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.
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
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.
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.
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!
Application diagram
Regardless of age and body weight, the daily dosage for cats is the contents of 1 sachet.
The powder can be mixed with any type of food. It is acceptable to mix with dairy and fermented milk products.
The duration of the course depends on the indications. For medicinal purposes and after antibacterial therapy, Fortiflora is given to cats for a month.
In stressful situations, the drug is started to be given 3 days before the expected event and the same period after it.
Advantages and disadvantages
A probiotic has many advantages:
- Convenient packaging. One sachet is for one dose.
- Simple dosage and use. The dosage for adult pets and kittens is no different - one sachet. Before use, the powder does not need to be diluted or other manipulations performed. Just sprinkle and feed to the animal.
- Safety. The supplement is made from natural ingredients and has no contraindications.
- Pleasant smell and taste. Thanks to the meaty aroma, pets eat the powder with food without problems, sometimes without even noticing.
- High efficiency. The results of use are usually visible already on the second or third day.
- Not addictive. For this reason, it can be used for a long period.
Possible limitations and negative effects
The instructions for use of FortiFlora do not contain a large list of contraindications for its use. And this is not surprising, because the composition of the probiotic is absolutely safe and its ingredients are not capable of causing a negative reaction from the cat’s body. Food based on live bacteria is suitable for both small kittens and older individuals. FortiFlora is safe for pregnant and lactating females. The only contraindication to taking a probiotic is an allergy to any ingredient in its structure. If a cat with an allergic reaction takes FortiFlora, itching, skin rashes, and increased diarrhea may occur. No other negative events were recorded.
Who needs Fortiflora
Some breeds are genetically predisposed to gastrointestinal diseases and various digestive disorders; for them, a probiotic from the world-famous purina company, which has a solid reputation in the pet products market, can be a real salvation.
© shutterstock
If the cat has suffered stress, for example, associated with moving, traveling or a long absence of the owner, is pregnant, nursing kittens, is elderly or, on the contrary, is actively growing - all this may be a reason to use Fortiflora for purine as a dietary supplement. For an adult cat, Fortiflora will also help when changing its usual food to a new variety, and for kittens - when switching from mother's milk to complementary foods. Indications for use of the drug are not only treatment, but also prevention of digestive problems.
How to use Fortiflora correctly
The product is very convenient to use - the contents of the bag are poured into the cat's food; The usual dose is 1 g (1 sachet packet) of the product once a day. Cats like the taste and smell of the drug, and they willingly eat the nutritional supplement. Can be added to both dry and wet food. The dose of the product does not change depending on the age, weight and size of the pet. The course of administration can be unlimited, usually based on the prescription of a veterinarian.
Features of use in kittens and pregnant cats
Due to its safe composition, Fortiflora is used both in kittens and pregnant cats. Fortiflora is especially useful for bottle-fed kittens, since they do not receive the necessary bacterial flora from the mother cat to populate the intestines and ensure their proper functioning.
Main indications
The feed additive can be used for various pathologies. The instructions indicate the following indications for its use:
- gastroenteritis;
- indigestion;
- dysbacteriosis, etc.
The drug is often prescribed in combination with other medications for acute and chronic pathologies of the digestive system. It is advisable to use it during antibiotic therapy and after its completion . For preventive purposes, the supplement is used:
- when the owner is away for a long time;
- during a trip to the veterinary clinic;
- when transporting a cat for a long time;
- when participating in various competitions and competitions, etc.
Fortiflora is recommended for use by sick and malnourished pets. It allows you to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which will have a positive effect on the restoration of the animal’s body. In addition, the use of the supplement strengthens the immune system.
Composition of fortiflora
Fortiflora is a multicomponent product. The main part of its composition is the probiotics Enterococcus faecium in the form of granules . These lactic acid bacteria of the enterococcus genus work in the intestines, and it is the granular form that allows them to get there without losing their beneficial properties and without dying along the way. By attaching themselves to the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, microorganisms regulate the level of acidity, increase the level of local immunity, produce peroxide and various organic acids that inhibit pathogenic flora and have antimicrobial properties.
In addition to this culture, the veterinary dietary supplement contains:
- protein (45%);
- ascorbic acid;
- fat (15%);
- Tocferol;
- fiber (0.5%);
- Taurine;
- Yeast;
- zinc, manganese, copper, iron, iodine and vitamin complex.
© shutterstock
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.
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.