Health & Wellness

Best Probiotics for Cats

Best probiotics for cats
Written by Laura Hall

Are you looking to introduce probiotics to your cat? Keep reading for our top product recommendations. But first, what are probiotics, and how can they help your cat? Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that improve digestive health and boost immunity, contributing to long-term wellness. They help support sensitive stomachs, reduce allergy symptoms, and restore gut imbalances, making them one of the most popular supplements for pets.

Cats can naturally experience imbalances in their gut flora, but stress, illness, and antibiotic treatments can also disrupt this balance. When gut health is compromised, it leaves cats more susceptible to infections and autoimmune issues, along with more noticeable symptoms like gas, diarrhea, and digestive discomfort.

Best Overall
  • Nutramax Proviable Probiotics is a veterinarian-formulated supplement that supports digestive health in dogs and cats. With billions of CFUs of beneficial bacteria, it helps maintain a healthy intestinal balance, while prebiotics promote probiotic growth in the gut.

Runner Up
  • Probiotic Nutrient Enhancer is a powerful probiotic supplement, featuring 15 billion active cultures to support a healthy gut. It promotes nutrient absorption, restores digestive balance, and helps reduce inflammation caused by commercial pet foods.

Best For Diarrhea
Best Mega Probiotic
  • VetriScience Vetri Mega Probiotic Capsules support digestive health in cats and dogs with 7.5 billion CFUs per capsule, featuring eight probiotic strains. This non-dairy formula also contains prebiotic fiber to promote a balanced gut, improve digestion, and support skin and brain health.

Best With Organics
  • Fera Pets Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics is a flavorless powder for dogs and cats, containing five billion CFUs and twelve probiotic strains to support digestive health. It helps maintain a healthy gut, aids in digestion, and addresses hairball issues.

Best Overall

Nutramax Proviable Probiotics is a veterinarian-formulated supplement that supports digestive health in dogs and cats. With billions of CFUs of beneficial bacteria, it helps maintain a healthy intestinal balance, while prebiotics promote probiotic growth in the gut.

Runner Up

Probiotic Nutrient Enhancer is a powerful probiotic supplement, featuring 15 billion active cultures to support a healthy gut. It promotes nutrient absorption, restores digestive balance, and helps reduce inflammation caused by commercial pet foods.

Best For Diarrhea

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder Digestive Supplement supports digestive health in kittens and adult cats. Designed for managing diarrhea, it contains microencapsulated probiotics to promote healthy gut flora and ensure stability.

Best Mega Probiotic

VetriScience Vetri Mega Probiotic Capsules support digestive health in cats and dogs with 7.5 billion CFUs per capsule, featuring eight probiotic strains. This non-dairy formula also contains prebiotic fiber to promote a balanced gut, improve digestion, and support skin and brain health.

Best With Organics

Fera Pets Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics is a flavorless powder for dogs and cats, containing five billion CFUs and twelve probiotic strains to support digestive health. It helps maintain a healthy gut, aids in digestion, and addresses hairball issues.

If you think your cat would benefit from probiotics, they’re super easy to introduce into their daily routine, with liquids, tablets, and powders that can be blended in with daily meals. To help you find what’s best for you, we’ve made a list of the best probiotics for cats on the market, with different needs in mind. 

Once you’ve got the low down on cat probiotics, don’t forget to also check out our list of the best gifts for cat lovers for this upcoming holiday season!

Top Picks

Also in this article

Best Overall: NUTRAMAX Proviable Probiotics

Our top pick NUTRAMAX Proviable Probiotics comes from the #1 vet-recommended supplement company with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and their products. Their products come backed by tonnes of five-star reviews and this one is no exception.

Key features:

  • #1 vet-recommended brand 
  • Daily capsules
  • 5 billion CFU 
  • Seven probiotic strains
  • Includes pectin and kaolin
  • With prebiotics 
  • Supports healthy GI system
  • Firms loose stools
  • Relieves discomfort 
  • Science-backed formula
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Suitable for all cats and dogs
  • Packs of 30, 60, 80, and 160 

What we like: The science-backed formula contains 7 strains of bacteria including pectin and kaolin help to firm up loose stools and relieve discomfort by coating and soothing the GI tract. It has 5 billion CFUs per capsule to support a healthy feline intestinal balance, with high-quality ingredients and prebiotics to encourage and maintain colonization in the gut. 

It comes in blister pack pots of 30, 60, 80, and 160 and is ideal for multi-pet homes as it’s suitable for cats and dogs of all ages and sizes, with a recommended dose of one tablet per day across the board. 

What to consider: Capsules aren’t right for everyone, but the majority of reviews say they’re very palatable and easy to hide in food. 

NUTRAMAX Proviable Probiotics

Nutramax Proviable Probiotics is a veterinarian-formulated supplement that supports digestive health in dogs and cats. With billions of CFUs of beneficial bacteria, it helps maintain a healthy intestinal balance, while prebiotics promote probiotic growth in the gut. Soothing ingredients like pectin and kaolin firm loose stool and support gastrointestinal well-being.

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Runner Up: Vet Smart Formulas Probiotic Nutrient Enhancer

Vet Smart Formulas Probiotic Nutrient Enhancer is our runner-up for its all-natural vet-strength formula that’s ideal for cats with sensitivities and allergies, as well as those recovering from sickness. It’s compatible with prescription medication and comes in pots of 60 capsules that can be bought in packs of 1, 3, or 6.

Key features:

  • Daily capsules
  • All-natural & vet-strength 
  • Prescription medication-safe 
  • 15 billion probiotic cultures
  • Stabilizes gut health 
  • Soothes inflammation 
  • Restores nutritional imbalances 
  • Promotes nutrient absorption 
  • Aids joint supplement absorption 
  • No artificial additives
  • No wheat or soy 
  • Suitable for cats and dogs
  • 60 capsules per bottle
  • Made in the USA
  • Money Back Guarantee

What we like:  The 15 billion active probiotic cutlers include strains that promote nutrient absorption and restore nutritional imbalances brought on by poor diet, medication, and more, as well as restabilizing gut flora and replacing fundamental digestive acids. 

It soothes inflammation from sensitivities and allergies and promotes cellular absorption of the brand’s joint supplement for more effective results. It’s also it’s free from wheat, soy, and artificial additives. 

What to consider: Capsules aren’t to everyone’s liking, but they’re extremely well-reviewed and come with a money-back guarantee in case you’re unsatisfied. Originally formulated for dogs but also works well for cats.

Vet Smart Formulas Probiotic Nutrient Enhancer

Probiotic Nutrient Enhancer is a powerful probiotic supplement specifically formulated for dogs, featuring 15 billion active cultures to support a healthy gut. It promotes nutrient absorption, restores digestive balance, and helps reduce inflammation caused by commercial dog foods. When combined with a joint supplement, it maximizes cellular absorption for overall wellness.

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Best For Diarrhea: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder

If you want probiotics for feline diarrhea, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder is our top pick. It comes in packs of 30 and 180 sachets and is specially designed to improve and maintain the gut health of kittens and adult cats with diarrhea and also relieve gas. 

Key features:

  • Daily powder sachets
  • Designed for diarrhea 
  • Relieves gas 
  • Microencapsulated probiotics
  • Added antioxidants 
  • Improves and maintains gut health
  • Palletable for fussy eaters
  • For kittens and adult cats 
  • One sachet per day
  • 30 or 180 powder sachets

What we like: The probiotics are microencapsulated to help them survive even in the most temperamental of tummies, with added antioxidants to support immune health and longevity in cats with vulnerable systems. It mixes in easily with daily meals at a recommended dosage of one sachet per day and it’s designed to be extremely palatable for picky eaters. It’s also safe for kittens, making it a great pick for litters and youngsters in need of stomach support. 

What to consider: Some buyers find the packaging wasteful, but the individual packets make daily portioning very easy. 

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Digestive Supplement

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder Digestive Supplement supports digestive health in kittens and adult cats. Designed for managing diarrhea, it contains microencapsulated probiotics to promote healthy gut flora and ensure stability. Antioxidants in the formula also help support immune health, making it an ideal supplement for overall wellness.

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Best Mega Probiotic: VetriScience Vetri Mega Probiotic Capsules

VetriScience Vetri Mega Probiotic Capsules are ideal for owners looking for something that targets multiple aspects of feline health and wellness – which is why it’s classed as a mega probiotic. It comes in packs of 120 and 240 capsules and is suitable for cats and dogs. 

Key features:

  • Vet-formulated daily capsules 
  • Eight strains of probiotics
  • Prebiotics including FOS 
  • B vitamins & enzymes 
  • 5 billion CFUs per capsule
  • Normalizes and rebalances gut
  • Prevents gas and bloating
  • Regulates bowls
  • Immune system support 
  • Neurological support 
  • Skin and respiratory support 
  • Allergy and sensitivity relief 
  • Non-dairy formulated 
  • Suitable for cats and dogs 
  • Packs of 120 and 140 

What we like: It’s an all-natural product designed by vets with 5 billion microorganisms per capsule and no dairy-formulated ingredients. The pre and probiotics work to normalize and rebalance the gut and microflora which also benefits the skin and respiratory system, with prebiotics including FOS for a healthy digestive tract. 

The 8 strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Rhamnosus, and Casei, which prevent gas and bloating in pets with sensitivities. They also produce important enzymes and B vitamins for bowel regularity, strong immunity, and neurological support, so it’s a great all-rounder for cats with sensitive or compromised immune systems. 

What to consider: The capsules contain rice flour as a carrier, which makes it unsuitable for pets with grain intolerances. 

VetriScience Vetri Mega Probiotic Capsules Digestive Supplement for Cats

VetriScience Vetri Mega Probiotic Capsules support digestive health in cats and dogs with 7.5 billion CFUs per capsule, featuring eight probiotic strains. This non-dairy formula also contains prebiotic fiber to promote a balanced gut, improve digestion, and support skin and brain health. Ideal for multi-pet households, it helps soothe digestive discomfort and maintain a healthy microbiome.

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Best With Organic: Fera Pets Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics

For lovers of organic ingredients, Fera Pets Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics is vet-formulated with organic prebiotics and FOS for a serious gut boost that will empower your cat’s metabolism to thrive long-term. It comes in a handy recyclable pot with a scoop for less waste and easier meal prep, and each one holds 60 servings.

Key features:

  • Vet-formulated daily powder 
  • Twelve strains of probiotic
  • Organic prebiotics 
  • 5 billion CFUs per scoop
  • Flavorless and human-grade 
  • Nourishes gut and intestinal tract
  • Relieves skin allergies 
  • Supports healthy coat 
  • Assists in hairballs 
  • Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free
  • No artificial additives
  • Suitable for cats and dogs
  • Recyclable pot with 60 servings
  • Approved by USDA, NASC, & GMP
  • Made in the USA

What we like: With 5 billion CFUs per scoop, it contains 12 strains of probiotics with two USDA-certified organic prebiotics and FOS to encourage long-term gut health including a healthy digestive tract, as well as a healthy coat, and relief from seasonal skin allergies and hairballs. 

It’s flavorless for fuss-free feeding, with human-grade ingredients, and no gluten, dairy, or soy. It’s also free from artificial colors, dyes, and preservatives and comes certified by the Good Manufacturing Practice and approved by the National Animal Supplement Council. 

What to consider: A few reviews claim their pets had adverse reactions, likely due to the strength of the formula. If using with a sensitive cat, we recommend building up the dosage gradually. 

Fera Pets Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics for Cats

Fera Pets Probiotics with Organic Prebiotics is a flavorless powder for dogs and cats, containing five billion CFUs and twelve probiotic strains to support digestive health. It helps maintain a healthy gut, aids in digestion, and addresses hairball issues. Free from grains, soy, corn, and artificial additives, it also promotes skin health and relief from seasonal allergies.

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Best Advanced Formula: NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes

If you want something for advanced gut flora replenishment after sickness or neglect, NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes is our top pick. It comes in 4oz, 8oz, and 1lb jars with a handy scoop and is formulated by vets. 

Key features:

  • Vet-formulated daily powder 
  • Six strains of probiotics 
  • PB6 technology
  • Essential enzymes 
  • Advanced gut flora replenishment
  • Targets complete GI system 
  • For cats and dogs over 6 weeks
  • 4oz, 8oz, & 1lb jars
  • NASC-approved
  • Made in the USA

What we like: It contains six live bacteria including lipase and protease, with PB6 technology which permits them to travel through the entire GI tract for optimal stomach and intestinal balance. The essential enzymes help with food breakdown and it comes NASC-approved for ensured quality. 

What to consider: The recommended dosage is small for cats as it is vet-strength, but the accompanying scoop doesn’t provide precise measurements so owners need to administer it with care. It’s also not for kittens or puppies under 6 weeks of age.

NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes Plus Vet Strength PB6 Probiotic

NaturVet Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes Plus Vet Strength PB6 Probiotic Powder supports digestive health in cats and dogs with sensitive stomachs. Using PB6 technology, it ensures beneficial bacteria reach the entire GI tract for optimal balance. The formula includes probiotics and enzymes to help break down food and maintain a healthy digestive system.

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Best With Coat Support: Finest for Pets TummyWorks Probiotics

For healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat, try Finest for Pets TummyWorks Probiotics. With an all-natural, unique blend of gut and coat-nourishing ingredients, it mixes easily into daily meals and comes in pots of 160 scoops. It’s also suitable for cats and dogs of all ages. 

Key features:

  • Daily supplement powder 
  • All-natural flavorless blend
  • Ten probiotic strains 
  • Six digestive enzymes 
  • Prebiotic fibers
  • Optimizes digestive health 
  • Relieves gut problems 
  • Restores damage from antibiotics 
  • Improves skin and coat 
  • Targets bad breath 
  • Boosts energy & immunity 
  • For cats and dogs of all ages 
  • 160 scoops 
  • Made in the USA
  • Money-back guarantee 

What we like: The unique blend contains 10 probiotics and 6 digestive enzymes with prebiotic fibers to optimize digestion and relieve issues like diarrhea, gas, constipation, bloating, allergies, and yeast infections, as well as itching and skin irritation. It also improves coat quality and targets bad breath, boosting energy levels and overall health and immunity, protecting against germs and disease, and restoring damage to the gut from antibiotics. 

What to consider: It contains the sweetener maltodextrin, which extra-sensitive pets may react to, but it is from natural sources and most owners won’t have an issue. 

Finest for Pets TummyWorks Probiotics

Finest for Pets TummyWorks Probiotics is a vet-recommended, all-natural probiotic powder made in the USA. It features a unique blend of 10 probiotics, 6 digestive enzymes, and a prebiotic to support digestive health, boost immunity, and improve skin and coat. The formula helps relieve issues like diarrhea, yeast infections, allergies, gas, and bad breath, while restoring gut health and beneficial bacteria.

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Best With Vitamins: Vet One Advita Powder

If you want something with added vitamins, the Vet One Advita Powder is a great pick. It comes in packs of thirty 1-gram easy-tear sachets and is totally flavorless and highly palatable, with added vitamins for whole-body health.

Key features:

  • Daily supplement powder
  • Four strains of probiotic
  • Microencapsulated 
  • Prebiotic inulin 
  • Vitamins A, E & C
  • Taurine 
  • For healthy digestion & intestines
  • Restores gut flora balance 
  • Maintains healthy appetite
  • Builds a strong immune system
  • Flavorless and highly palatable
  • 30 grams of product
  • Easy-tear sachets

What we like: This daily supplement is designed to support and maintain a healthy appetite and a strong immune system, as well as restore gut flora balance and digestive and intestinal health. It contains four different strains of active probiotic cultures which are microencapsulated for ensured stability, with prebiotic inulin and vitamins A, E, and C, plus taurine for heart health. 

What to consider: A handful of buyers find the powder clumpy and difficult to portion evenly, but overall it has fantastic reviews, with several owners noting the difference it’s made to their cat’s health. 

VetOne Advita Powder Probiotic Nutritional Supplement for Cats - 30 (1 gram) packets

VetOne Advita Powder Probiotic Supplement for Cats supports digestive health, immune function, and overall wellness. Featuring four live active cultures and prebiotic inulin, it helps maintain a healthy gut, relieves digestive issues, and promotes a shiny coat. Enriched with vitamins A, E, and C, this easy-to-administer powder enhances digestion, supports appetite, and aids recovery from stress or dietary changes.

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What to Consider When Buying Probiotics for Cats 

When shopping for the best cat probiotic, look out for the following things:

  • Probiotic strains – different strains have different purposes, so look for a formula that suits your cat’s needs. The most beneficial probiotics for cats are typically Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium.
  • CFU (Colony Forming Units) – this indicates the number of live bacteria in the product, with higher counts being more effective for more severe problems
  • Prebiotics – these act as food for probiotics, enhancing their long-term impact
  • Other nutrients – such as vitamins and minerals for targeted or whole-body support 
  • Ingredients – look for natural ingredients and formulas without fillers or allergens
  • Form – consider whether capsules or powders would be easier for you to administer
  • Palatability – consider if your cat would prefer a flavored or flavorless supplement
  • Quality – look for products designed by vets or approved by official bodies 
  • Medical compatibility – if your cat takes other medication, check they won’t interfere 
  • Value for money – look for reputable brands and good customer reviews 

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Top Tips on Giving Cats Probiotics

Whether it’s a powder you mix into daily meals or a tablet you hide inside a treat, always stick to the recommended dosage the product suggests.

If you’re planning on giving your sensitive cat daily probiotics, we also recommend starting them off on a lower dose and building it up over a few days/weeks to avoid upsetting their stomach whilst they adjust. 

FAQs

How long should I give probiotics to my cat?

Cats can have supplemental probiotics every day forever, but if they’ve been prescribed prescription-strength probiotics by a vet to aid recovery from sickness or antibiotics, do so for the prescribed amount of time, most likely 1-4 weeks, then switch to an over-the-counter product if you want to continue. 

Can probiotics help with hairballs?

Yes, probiotics can help with hairballs by improving the digestive system, breaking down the hair, and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, but if hairballs are a continuous problem, you should up your cat’s grooming routine and look into high-fiber foods, too. 

Are there any side effects of probiotics in cats?

Probiotics can cause a temporary worsening of digestive symptoms whilst the stomach adjusts to the change, but it shouldn’t be severe or last longer than a week. We suggest starting with a smaller dose if possible, and gradually increasing it to the recommended amount. 

Can a cat have too much probiotics in their system?

Yes, cats can have too many probiotics in their system, which in extreme cases, can lead to fermentation in the small and large intestine – so be sure to stick to the recommended dosage for your cat’s age and size on the back of the product. 

Can I give my cat probiotics for humans?

No, humans and cats have different gut bacteria, so human probiotics are often ineffective for cats and can even cause bad reactions. However, many pet probiotics work for both dogs and cats, so if you have a multi-pet home, consider getting a multi-pet product to save money. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Probiotics for Cats

That’s our list of the best probiotics for cats! Are you considering investing in some cat digestive supplements? Also, be sure to do your research, and pick the probiotic that’s best for your cat’s specific needs. 

For more serious symptoms, consult your vet for advice and always take their recommendation via a good pet pharmacy. Do you have any other tips for caring for a cat with a sensitive stomach? Share them in the comments down below. 

Author

  • Laura Hall

    My name is Laura and I’ve been writing about pet care for a few years now. I have a degree in animal media creation and years of hands-on experience at home and through working & volunteering with animals. I love writing about pet care as it brings two of my greatest loves together; creating and animals. The health and welfare of pets are super important to me and I hope to share some of my knowledge and tips with our readers!

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