The Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on the Fecal Microbiota, Short Chain Fatty Acids, Odorous Substances, and Blood Biochemical Indices of Cats

Abstract

Lactobacilli have played an important role in the gut health of pets. The aim of this research was to study the effects of isolated Lactobacilli (named L11) on the immune, nutrient metabolism, and gut health of cats. Twelve healthy adult cats were randomly assigned into two groups, the control group (CONTROL, n = 6, without any probiotics product) and the treatment group (probiotics, n = 6, L11 109 CFU/kg feed), while using the same dry diet. On day 28, blood and fecal samples were collected, and the blood biochemical indices, fecal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), immunological parameters, and odorous substances were separately tested. The triglyceride of the blood was decreased after using L11 (p < 0.05), which could probably alleviate the occurrence of cat obesity to some extent. The sIgA of the feces was increased by 30.1% (p < 0.05), which could enhance the cat’s immunity. The abundance of Bifidobacteria was increased after using L11 (p < 0.05), and the indole and 3-methylindole of the feces were both reduced compared with the control group; 3-methylindole was especially reduced by 67.3% (p < 0.05), which showed that L11 could also improve the intestinal state of cats. Therefore, this research shows that L11 could be a good choice to improve the gut health and immune functions of cats, and it is probably related to the lipid mechanism of cats.

Probiotics and Cat Health: A Review of Progress and Prospects

“…Lactobacillus reuteri NBF 2 DSM 32264 improved the fecal quality parameters of healthy adult Persian cats, leading to an increase in Lactobacillus numbers ( p < 0.05) and a decrease in the total coliform count ( p = 0.011) [ 21 ]. Lactobacillus plantarum L11 may affect fat metabolism in cats by exerting a positive impact on the gut microbiome, thereby reducing odorous substances and improving nutrient digestion [ 22 ]. These preliminary findings indicate that probiotics may alter the gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria.…”

“…Several studies have indicated differences in the gastrointestinal microbiome composition between obese and lean cats and dogs, and probiotics are reported as active microorganisms that colonize dogs and cats, helping to maintain the balance of the intestinal flora, regulating immunity, and promoting fat digestion and absorption [ 5 , 7 ]. L. plantarum L11 significantly reduces blood triglyceride levels ( p < 0.05), and increases the abundance of Bifidobacteria ( p < 0.05) [ 22 ]. However, as obesity has many causes and is often accompanied by complications, there is as yet no specific and effective probiotic treatment regime.…”

“…The large amounts of triglycerides in the liver cells of affected cats can damage the liver, impairing function and even causing death from liver failure [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ]. L. plantarum L11 significantly reduced the blood triglyceride levels, increased the secretory immunoglobulin A (slg A) by 30.1%, and reduced the levels of indole and 3-methylindole, which could probable enhance the cat’s immunity and decrease liver burden [ 22 ].…”