Problems like diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, itchy skin, and even frequent hairballs can be a sign of trouble in your cat’s gut microbiome. A diverse, well-balanced gut microbiome is essential for almost every aspect of your cat’s health and well-being. But when important groups of bacteria are missing or out of balance, some of the gut’s important functions stop working. If your cat suffers from digestive symptoms or skin issues, gut microbiome testing can often reveal the underlying cause.
Gut microbiome testing means examining the bacteria and other microbes found in an individual stool sample. The bacteria in your cat’s stool sample offer a snapshot of their gut microbiome, the complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract.