Reviews, Benefits, Side Effects, and Top Picks for the Best Probiotics for Cats

By Debbie Short     Last Updated January 18, 2022

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You want your cat to stay happy and healthy throughout their lives, and having a balanced and healthy digestive system is an essential key to achieving this. The best probiotics for cats can help regulate your cat's system quickly and easily, and this can make them healthier overall.

We've rounded up and reviewed the best probiotic supplements available for your cat so you can compare them side by side. But first, we want you to take a look at our comprehensive buyer's guide, so you get a good understanding of how important probiotics are for your cat's health.

Our Top Picks for the Best Probiotics for Cats

What Are Cat Probiotics?

Happy Healthy Cat with Owner

In the simplest definition, probiotics are live strains of bacteria that you can add to your cat's food to help balance their bacteria levels. They can be either bacteria or yeast, and probiotics are essential to help your cat keep weight on and get all of the nutrients you need.

You can get probiotics in powder, pill, or liquid form, and each type of probiotic will work well for your cat. It's simply a matter of personal preference on which one you end up picking because they all go into your cat's food.

There are dozens of different bacteria or yeast strains that can go into a probiotic supplement, and it's important that you look at the label because some supplements only have one strain while others have over 10. Ideally, your cat's probiotic supplement should have the following at the least:

  • Bifidobacterium bifidum - These bacteria are present in your cat's small intestine. They help to break down food, pull nutrients from it, and keep your cat's digestive system regular.
  • Enterococcus - This bacteria strain is in your cat's large intestine. This bacteria helps to ensure your cat has normal feces instead of diarrhea or very hard ones.

Probiotic Benefits for Cats

There are several things that probiotics can do for your cat, but it's always best to ask your veterinarian before changing or adding something new to their diet. The common benefits of probiotic supplements include but are not limited to:

Digestive Health

When people think of probiotics, they usually immediately think of the digestive system and digestive health as a whole. Probiotics can boost your cat's natural bacteria levels and help to re-balance the "good" and "bad" bacteria levels.

Additionally, probiotics are great for helping with other digestive issues that can cause problems for your cat like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, gas, and appetite changes. It helps to regulate every part of the digestive system, and this regulation helps keep your cat at a good weight.

Cardiovascular System

For cats that have issues with their hearts and their cardiovascular system, they usually get put on a low-fat diet. Along with this diet, adding probiotics is a good way to lower your cat's LDL cholesterol.

As the LDL cholesterol levels start to drop, this can help to further reduce the strain on your cat's cardiovascular system. In turn, your cat can start experiencing fewer problems with their heart, and they can potentially have a better quality of life.

Immune System

Your cat's immune system is their first line of defense against infections and bacteria, and it can only work at peak levels if all of your cat's other systems are healthy. As the probiotics start to balance out the bacteria levels in your cat's body, your immune system can concentrate on healing any infections your cat may have.

Weight Loss

Probiotics may help your cat lose excess weight by helping to block the absorption of additional fat cells. They also help to pull all of the nutrients out of the food your cat eats and turns it into energy, and this can help your cat get up and exercise more to further the weight loss.

What to Look for in a Probiotic Supplement

Since there are so many probiotic supplements available, it can be difficult to figure out which one is going to be best for your cat's health. There are several things that you can look for and consider when you shop, and getting a supplement with most of these things in it is a good idea.

Alive or Dead Strains

You can get probiotics that feature live and dead strains of yeast and bacteria. Ideally, the probiotics you choose should have live strains of bacteria because this is what helps to balance the live bacteria in your cat's digestive tract.

Pure Strains of Bacteria and Yeast

Many probiotic supplements contain a host of additives that can alter how effective the probiotics are for your cat. You want to find a supplement that has as few additives as possible, and this can take a little searching on your part because there are so many available.

Artificial Ingredients

Artificial ingredients can cause digestive upset if your cat is sensitive to them. Your probiotic supplement for your cat should have no artificial colors, artificial flavoring, or preservatives in the formula.

Probiotic Side Effects

There are no huge side effects that come with giving your cat probiotics, but you do want to double check with your veterinarian to see if they have any recommendations. You may notice that they can take up to a month to start showing that they're working with your cat, but it all really depends on how well your cat takes to them. Some take longer, and some take shorter periods.

Common Customer Questions About Cat Probiotics

Cat probiotics are safe to give your cat. Studies haven't found any major negative effects of probiotics. Side effects are extremely rare in a quality probiotic. Most of the time if there is a problem your cat will show signs of vomiting or diarrhea. Like any supplement it is good practice to consult your vet before giving your cat a probiotic.

Like most other supplements, it can take some time to start working. Some cat probiotics such as Fortiflora can start showing improvements in a week or two after being on it. Some others can take up to a month to show the full effects.

Yes, probiotics can help regulate your cat's digestive system and probiotics like Fortiflora are specially formulated to help cats with diarrhea issues.

Our Top Five Picks for the Best Cat Probiotics

1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Fortiflora Feline Nutritional Cat Supplement

Purina Pro Plan Fortiflora for Cats

This powdered probiotic supplement comes in a pack of 30 each time you order it, and this amount ensures that you get a great value for your money. It helps to regulate your cat's digestive system, and this probiotic supplement is specially formulated for cats with diarrhea issues.

Once your cat starts to take this supplement, it'll start to slowly balance the bacteria in their digestive tracts to promote optimal digestion. This powdered supplement goes in both wet and dry food, and this makes it very easy to give your cat, no matter which type of diet they prefer.

Along with promoting optimal digestion, this probiotic supplement also helps to boost your cat's immune system to ensure they stay healthy throughout their lives. It's also packed with nutrients that can help to replace any nutrients that your cat may have lost to diarrhea or digestive upset.

Cat parents who bought this supplement for their cat liked that it supported digestive and immune health while adding nutrients back to your cat's system. Cat parents did say that it has beef for flavoring, and beef can be difficult for cats on a limited ingredient diet to digest.

Things We Liked
  • Comes with 30 packets per order
  • Able to put the supplement in both wet and dry food
  • Packed with nutrients and vitamins
Things We Didn't Like
  • Has beef flavoring
  • Only contains one strain of probiotics
  • Slightly more expensive option

2. Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats

Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats

This probiotic supplement comes made in the United States to strict quality standards, and each serving contains 20 probiotic strains to help support optimal digestion. You can start to see results in as little as two weeks once you start giving your cat this product.

This powder supplement has a serving size that is below half of a teaspoon, and this means that a single jar will last for longer than a month with daily use. The fine powder form of this supplement makes it easy to mix into wet or dry food without making the food have a grainy texture.

There are no cheap filler ingredients in this supplement, and this fact makes it a much healthier option to add to your cat's diets. You get a money back guarantee when you order this product, and this guarantee lets your return the supplement if you don't see positive results.

Cat parents who bought this supplement were happy that it came with 20 different strains of probiotics that are healthy for their cat's system. Cat parents did mention that this could have a stronger smell when they first opened the jar for the first few times.

Things We Liked
  • Comes with a smaller serving size
  • Contains 20 different strains of probiotics
  • Has a very fine powdered form
Things We Didn't Like
  • Can have a strong smell when you open it
  • May put some picky cats off their food
  • Can take slightly longer to see positive results

3. Proviable DC for Cats and Dogs

Proviable DC for Cats

Your cat will get seven different strains of probiotics each time they get this supplement mixed into their food, and it comes with live probiotics that boost your cat's digestive health. It helps to balance your cat's bacteria levels, and this can help reduce diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

You can quickly and easily pull the capsules apart to sprinkle the probiotics on your cat's food, and you get 80 capsules per order that ensure that you have over two months of capsules each time you order. You can mix this probiotic in your cat's wet or dry food without a problem, and it has a fine formula that doesn't make your cat's food gritty.

This probiotic formula was originally sold by veterinarians only, but it's now available on an over the counter basis. This formula comes without a lot of the traditional filler agents that you may get in several other probiotics, and this makes it healthy for your cat.

People who bought this item for their cat liked that it came with seven strains of live probiotics that help to optimize your cat's digestion. People did mention that it can take a while to see results, and it may take too long for cats who have more severe issues.

Things We Liked
  • Contains seven different probiotic strains
  • Get 80 capsules each time you order it
  • Doesn't contain a lot of filler agents
Things We Didn't Like
  • Can take a while to see results
  • May be clumpy when you add it to your cat's food
  • Capsules tend to crumble and break apart

4. USDA Organic Liquid Probiotic for Cats

USDA Organic Liquid Probiotic for Cats

This probiotic supplement comes as a USDA-certified organic supplement that has four strains of bacteria in it, and you get a 100% satisfaction guarantee each time you order this supplement. It works to balance your cat's digestive system and bacteria levels while enhancing their energy levels.

The healthy formula contains no corn, soy, nuts, yeast, gluten, paleo, sugar, yeast, or nightshades for a vegan and raw supplement to feed to your cat. You can add this supplement to both dry and wet food, and this makes it easy to mix this supplement into your cat's food every day.

Along with helping your cat's digestive system, it also provides a boost for their immune system to keep them healthy throughout their lives. You get 160 servings per bottle, and this means that you'll get just under six months of product each time you order it.

Cat parents who bought this supplement for their cat liked that it came with a very low flavor profile that didn't interfere with their cat's natural food flavoring. They did notice that this probiotic supplement could take a few weeks to start working if you give it to your cat consistently.

Things We Liked
  • Comes with a vegan formula
  • Get 160 servings per bottle
  • Has little to no flavoring
Things We Didn't Like
  • Can take a few weeks to show improvement
  • Slightly more expensive per fluid ounce
  • May make dry food soggy

5. VetriScience Probiotic Everyday for Cats

Probiotic Everyday Digestive Support

This supplement comes with both prebiotics and probiotics in every dose, and it comes in a resealable bag that is fast and easy for you to close to keep your cat's probiotics fresh. The soft texture of the probiotic makes if easy for cats of all ages to chew up and digest.

This probiotic comes from the United States with very strict quality control measures in place, and this ensures that your cat gets a healthy supplement each time you give it to them. It's great for cats of all ages and weight ranges, and this means that people with multiple cats won't have to but different ones for each cat.

You get 60 soft chews per order, and they're formulated to be small enough for your cat to eat without a problem. It contains one strain of probiotic, and your cat will also be able to enjoy a very light duck flavor that makes this seem more like a treat than a supplement.

Cat parents who bought this soft probiotic chew for their cats liked that they were able to give it to cats of all ages and sizes. Cat parents did mention that this soft chew tended to crumble a little after a few days.

Things We Liked
  • Comes in a soft chew form
  • Get two months of probiotics in every order
  • Very easy to re-seal the bag between feedings
Things We Didn't Like
  • Tends to crumble after a few days
  • Can have a strong smell
  • Only comes with one probiotic strain

What's the Best Probiotics for Cats?

Our pick for the best probiotics for cats is Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Fortiflora Feline Nutritional Cat Supplement because it comes portioned out into 30 servings each time you order it. We also chose it because you can add it to both wet and dry cat food without a problem.

Also, this probiotic supplement comes packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that can replace any your cat may have lost due to digestive upset. We liked that it helped to slowly balance your cat's bacteria levels to help regulate their digestive system.