should be placed in a dark place, away from children and food. It is advisable that the cat also has limited access to a tasty-smelling additive.

It is very important that the air humidity in the room is at 50 percent. Otherwise, dampness will spoil the product.

Also, it should not be placed in kitchen cabinets with glass doors, since ultraviolet rays have a bad effect on the quality of the drug.

Important! If a cat is prescribed antibiotic therapy, then Fortiflor should be given to him a few hours after taking the medicine, but not simultaneously with it.

Probiotics do not allow pathogenic microorganisms to linger in the intestines for a long time. They also neutralize and destroy toxins and take an active part in almost all processes occurring in the body.

If you care about the health of your purring ward, then you should start with the immune system and digestive tract.

Today, many people take probiotics to support their health. The relevance of the use of such drugs is directly related to the deterioration of food quality, the environment, and increased emotional stress. The above problems also apply to pets. After all, they are much more sensitive to air pollution by gases and toxic waste from industrial facilities, and electromagnetic radiation emanating from gadgets. Therefore, probiotics are also relevant for dogs. One of them is the drug Fortiflora from the company Purina. Let's take a closer look at this veterinary remedy.

Indications for use

Instructions for use contain the following indications:

Veterinarians also prescribe Fortiflora after a course of antibacterial therapy, infectious diseases to restore intestinal microflora and immunity.

For kittens and cats, the use of a probiotic is indicated when switching to dry food, changing food or type of food.

Additionally, it is recommended to use Fortiflora powder in stressful situations: moving, exhibitions, having a new pet in the house, etc.

Analogs and price

The cost of a package with 30 sachets of 1 g is on average 1,600 rubles. The drug has analogues, both foreign and Russian:

• Daily Probiotics, For Cats – chewable tablets for cats based on the probiotic Ganeden BC30 with meat flavor. Additionally contains prebiotics and yeast. Normalizes digestion and strengthens the immune system. The cost of 30 tablets is 300 rubles.
• Unitabs Prebiotic is a prebiotic for cats. Unlike a probiotic, Fortiflora does not contain living microorganisms, but contains substances that stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora. Additionally, the drug contains calcium. Can be used in kittens from 3 weeks of age. The cost of packaging is 300 rubles.
• Biocorrector RD is a feed additive in tablets made from wheat bran with fermented yeast strains. Contains fishmeal to improve taste. Removes toxic substances from the body, restores normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the cat’s intestines.
• Lactoferon is a probiotic supplement with a phytocomplex in the form of tablets (made in Russia). The instructions contain similar indications as Fortiflora. There are contraindications. Due to the herbal content, it has an unappealing taste, which is why cats may refuse to voluntarily eat the product even when mixed with food. The cost of 20 tablets is 95 rubles.

Site Expert

Alexandra Maksimovna Palagina

Education: Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology named after. K.I. Scriabin, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, specialty – veterinarian

Ask a Question

What is it used for in dogs' diets?

"FortiFlora" is recommended in the following cases:

1. Diarrhea due to antibiotics, unfamiliar foods, or stress.
2. Gastroenteritis and dysbiosis against its background.
3. Acute enteritis.
4. Stool disorders in puppies.
5. Preventing stomach disorders.
6. Flatulence.
7. Other pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

The supplement should be used by puppies weaning from their mother's milk. Due to such changes, they may experience an upset stomach. Dogs sometimes lose their appetite and refuse food. The probiotic prevents these symptoms, and the baby soon gets used to the change. It is used for preventive purposes against the listed pathologies, to eliminate them and normalize intestinal function.

The product does not pose a danger to animals, therefore it is used to prevent pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract under circumstances due to which they usually occur (stress, traveling in a car, changing place of residence). It should be given when using antibiotics.

Contraindications for taking Fortiflora

The drug is prescribed to adult cats, during pregnancy and lactation, and to kittens.

A contraindication for taking the drug is individual intolerance to the components.

Probiotics generally do not cause allergic reactions. However, if you notice allergic itching in your pet, skin rashes or increased diarrhea, you need to stop taking the drug and see a veterinarian . In this case, the animal is prescribed symptomatic treatment and the negative effects quickly disappear.

Contraindications and side effects

Since the food additive contains only natural ingredients, it can be given to both very young kittens and old pets. The product can be used for pregnant and lactating females. The instructions indicate that a contraindication can only be an allergy to individual components caused by intolerance to them.

The powder does not cause side effects, but if you are allergic to the components, skin rashes, itching or other problems may appear, and diarrhea may increase. Although this is extremely rare.

How to properly give probiotics to adult cats and kittens

Regardless of the age or weight of the animal, the daily dose is 1 g - 1 sachet. The duration of use depends on the complexity of the disease, but most often veterinarians recommend continuing the course for 10 days.

Mode of application

Some owners mix the probiotic with their usual food or even buy another wet food. But in reality there is no such need - just sprinkle the powder on regular cat food.

When Donut (my sister’s cat) developed dysbiosis after using antibiotics, he was prescribed many different drugs, including Fortiflora. The vet advised giving the probiotic for a week. The packaging seemed expensive to us, so we bought 7 bags. These sachets do not have a cut for easy opening, so our bag broke. The powder spilled right into the cat's bowl. He knew that his favorite food was in the dish, so he started eating almost immediately (he never noticed the catch, although he was squeamish about foreign odors).

Most cats eat the supplement with pleasure, so there will be no problems with its use.