The Kitty Microbiome Project: Defining the Healthy Fecal "Core Microbiome" in Pet Domestic Cats

We surveyed the fecal microbial communities (termed 'microbiome') of North American pet domestic cats to further our understanding of the range of variation found in a population of apparently healthy cats. We also investigated whether differences in fecal microbial communities were significantly associated with the age, diet, and living environment of the individual. Results showed that thirty different bacteria were found in the fecal microbiomes of most cats. The composition of the fecal microbiome depended on the diet of the cat, their age, and whether the cat lived in a private home or a shelter. This study helped establish the expected ranges for the structure of these communities within a healthy population of cats and provides valuable insights for veterinarians, pet owners, and pet-related industries.