The 6 Best Probiotics for Cats of 2021

What to Look for in Probiotics for Cats

Number and Diversity of Probiotics

Bacterial probiotics are most effective if they are living, not dead, and the more bacteria that are present, the higher the likelihood that they will benefit your cat. This means you want to choose a product that has a high number of colony forming units (CFU’s) or bacteria. Since you don’t know exactly what kind of bacteria your cat needs, you’ll also want to look for a probiotic that is a multi-strain product. This means there will be more than one type of bacteria in the product.

Storage

Since bacterial probiotics should be viable when you give them to your cat, you need to make sure they are properly stored to preserve them. Some probiotics require refrigeration, others need to stay below 77 degrees, and a few may not have any temperature requirements. Be sure to look for and follow the storage recommendations on the package.

Flavor

If your cat has food sensitivities or allergies, check to see if the probiotic contains ingredients your cat cannot tolerate. Some products contain animal proteins, animal digest, grains, and other ingredients that could cause a problem in your cat or are simply a flavor that your cat does not like. Some will add ingredients like chicken to ensure your pet will want to eat them. If you have a picky eater or a cat that doesn’t respond well to capsules, consider using treats to ensure they are getting a quality dose of probiotics.

Delivery Method

Probiotics for cats most commonly come in a powdered form. Some products are packaged in sachets or packets designed to be opened and sprinkled on top of your cat’s food or mixed with water to syringe into your cat’s mouth, while others are in digestible capsules. Capsules can typically be pilled as is, opened to sprinkle the contents onto the food, or opened to have the contents mixed into water to syringe into your cat’s mouth.

Species-Specific Research

The best products will have proof of effectiveness through research that was done on cats. Not all animals need the same types of beneficial bacteria, so probiotics specifically shown to benefit cats are ideal.

Label Claims

Veterinary supplements, such as probiotics, are not regulated the same way pharmaceuticals are regulated. This means that the amount of probiotics that the product label says are present aren’t always accurate. Analyses from organizations such as ConsumerLab.com and published studies verifying or denying these label claims have shown that not all probiotics have what they say they have in them. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal on product packaging is one way to tell if a product is likely to meet label claims, otherwise you can ask the company that makes the product if and how they ensure label claims are met.

Prebiotics

Probiotics that also contain prebiotics are called synbiotics and these are the most effective types of products. Gum arabic, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), or other prebiotics should be listed on the product label.

Age of Cat

Smaller or younger cats may have a hard time consuming large amounts of a probiotic so the quantity of product needed to deliver a beneficial amount of the probiotics may matter. Elderly cats that don’t eat much may also do better with a product where you don’t have to give a lot of powder or paste.

Health Conditions

Certain types of probiotics have been studied to support specific bodily systems. Your cat may benefit more from one probiotic than another depending on what type of health condition it has and what kind of bacteria are in the product you choose. If your cat has a health condition, it's always best to talk to your veterinarian before introducing a probiotic to your cat's treatment plan.

FAQs

Do cats need a prescription for probiotics?

“Most probiotics are sold as supplements, so no prescription is needed. However, a few do require a prescription,” explains Dr. Eldredge. “That said, quality can vary greatly between products. Your veterinarian can guide you to the more reliable sources. You should always check before adding any supplement to make sure it will not interfere with your cat’s normal diet.”

Do probiotics have side-effects?

“Rarely, probiotics can cause mild stomach upset or extra gas,” notes Dr. Eldredge. “Sometimes this is a response to inactive ingredients in a particular product. In general, probiotics are very safe.” If your cat seems to exhibit side effects, discontinue the probiotic to see if the symptoms subside. You may need to try more than one product before finding the one that is a good fit for your cat.

Can cats take probiotics made for humans?

“No, cats should take probiotics made for cats,” says Dr. Eldredge. “The intestinal flora varies with each species, so bacteria that are ideal for people may not help cats at all (may not hurt but may not help). Some people eat live culture yogurt to get healthy bacteria, but many cats don’t handle dairy products very well. You could make things worse.” Stick to probiotics formulated specifically for cats.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at least two cat companions in her home for the past 35 years, including some special needs kitties. When researching these brands, Lorraine evaluated the type and quality of the ingredients, the company’s research and development of the supplement, and their business ethics.

Her current senior feline companions have been challenged by digestive and urinary tract health issues. Because she has only the highest of standards for what she gives her pets, Lorraine recently started using Fera Pet Organic Probiotics, Kidney Restore and Pet Naturals of Vermont Probiotic chews to help improve her older cat’s digestive and urinary issues and to establish a healthy baseline for her dogs.

Lorraine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. She is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy and informed choices to protect their pets.

Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, graduated from Cornell University, where she was the first recipient of the Gentle Doctor Award, a prize given by the clinical faculty for the best patient care. She is an award-winning author and coauthor of more than 20 books on pets, including the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook and the Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook. Dr. Eldredge also writes for SeniorTailWaggers.com.

We also consulted Spruce Pets contributor and Licensed Veterinary Technician Adrienne Kruzer, an expert in pet supplements, about what to look for in cat probiotics.