The gut microbiome is important for cat health and of course all animals and humans. I am not a vet but I know a bit about cats and also about human health. I also know that if the stomach microbiome is messed up it can cause autoimmune diseases such as inflammation of the arteries (arteritis) and other internal inflammation. Good gut bacteria is very important for general health and robustness and to fight disease and inflammation.
RELATED: How does a cat caregiver improve their cat’s gut microbiome?
And this general knowledge has once again been confirmed in research from the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Bioscience concerning horses. Yes, horses are not cats but that’s irrelevant I’d strongly argue. The basic anatomy is all the same and the basic physiology is also very similar. This study is useful for humans and cat caregivers. It is a reminder of the importance of gut bacteria at the center of the body and how it controls to quite a large extent health.
This study is reported in my favorite newspaper, The Times. The title is called “Gut instinct is key to a winning horse”. The researchers analysed the make up of the bacteria in the gut of thoroughbred racehorses at one month old and they found that they can predict from that gut microbiome profile how well that the young horse will perform in races when they become an adult. I find that remarkable but perhaps unsurprising.
Essentially, the greater the diversity of bacteria and a young racehorse’s digestive tract the better they will do in races later in life. The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
And I must say, I’ve bumped into quite a few articles about gut microbiome and how it affects one’s health. And I have a relative who had to take steroids which damaged his gut microbiome which caused inflammation of the arteries on either side of his head. A serious disease. This was the gut controlling the autoimmune system in a very negative way causing a serious illness. A strong reminder of the importance of gut microbiome. I have a personal interest in this topic.
In short, I think we can encapsulate the topic by saying that “a diverse and thriving community of bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is crucial to health”.
There is good and friendly bacteria in the gut and also, sometimes, harmful bacteria. The good can destroy the harmful invaders.
The researchers looked at 438 faecal samples from 52 foals. They analysed the types of bacteria they found and then tracked the horse’s health up to the age of three. They specifically looked at:
- Respiratory problems
- gastrointestinal problems
- orthopaedic problems
- and soft tissue problems.
They then also tracked the ratings of the racehorses and the total prize money they earned.
They concluded that “the athletic performance of the foals was positively associated with higher faecal bacteria diversity at one month old.”
A higher official rating as a racehorse was associated with more of the Anaeroplasmataceae family bacteria in the gut at one month old. Foals with more of the Bacillaceae family of bacteria went on to have higher race placings.
Also, foals given antibiotics during their first month had a much more limited range of bacteria in the gut at 28 days old (antibiotics kill good bacteria). They went on to win less prize money during their racing careers. And there were more likely to develop respiratory diseases.
RELATED: Gut-brain axis and how a cat can help improve gut health and boost your immune system
The lead author of the research, Professor Chris Proudman (a professor of clinical science at the School of Veterinary Medicine in Surrey) said:
“Minimising the risk of disease and injury is important for the welfare of racehorses, and maximising their athletic potential is important for their owners. We have found that gut health, in particular the health of gut bacterial communities very early in life, exerts a profound and enduring impact on racehorse health and performance.”
Comment: I am immediately drawn to thinking about the health of kittens raised by for example breeders of purebred cats. And there are still people who breed in an ad hoc way non-purebred cats which is unfortunate but I am fairly sure that most if not all of these people are unaware of the importance of the gut bacteria of their kittens on their future health. I think this needs to be looked at in cats. It is potentially very important proactive step that could be taken by cat owners to ensure that their adult cats enjoys better health.
Dr. Kristen Rausing, chairwoman of the International Thoroughbred Breeders Federation, who sponsored the study through her Alborada Trust, which funds veterinary causes said:
“This groundbreaking study has identified the importance of gut bacteria in our very young foals. As breeders, if we can get this right, we can produce foals that will be healthier, and that will grow into more successful racehorses.”
The researchers said that the findings could also be true in humans (I would argue that it is almost certain that it is true in humans but, as mentioned, I am not a veterinarian or a doctor).
The researchers added that:
“For the first time, this study demonstrates a relationship between early-life gut bacterial communities and subsequent athletic performance that has implications for athletes of all species.”
That’s a very timely comment because at the moment we are enjoying the Paris Olympics. I will also bet my bottom dollar that almost none of these athletes knew about the importance of gut bacteria when they were young or let’s put that another way: their parents were unaware of the importance of gut bacteria when their children were young. It would seem that if a young girl or boy has aspirations to be a professional athlete they should ensure that their gut bacteria is in excellent condition!
Try this: PDSA Vet Care | Advanced Probiotic Paste for Cats and Dogs – just one good example in the UK. I don’t get paid for this link.
