Can Cats Have Colostrum? Benefits, Uses, & More

Did you know colostrum is sometimes called "nature's perfect food"? Fortunately for our feline friends, this powerful supplement can provide cats with multiple potential health benefits.

Key Takeaways

Bovine colostrum is the first milk produced by a cow after it gives birth.
This unique milk is packed with proteins, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients that help newborn calves get their start in the world.
It also contains immune factors that have been shown to help support the immune system.
All those ingredients can provide various potential health benefits to newborn kittens and even adult cats.
Research has shown that bovine colostrum can help support the immune system and gut in cats.

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Bovine Colostrum For Cats

Colostrum is a powerful supplement that's growing in popularity worldwide. In fact, the global market size is worth a whopping $3.5 billion.¹

You might have heard of Colostrum Supplements for Dogs. But did you know they are widely used with cats, too?

To understand why colostrum supplements are so popular among cat owners, we first need to understand what colostrum is.

What Is Bovine Colostrum?

Colostrum is the name for the fluid produced by mammals immediately after giving birth. This fluid is incredibly nutrient-dense and has various potential health benefits.²

Bovine colostrum, meanwhile, refers to the first milk produced by cows right after giving birth. It's essentially a kind of super-milk. Cows produce it to help their babies grow and protect them against pathogens.³

Research has demonstrated just how important bovine colostrum is to calves. It's packed with antibodies and immunoglobulins, including one called IgG. IgG can help young calves develop passive immunity.⁴

In fact, studies have found that the three most important factors in developing a calf's immune system are when it is fed colostrum, how much it is fed, and the concentration of IgG in the colostrum.⁵

Colostrum also helps calves develop and maintain proper gut flora.⁶ It contains growth factors that are crucial for development.⁷ And, as you might expect, colostrum is rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins, which are all essential for the growth and development of young animals — including kittens.⁸

That being said, you might not be surprised to learn that 100% of US dairy operations feed their calves colostrum.⁹

kittens in bed bovine colostrum influences immune response growth factors irritable bowel syndrome vital colostrum allergic symptoms immune boosting properties gi tract same benefits human milk

Potential Benefits of Bovine Colostrum

All these potential benefits are wonderful. But as you might be thinking, these benefits apply to calves. So what about cats?

Fortunately, bovine colostrum has plenty of potential health benefits for cats, too.

Immune System

Research suggests that bovine colostrum can help support the immune system.

For example, one study found that kittens fed a diet containing bovine colostrum demonstrated a "faster and stronger antibody response" to a vaccine.¹⁰

Immune function is of particular concern in kittens. Like many young animals, kittens often have weaker immune systems compared to adult cats. They are particularly vulnerable during a period called the "immunity gap," where the antibodies received from the mother have declined, but the kitten hasn't yet started producing enough of its own.¹¹

Research suggests that bovine colostrum may help bridge this gap, helping to support the immune system and even enhance immune response.¹²

Digestive Health

Bovine colostrum influences the gastrointestinal tract, too.

Gut function depends, in part, on the makeup of beneficial bacteria inside the gut. In fact, a healthy gut usually contains plenty of healthy bacteria.¹³ That's why probiotics and prebiotics are so popular.

Research has found that bovine colostrum supplementation can help cats maintain proper gut flora, even in the face of stressors.¹⁴ Gut health is important, as it's linked to nutrient absorption.¹⁵

Coat Health

Bovine colostrum contains plenty of healthy fats. It can have up to double the fat content of whole milk.¹⁶ These healthy fats are crucial for maintaining a healthy coat in pets.¹⁷

Bonus: The Differences Between Human and Dog CBD Products

bovine colostrum powder with glass of milk providing passive immunity colostrum contains wound healing normal recovery life stages antibacterial properties bioactive molecules empty stomach adult dogs adverse effects rich source j vet res

Choosing the Right Colostrum Supplements

Colostrum supplements come in various forms. Colostrum powder is one of the most common types. That powder may be packaged in capsules or chewables, and sometimes colostrum is sold in liquid form.¹⁸

There isn't necessarily a “best” form of colostrum. It’s important to consider the technique used to preserve it. With all those nutrients, colostrum is a potential breeding ground for bacteria, so it's important to purchase from reputable manufacturers who take the necessary steps to prevent their colostrum from becoming contaminated.¹⁹

Immunoglobulin Concentration

Another thing to consider is the concentration of IgG in the colostrum. As we discussed, research suggests that this concentration is closely linked to how well colostrum can support the immune system.

Generally, colostrum is considered to be of good quality if it contains at least 50g of IgG per liter of milk.²⁰ However, the actual IgG concentration in colostrum can vary widely, with tests finding concentrations from 10g/liter to 100g/liter.²¹

A concentration of 50g/liter is the equivalent of 5%. Our Colostrum for Dogs & Cats contains grass-fed bovine colostrum with an IgG concentration of 14%.

Mix and Match

While some people swear by pure colostrum, you might consider opting for a supplement that combines colostrum with other powerful ingredients.

For example, let's say you want to help your cat maintain a healthy intestinal tract. Colostrum is a great choice — but so is CBD for Pets, which research shows can help support proper digestion and bowel health.²² CBD has also been shown to promote relaxation and calmness and help animals cope with external stresses.²³

Calculating the Right Dosage of Colostrum Supplements

We've established that colostrum contains plenty of potential health benefits, from supporting your cat's immune system to helping them maintain gut health.

But how much colostrum do you need?

As with many supplements, the answer depends on a few factors, including size and body weight. It's important to check the dosage recommendations on whatever colostrum supplement you choose.

For example, our Bovine Colostrum for Dogs & Cats comes with a recommended dosage of 1/3-1/2 of a scoop of colostrum per 50lbs of body weight. That dose can be given once or twice per day, or as needed.

In general, it's recommended to start with a small dose. In fact, we suggest that first-time users start at 25% of the recommended dosage to gauge their feline friend’s reaction to the product. Carefully watch how your cat reacts and gradually increase if necessary. But always stay within the recommended limits.

Conclusion

Colostrum is called "nature's perfect food" for a reason.²⁴ It's packed with proteins, healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, immune factors, epidermal growth factors, amino acids, and other essential nutrients that are critical for the growth and development of young kittens. Research suggests it can help support immune and gut function in adult cats, too.

Make sure you're using a high-quality colostrum supplement with a good IgG concentration, and follow the dosage recommendations. If you're unsure, ask your vet for advice and guidance.

Keep Reading: Is It Okay to Give My Dog Calming Treats Everyday?

cat playing with feather all the benefits gastrointestinal issues t cells vet sci generally safe front vet sci fully developed several weeks higher percentages potential side effects dog and cats well being infections

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Give a Cat Colostrum?

Yes! While the majority of research into colostrum has involved humans, studies on cats have found that colostrum can bring various potential health benefits.²⁵ For example, bovine colostrum has been found to help support the immune system and support a healthy gut.

It's best to grab a dedicated, high-quality supplement that was designed specifically for cats. Make sure to follow the dosage recommendation.

What Are the Side Effects of Colostrum For Cats?

Studies haven't documented any side effects of colostrum for cats, though research has been somewhat limited.²⁶, ²⁷

Giving your cat too much colostrum might impact their fecal quality, though.²⁸

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule of Cats?

The 3-3-3 rule refers to the lengths of time you should expect your cat to need while acclimatizing itself to your home.

Remember, moving home can be scary for anyone, let alone a cat. It's in a new, strange environment, surrounded by unfamiliar people, things, and potentially other animals.

Therefore, it often takes roughly three days for a cat to figure out its new home. You might want to restrict them to one room to reduce the chance of over-stimulation, especially if they seem particularly overwhelmed or nervous.

Then it can take three weeks for cats to get used to their new home. By then, they often know your routine, including when they can expect to be fed.

Finally, it often takes three months for a cat to truly consider itself "home."

These timeframes aren't exact, and they can vary from cat to cat. Some cats might make themselves at home in minutes, while others can take a while longer to really settle in.

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Can Cats Have Colostrum? Benefits, Uses, & More

Key Takeaways

Bovine Colostrum For Cats

What Is Bovine Colostrum?