Emerging research on the feline gut microbiome is revealing connections between diet, gut health, immune function, and behavioral welfare in companion cats that have practical implications for nutrition.
The feline microbiome research adds a biological mechanism to longstanding nutritional recommendations for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores whose digestive systems evolved for high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. High-carbohydrate commercial dry foods alter microbiome composition in ways that may contribute to chronic digestive dysfunction and immune dysregulation. The gut-brain axis connection means microbiome disruption from poor diet or stress affects behavioral welfare through bidirectional communication. Feeding cats diets aligned with their carnivore physiology — high-quality protein, low carbohydrate, adequate moisture — supports microbiome health that underlies both physical and behavioral wellbeing.