Probiotics and Microbiomes in Relation to Cats

This month’s article relates to a pet topic of ours (excuse the pun!) 

The subject matter has been presented by Vicki Adams, Chief Executive of the Animal Cancer Trust charity, who always puts great importance on ways to prevent cancer, due to the fact that diagnosis, treatment, and cure are often difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. 

One of the previous newsletters written by Vicki last year, focused on cancer prevention tips, in particular, environmental factors. As a follow on from this, she feels passionately that we need to use less chemicals in our homes. Therefore, this month we focus on using probiotic cleaning products, rather than harsh chemicals in the home.

What Are Microbiomes and Why Are They Important?

A microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms and the environment they live in. Microbes form complex and dynamic communities where various microbial species constantly interact, forming a microbial ecosystem, rather than living in isolation. When these communities exist within a specific environment, such as the gut, we call that ecosystem a microbiome. 

Microbiomes are present in humans, animals and even in plants. They not only exist in the gut but are also found in mouths, eyes, ears and on the skin. They also exist in the environment, including the air, water and in soil, forming communities that have co-evolved with us.

Microbiomes are important because they are deeply connected to humans, animals, plants and the environment. The environmental microbiomes found in water and soil are essential for processes such as biodegradation, carbon storage and nutrient cycling.

Microbiologists study the composition and activity of microbiomes with the aim of enhancing our understanding of the functional relationships between these communities and global challenges such as food security, disease and health. Moreover, they hope that insights into microbiomes and their impact on global processes could lead to biotechnological applications that promote the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics can be defined as live microorganisms that give a health benefit to the host when used in adequate amounts. These microorganisms are mainly bacteria, but also include yeasts, that support digestive health, boost the immune system and help restore gut flora when ingested. We are all familiar with probiotic products available as dietary supplements, added to certain food products and present in some fermented foods. However, probiotics are not just for gut health. 

Probiotics can also be used externally, on surfaces in both indoor and outdoor environments, as well as on skin. The use of topical, spray-on probiotics can change the way we clean our homes and take care of our pets. Probiotics offer a gentler, more balanced way of working with nature, rather than relying on antibacterial overkill and harsh chemicals. This article is about using probiotic cleaning products in our homes. One of our future articles will focus on the use of topical probiotics on our pets.

Probiotics are identified by their specific strain, which includes the genus, the species, the subspecies (if applicable) and an alphanumeric strain designation. Microbial organisms from the genera Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus are commonly used in probiotic products. Different strains of probiotics have different effects.

Probiotics and Microbial Balance in the Home

Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of microbes – in the body (particularly in the gut), on skin surfaces and in the environment. When we clean using traditional cleaning products that are germicidal, we are using disinfectant agents to kill all microorganisms - bacteria, viruses and fungi - to maintain hygiene and prevent infection. We do this repeatedly: kill all the germs, start fresh and repeat as germs recolonise surfaces.

However, this upsets the natural microbial balance and can allow the overgrowth of microbes that can cause problems. Both helpful and neutral microorganisms form a balanced, diverse community in a healthy microbiome and it is this natural equilibrium that supports a stable, resilient environment – not the total absence of microbes. Repeated use of strong disinfectants can tip the scales in favour of less helpful microbes.

Environmental probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms that you can apply to your household surfaces and floors, use to wash your dishes and clothes, or spray into the air. Once applied, they help support a healthy balance of microorganisms by naturally encouraging beneficial microbes to thrive and keeping less helpful ones in check. In simple terms, they don’t try to wipe out everything - they help the right microbes thrive. This makes them suitable for everyday use in cleaning routines, supporting hygiene and comfort, in a more natural way. 

One of the most noticeable topical probiotic benefits is odour control that works biologically, rather than cosmetically. Topical probiotics break down the compounds that cause odours, unlike air fresheners that simply mask unpleasant smells with fragrance. Instead of covering smells with chemicals, the biological process of using probiotics supports a more balanced microbial environment on surfaces and in the air. 

This non-chemical approach helps maintain fresher indoor environments for longer, without contributing to indoor air pollution or overwhelming sensitive noses. Many people also notice that spaces feel fresher between routine cleans, rather than cycling between strong fragrance and returning odours. 

This approach is also helpful in reducing everyday allergen loads in our houses. Our home environment contains biological allergens such as pollen, dust mite droppings and pet dander. For some people and pets, these can trigger irritation, including sore eyes, sensitive airways and itchy or reactive skin. Topical probiotics help break down the organic material on skin, surfaces and in living spaces that contributes to this everyday allergen load.

The helpful bacteria in probiotic cleaning products play an important role in breaking down organic matter that can cause odours and provide food for the growth of more problematic microbes. Two biological and mechanical processes take place when probiotics are used on surfaces to support microbial balance. The first occurs when beneficial probiotic bacteria are used in sufficient numbers to compete for the resources – space, nutrients and time – that all microorganisms need to survive and thrive.

By naturally occupying space and nutrients first, the probiotics limit the ability of less helpful microbes to establish themselves. Once the beneficial probiotic bacteria establish themselves and hold that space, the second process begins – balance over time. With repeated application, probiotics become established and help restore a healthier ratio between helpful and less helpful microbes with the environmental microbiome. Rather than wiping out the existing microbial community, they tip the balance back in favour or helpful microbes. 

A key part of this second process involves enzyme production by the probiotics, and enzymes are important in breaking down organic matter naturally, rather than using chemicals. Enzymes are highly specific proteins produced by living cells; each type of enzyme produces a particular biological reaction. Each probiotic bacterium can produce a wide range of different enzymes, allowing them to break down complex organic substances such oils, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, sweat, sebum, pollen, food particles and odour-causing compounds, into simpler components. 

As probiotics establish themselves on a surface, they produce the enzymes needed in response to the organic matter present, in order to break down the residues available. The probiotic bacteria can then continue to process these substances as part of the wider microbial ecosystem. This combined activity helps explain how probiotics work beyond immediate surface cleaning. Instead of delivering only a short-term effect, they support ongoing biological processes, that contribute to longer-lasting balance. 

In contrast to traditional cleaning products that are rinsed off, or allowed to dry, probiotic cleaning products remain present in the microbial ecosystem, continuing to function for up to 72 hours between applications, even once the surfaces are dry.

Choosing Products and Final Thoughts

While there is a huge variety of ‘natural’ cleaning products available that do not contain any germicidal chemicals, the quality and type of other ingredients they contain also vary hugely, and it is important to be able to read and understand the list of ingredients. There are also some cleaning products that contain both germicidal agents, as well as probiotics. Highly recommended, are some Ingenious Probiotics products available; you can learn more about these products at; 

www.ingenious-probiotics.com.

Alternatively, carry out a google search for ‘probiotic cleaning products UK’.

Some of these include; 

‘TRI-BIO’ universal or laminate floor cleaner, ‘Provilan’ universal & floor cleaners, ‘ECOVER’ surface cleaner and ‘Super Professional Products’ C11 anti-bacterial sanitiser. 

Hopefully, this article highlights the great importance of considering what chemicals are used in our homes, not only for our sake but for that of our animals. We may not always realise the negative impact that using the wrong cleaning products / chemicals can have on both individuals and the environment, and how something that is so common to everyday life, can potentially cause harm over a prolonged period. As always, it is crucial to remember that ‘prevention is better than cure’.