Kefir A Drink?

Kefir is a traditional drink that originated from the Caucasus Mountains. It is made using a mixture of cow, goat, and sheep milk. The look and feel may be strikingly similar to yogurt but has a thinner consistency. The presence of CO2 (carbon dioxide) makes it fizzy. It is ready for consumption after being fermented for 12 to 14 hours. The microorganisms in Kefir, such as Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Saccharomyces turicensis, etc. break the lactose from the milk into lactic acid.

The name Kefir is derived from the Turkish word ‘Keyif’ which means feeling good. The drink is rich in probiotics and has numerous benefits for humans.  But, is this ‘feel good’ drink safe for felines lap up? Yes, it is as safe and healthy for cats as it is for us humans. The drink is lactose-free and can provide many health benefits to your furry baby. You might have noticed kefir at the milk and yogurt section of the supermarket, let’s get cracking!

Kefir is a rich source of natural vitamins, minerals, proteins, calcium, vitamin K and other essential nutrients. The nutrients can promote bone health, boost metabolism and strengthen your cat's immunity. The drink consists of probiotics that can assist in the functioning of the overall digestive system. Micro-organisms in kefir maintain the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. These essential nutrients can safeguard your furry baby away from various infections, diseases, or ailments.

If your feline is on medication or anti-biotics, kefir can act as a break to their existing schedule. The drink can help recover all the stomach’s good bacteria that were washed out due to medication. You may feed him or her 1 to 2 teaspoons of kefir a few hours before their medication. Consult your veterinarian, he or she might advise you on the best time to feed kefir to your furry one.

It’s almost like a magical portion for felines suffering from, stress, anxiety, chronic infection, or digestive issues.

If your feline has a delicate digestive system consult your vet before introducing him or her to this new drink. Some felines might not be able to adapt to this drink for the very first time. The probiotics could work in reverse psychology and in turn cause tummy troubles!  Hence, it is crucial to introduce this new drink to your furry baby in a smaller portion. You can start by feeding him or her around ¼ to ½ teaspoon of Kefir daily. You can increase the potion to 1 to 2 teaspoons once their system adapts to the drink.

You can also include the drink while preparing a treat for them. Please ensure the kefir that’s being served to the little ones are both unsweetened and unflavoured. It can become a part of your furry one’s daily diet but upon a vet’s advice. Open a dialogue about this with the veterinarian and see how having a teaspoonfull of kefir can not only make them feel healthy but feel not just good but great!