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Here’s the Scoop on Probiotics for Cats: What They Are, When Your Cat Might Need Them, and Vet-Recommended Picks

There’s a party in your cat’s belly and it affects everything from digestion to mood. Here’s how probiotics can help.
janelle leeson By Janelle Leeson December 13, 2021 Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Advertisement Pin FB More Tweet Email Send Text Message Print

You're probably familiar with the concept of taking probiotics for better digestion and overall wellbeing—but have you thought about doing the same for your cat?

If your kitty frequently experiences digestive upset, bacterial infections, or anxiety, it's possible she could have too much bad bacteria in her system. Your kitty has a whole ecosystem of bacteria and other microorganisms in her digestive tract. Scientists say this is what makes up her gut microbiome, which can affect everything from digestion to mood. When the wrong guests are invited to the party in her tummy, probiotics for cats can improve your feline's overall health, protect her immune system, and help her feel her best.

We spoke with feline veterinary specialists about everything probiotics for cats. Here's the scoop on what probiotics are, how they can help, and vet-recommend picks.

cat eating from metal bowl with feline fine logo Credit: Chalabala / Adobe Stock

What Are Probiotics for Cats?

Probiotics are made of living "friendly" bacteria and/or yeast that naturally reside in the guts of me, you, and our four-legged friends.

You might think of bacteria as germs, like the bad bacteria that can cause kennel cough in cats and dogs. But your kitty (and you!) has hundreds of bad bacteria and good bacteria inside her body. Good bacteria can help break down food, fight off illnesses, and nurture the body. But sometimes, bad bacteria can outnumber good bacteria. When that happens, your cat could experience discomfort ranging from digestive upset to an infection.

Probiotics for cats add more good bacteria to her system, preventing this imbalance of bad and good bacteria from ever occurring, or getting her back on the prowl when it does.

Do Cats Need Probiotics in Their Diet to Be Healthy?

Ideally, your kitty should get all the nutrition she needs from a well-rounded, high-quality cat food diet—but sometimes she might need a boost. According to Stephanie Kadasi, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Feline Fine Cat Clinic, this boost might be most beneficial when your cat is on antibiotics. Antibiotics and other meds may be essential to treat an infection or other condition, but they can wipe out the good bacteria along with the bad. As always, use the antibiotics as directed by your vet, but ask if including probiotics along with them could help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Probiotics are also a safe way to provide your kitty with digestive relief if she's prone to diarrhea or other gastrointestinal ailments, like inflammatory bowel disease. There are many possible causes of your kitty's diarrhea, but it might be worth asking your vet if too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria could be to blame.

According to Kadasi, introducing cat-appropriate probiotics to your kitty's mealtime doesn't have many drawbacks. If it's the right probiotic for cats, Kadasi says you can't really over do it with the good bacteria.

RELATED: The 9 Best Vitamins for Cats—Plus Expert Advice for Supplementing Your Kitty's Diet

Potential Side Effects of Probiotics for Cats

But while too much of the "good stuff" won't hurt your kitty, there are some important tips to keep in mind before feeding your cat a probiotic. Kathryn Primm, DVM, CVPM, owner and chief veterinarian of Applebrook Animal Hospital, heeds an important warning when it comes to side effects of broad-spectrum probiotics. "Because probiotics contain live bacterial cultures, there is a risk of infection or even a risk that the live cultures could manufacture harmful substances. Because probiotics are not always regulated by the FDA, they could even contain substances other than the intended ingredients."

When you're choosing a probiotic for your feline friend, it's best to ask your vet which products they trust. Below is a list of options you might consider when shopping for a cat probiotic.

Types of Probiotics for Cats

Even if you have a finicky feline, chances are there's a form of probiotic that will fit her fancy. Probiotics come in an array of options—from scoopable powders, capsules, chews, or incorporated into your cat's favorite kibble. The most important thing when choosing a probiotic for your cat is that the probiotic contains the good bacteria strains that are naturally found in a kitty's digestive tract.

"Cat probiotics have different microorganism components and amounts than human probiotics," Kadasi says. "Probiotics for cats have specifically been tailored to support kitty GI tracts. The wrong probiotic could lead to a dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut flora contents of a cat."

Wondering if you can make your own kitty probiotics at home? Primm says it's best to leave that science experiment to the professionals. "Because research in probiotics for cats is ongoing, it would be nearly impossible for a pet owner to know which strains of bacteria are most beneficial and then grow up a pure culture to feed to their cat."

5 Best Vet-Recommended Probiotics for Cats (Plus My Personal Go-To)

If you're considering adding a probiotic to your cat's diet, check out these vet-recommended options, and then follow up with your vet. They may have recommendations that take your kitty's specific health needs into account, which is the most important thing to keep in mind when adding a new ingredient or supplement into their routine.

Package of Nutamax Proviable Probiotics Best for Cats with IBDNutramax Proviable Kit Medication for Diarrhea for Cats & Dogs $23.00 SHOP IT Chewy show more info

This probiotic for cats (and dogs!) comes in a convenient liquid or capsule form. Whichever form you choose, your kitty will be getting a healthy dose of 7 strains of friendly bacteria, plus a prebiotic to encourage the growth of her naturally occurring gut microbiome. With 5 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per dose, this probiotic formula is meant to help relieve digestive upset and may even help heal inflammation caused by IBD.

package of purina pro plan veterinary Supplements, FortiFlora Best for Digestive UpsetPurina FortiFlora for Cats $31.00 SHOP IT Chewy show more info

This Purina probiotic is meant to help cats who are suffering from diarrhea, and comes in a powder form that can be easily mixed into their food. In addition to the good bacteria, this blend also includes protein, vitamins, and minerals for overall better health.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements, Calming Care Probiotics Best for AnxietyPurina Calming Care for Cats $50.00 SHOP IT Chewy show more info

Research on the effect of probiotics in pets shows that an imbalance bacteria can impact more than gut health. It can even affect issues like stress and anxiety. This Purina cat probiotic includes a particular strain of good bacteria that may relieve anxious feelings and promote calm behaviors in cats (and dogs!) called Bifidobacterium longum. For cats who over-groom themselves (which can be a sign of anxiety), Purina Calming Care also includes vitamin E to help promote a healthy skin barrier.

Package of Hill's Gastrointestinal Biome Cat Food Best Probiotic Cat FoodHill's Gastrointestinal Biome $54.00 SHOP IT Chewy show more info

An upset tummy is no fun for anyone. Luckily, Hill’s developed a complete and balanced meal that can help relieve your kitty’s digestive upset in as little as 24 hours. While this recipe doesn’t actually contain probiotics, it’s packed full of prebiotics—the superfood for the body’s natural good bacteria. Available in both kibble and wet food recipes, the first ingredient is chicken and it’s boosted with healthy omega-3’s—this really is a winner-winner chicken dinner. You need a prescription to purchase this food, so ask your vet if Hill’s GI Biome is right for your kitty.

Foster and Smith Probiotic Soft Chews Best Soft Chew Cat Probiotic SupplementDoctors Foster and Smith Probiotic Soft Chews for Cats $37.00 SHOP IT Petco show more info

Developed by veterinarians, these cheese-flavored probiotic chews for cats and dogs have a healthy dose of good bacteria plus prebiotics to kick-start your furry companion’s natural production of good bacteria. The formula includes 8 strains of beneficial probiotic bacteria including the powerhouse strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus coagulans. Keep these treats on hand as a daily digestive supplement, or any time your kitty’s digestive system needs a little boost.

can of The Honest Kitchen's goat's milk with probiotics Best for Daily ProbioticsThe Honest Kitchen Goat's Milk (My Personal Go-To!) shop it Amazon show more info

As a cat mom, I’m always looking for the best ways to keep my kitties on the prowl. Cow’s milk contains a high amount of lactose and can cause digestive upset, but goat’s milk can do the opposite. With less lactose than cow’s milk and 1.25 billion CFU per serving, my kitties eagerly lap up this delicious and nutritious snack. While I might reach for one of our vet-recommended picks when my foster kittens have diarrhea, the Honest Kitchen Goat’s Milk is an easy way for my kitties to get a daily boost of nutrition. This cat-approved probiotic treat comes in a convenient powder that is easy to store and easy to serve by just adding warm water.

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