#1 favorite probiotic for cats: MaryRuth’s Liquid Probiotic for Cats
Whether you’re looking for a daily dose of gut-friendly bacteria to help your kitty companion with tummy troubles, or you’re looking to proactively help them recover from surgery or antibiotics, probiotics for cats are key to supporting feline health.
With the power to regulate your cat’s intestinal tract health by keeping the bacteria in their digestive system balanced, probiotics can strengthen your cat’s immune system and ensure they have long healthy lives!
Our top 15 probiotics for cats are:
- MaryRuth’s Liquid Probiotic for Cats
- Probonix Liquid Probiotic
- Fortiflora for Cats
- Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats
- FERA Probiotics for Cats
- Jackson Galaxy Probiotics for Cats
- Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics for Cats
- MaxxiDigest+ Digestive and Immune Support
- Tummyworks Powder
- Proviable for Cats
- Vetriscience Probiotic
- PetAg Bene-Bac Plus Gel Probiotic
- Naturvet Probiotic Treats
- Vetri Science Probiotics
- Get Naked Digestive Health Cat Treats
Best liquid probiotics for cats
MaryRuth’s Liquid Probiotic for Cats
Pros
- Formulated specifically for cats
- Contains four strains of beneficial bacteria
- Made from organic and non-GMO ingredients
- Flavorless liquid
- Shelf-stable and doesn’t require refrigeration
Cons
- The bottles are small
- Premium price
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Mary Ruth’s Liquid Probiotic for Cats has the distinction of being the first USDA organic probiotic made specifically for our feline friends!
This supplement contains 4 live strains of bacteria uniquely effective at supporting the feline digestive system and cat gut flora health. This blend of helpful bacteria encourages nutrient absorption, helps your kitty build up a strong immune system, and helps fight imbalance and infections in your cat’s intestines, bowels, and stomach.
This supplement is also helpful at boosting energy levels, aiding in weight management, supporting liver function, and fighting yeast and fungal infections. The easy-to-use dropper and flavorless liquid make this probiotic one of the simplest ones to give your kitty.
Probonix Liquid Probiotic
Pros
- Contains 8 strains of bacteria for cat gut health
- Made from organic non-GMO ingredients
- Made in the USA in FDA GMP-certified factories
- Quality and purity tested by the FDA
- Also effective at treating skin conditions
Cons
- Premium price
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Probonix Daily Probiotics for Cats is a liquid supplement created by the well-known human grade probiotic company Humarian.
Enhanced with real beef liver to appeal to your kitty’s taste buds this probiotic contains 8 strains of bacteria for feline gut health. Just a few drops in your cat’s food or water bowl is enough to give them their daily dose.
Probonix Daily Probiotics for Cats helps manage chronic GI conditions like IBD, acute diarrhea, and constipation, as well as fighting yeast infections and dermatitis when needed. And for especially health-conscious cat parents Probonix is entirely transparent about all the ingredients they use in their probiotics.
Best powder probiotics for cats
Fortiflora for Cats
Pros
- Includes vitamins and antioxidants
- Suitable for kittens and cats
- Contains no dyes
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains “animal digest”
- Contains only one family of bacteria
- No information on where ingredients are sourced from
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Don’t scoff at this Purina probiotic! The cat food giant’s Fortiflora feline probiotics are powerful tools to wield against IBD, gallbladder inflammation and promote gut health.
Packed with active strains of the bacterium Enterococcus and vitamins and antioxidants to support and strengthen your kitty’s immune system, these Pro Plan Fortiflora cat probiotics deliver on their promise.
However, these probiotics aren’t perfect. Some cat parents voice concern over just where the ingredients for this probiotic are sourced from (China is a top exporter) and over the questionable inclusion of the ingredient called “animal digest.”
Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats
Pros
- Contains 20 strains of good bacteria
- Helpful at targeting sensitive stomachs, IBD, and pancreatitis
- Cats don’t mind the taste
- No dyes, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients
- Made in the USA with USA-sourced ingredients in an FDA GMP-certified factory
Cons
- The powder runs out quickly
- Premium price
- May not be helpful in acute diarrhea and vomiting cases
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PetUltimates Probiotics for Cats potent powder contains 5 billion CFUs and 20 strains of digestive-supporting bacterias. This probiotic’s unique ultra-concentrated formula helps protect your kitty’s colon and intestinal tract health, manage IBD, and has been effective at reducing notoriously painful pancreatitis.
Kitties with sensitive stomachs tend to do well on this small-batch formulated, USA-made probiotic powder. Plus, it has the added quality and safety of being manufactured in an FDA GMP-certified factory.
FERA Probiotics for Cats
Pros
- Made in the USA in an FDA-registered factory
- Free of grains, soy, dairy, corn, dyes, preservatives, or artificial ingredients
- Organic, made from USA-sourced ingredients, and NASC-certified
- Also has prebiotics
- Affordable
Cons
- Formulated for cats and dogs, not specifically made for cats unique needs
- Some cats won’t eat it when it’s added to their food
- Not useful with hairballs
- May cause vomiting in some cats
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FERA’s signature organic probiotic for cats comes in a flavorless powder. This USDA-certified, veterinarian-formulated probiotic contains 5 billion CFUs per serving and 12 strains of live, active bacteria.
Beyond targeting digestive system issues like loose stool, this blend of probiotics can help fight bad breath, skin allergies, reduces rashes and itching, and improves gut pH levels.
Jackson Galaxy Probiotics for Cats
Pros
- Made in the US in an FDA-registered factory
- Third-party certified for quality
- Free of grains, corn, dyes, or artificial ingredients
- Flavored with real chicken liver
Cons
- Some cats don’t like the taste
- Contains only Lactobacillus Acidophilus bacteria
- Not useful for cats with severe digestive issues
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Our list of the best cat probiotics wouldn’t be complete without an offering from the groovy feline behaviorist and legendary Cat Daddy himself, Jackson Galaxy!
This powdered probiotic contains 2 billion CFUs and five strains of Lactobacillus. These helpful bacterias and pancreatic enzymes help target cat diarrhea, gas, loose stool, and general digestive upset.
An additional blend of vitamins improves your kitty’s immune system and strengthens their ability to absorb essential nutrients.
Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics for Cats
Pros
- Contains high CFUs and 14 bacteria strains
- Effective at treating stomach and skin problems
- Made in the USA
- Contains no GMOs, dyes, or artificial ingredients
- FDA GMP-certified
Cons
- Formulated for cats and dogs
- Premium price
- The powder quickly runs out
- Some cats don’t like the taste
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Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotics might just be one of the most potent probiotic powders on our list.
Containing a whopping 38 billion CFUs and 14 strains of helpful bacteria, this probiotic product is formulated to relieve GI distress and promote daily digestive health and wellness.
Fortified with extra vitamins for immune support and uniquely formulated to target your cat’s gut pH, Dr. Mercola’s Complete Probiotics are excellent at managing IBD and intestinal conditions.
MaxxiDigest+ Digestive and Immune Support
Pros
- Formulated with specific feline probiotics
- Also has prebiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants
- No GMOs, dyes, or artificial ingredients
- Can be used as a daily supplement or to manage chronic conditions
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some cats don’t like the taste
- Contains only one strain of bacteria
- Can’t be given to pregnant or lactating cats
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MaxxiPaw’s MaxxiCat probiotics are, as the name implies, explicitly formulated for feline gut health. Their MaxxiDigest+ Digestive and Immune Support is a daily supplement crafted from 200 million CFUs and a strain of the bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici.
This stomach-acid-resistant bacteria makes this feline probiotic effective at treating Leaky Gut (Dysbiosis), IBD, and other GI disorders.
This probiotic product also contains prebiotics, pancreatic enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants.
MaxxiCat MaxxiDigest+ is also a helpful way to repopulate cat gut bacteria if your kitty has recently had surgery or finished a round of antibiotics.
Tummyworks Powder
Pros
- Can be given to kittens and senior cats
- Also has prebiotic and digestive enzymes
- Contains no additives, preservatives, or dyes
- Made in the USA in FDA GMP-certified factories
Cons
- Not as effective at managing itchy skin
- Doesn’t help much with shedding or fur health
- May not be sufficient for treating severe diarrhea and vomiting
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Tummyworks Probiotic Powder is more than just a cute name in adorable packaging. It’s what’s inside that really matters. And, in Tummyworks’ case, it’s 2 billion CFUs, ten strains of probiotics, and 6 digestive enzymes.
This powder’s potent blend of probiotics and prebiotics helps aid in your cat’s gut recovery from harsh antibiotics, boost their digestive system, and maintain GI wellness.
Tummyworks probiotic powder is also effective at relieving constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and even yeast infections!
This probiotic bacteria powder is also one of the few without a strong or off putting taste!
Best capsule probiotics for cats
Proviable for Cats
Pros
- Free of corn, grains, soy, dyes, or artificial ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Effective at treating IBD, vomiting, and loose stool
- Also has prebiotics
Cons
- Capsules are prone to bursting easily
- Some cats don’t like the taste
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Proviable DC Digestive Health Supplement for Cats and Dogs is a capsule-style probiotic. This veterinarian-formulated probiotic supplement is backed up by six studies and created by Nutramax Laboratories, a company known for its high-quality products.
Each tiny pill contains 5 CFUs and seven beneficial bacteria strains meant to tackle intestinal imbalance in cats and dogs. This probiotic is especially effective at treating and managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease in cats.
These pet probiotics capsules can be stuck in treats or broken open to sprinkle the powder over your cat’s wet food.
If you’re looking for an even more potent probiotic against diarrhea, Proviable Forte has 10 CFUs and 7 strains of probiotics plus prebiotics. Proviable Forte is only available through your veterinarian.
Vetriscience Probiotic
Pros
- Contains 5 billion CFUs and 8 strains of bacteria
- Contains prebiotics and soluble fiber
- Can put capsules in treats or sprinkle the powder on wet food
- Non-GMO
Cons
- The capsules can be difficult and messy to break open
- Measuring out the right dose is challenging
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Vetri Science Probiotics are one of the top veterinarian-formulated probiotics for feline health. Vetri Science Laboratories Vetri Mega Probiotics help cat parents like you give your kitty a leg up with their gastrointestinal tract health.
Each powder-filled capsule contains 5 billion CFUs, 8 strains of bacteria, and prebiotics for regularity and proper digestion. This is a useful daily supplement for cats who experience gas, bloating, and constipation.
This probiotic is also effective long-term in supporting your cat’s immune system and managing chronic conditions like IBD. It also strengthens your cat’s stomach lining and balances their gut pH.
Best gel probiotics for cats
PetAg Bene-Bac Plus Gel Probiotic
Pros
- Can be added to your cat's food or treats like bonito flakes
- Safe for newborn and orphaned kittens and pregnant and nursing cats
- Travel-friendly and shelf-stable
- Easy to use
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Is not specifically formulated for cats
- Contains artificial colors
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A probiotic gel is a perfect solution for cats who may be fussy about taking probiotic powders or liquids. Bene-Bac Plus Gel is one of the most highly recommended over-the-counter probiotics for cats.
This pet probiotic contains 20 million CFUs per serving and 7 gut-friendly bacteria strains. It also contains the prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides to support regular bowel movements and regulate intestinal bacteria.
This probiotic is excellent for managing chronic GI conditions like IBD and helping with recovery from surgery and antibiotics. This is also extremely effective in helping newborn or orphan kittens build up a healthy immune and digestive system and is safe for pregnant and nursing cats.
Probiotic treats and chews for cats
Naturvet Probiotic Treats
Pros
- Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes
- Cats like the salmon flavor
- Appropriate for kittens 12 weeks and older
- Made in the USA
- Affordable
Cons
- Best for supplemental feeding, not regular long-term use
- Treats may be too large for kittens or cats with sensitive or missing teeth
- Contains some hard to digest ingredients like papaya
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NaturVet’s star-shaped soft Digestive Enzyme treats are, as the name indicates, a digestion aid for cats. These chewable probiotics also contain prebiotics and powerful enzymes like Protease and Lipase to help your kitty absorb proteins and fats.
While not intended for daily use, these salmon-flavored probiotics encourage regularity and nutrient absorption on a short-term basis.
These probiotic cat treats are particularly useful at feeding and balancing the flora in cat guts after taking bacteria-depleting antibiotics.
Vetri Science Probiotics
Pros
- Has added prebiotics
- Flavor appeals to cats
- Free of dyes or artificial ingredients
- These are very travel-friendly and shelf-stable
- Vet formulated and made in the USA
Cons
- Contains grains and gluten which may cause allergies in some cats
- Chews may be too large for cats with sensitive or missing teeth
- Chews dry out quickly if you don’t tightly close the bag
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Vetri Science Laboratories also offers bite-sized chewable probiotics for cats. Their Probiotic Everyday soft chews pack 100 CFUs in every tiny treat. These veterinarian-formulated treats also contain powerful prebiotics like Fructooligosaccharides, which help your kitty’s gut flora repopulate and keep their stool regular.
The patented probiotic in these chews is highly stable, making this one of the most travel-friendly cat probiotics.
Flavored with real duck to appeal to even the most finicky felines, these probiotic treats help manage gas, bloating and support overall digestive and immune health.
Get Naked Digestive Health Cat Treats
Pros
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Has both probiotics and prebiotics
- Fortified with taurine
- Free of corn, soy, wheat, artificial colors or flavors
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Contains brewer’s yeast which causes allergies in some cats
- Treats may be too large for kittens or small cats
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Get Naked’s heart-shaped Digestive Health cat treats are a good source of fiber, probiotics and prebiotics. A strain of Bacillus paired with real chicken and sweet potato make this a gut-friendly treat for your kitty.
The addition of flaxseed reduces hairballs and makes it easier for your cat to pass existing ones. These low calorie treats are fortified with taurine, an essential nutrient for feline health. These soft, chewy treats are a wonderful day to day supplement for kitties who have regular tummy troubles like gas and irregular stool, and for cats who struggle with frequent hairballs.
How probiotics for cats are beneficial
Let’s start with feline biology. Did you know that 70% of your cat’s immune system is in their digestive tract?
The live microorganisms and cells that live in your feline’s gut help your kitty’s digestion and their ability to absorb crucial nutrients. And gut bacteria is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system.
Probiotics are also useful supplements for your kitty after they’ve finished a round of antibiotics. This is because antibiotics are notorious for killing off the good bacteria or flora in your cat’s gut. After a round of antibiotics, probiotics help repopulate colonies of good bacteria and keep the bad bacteria like the pathogenic bacteria Enterococcus faecium at bay.
Probiotics could also be used while your kitty is taking antibiotics. This course of action proactively combats the antibiotics’ likelihood of knocking out that healthy bacteria and harming your kitty’s immune system in the first place.
Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney, DVM, is a big fan of feline probiotics. Mahaney stresses that probiotics are vital in ensuring short and long-term wellness in your kitty companion.
Can probiotics for cats help my cat’s digestive issues?
Yes! Besides feeding your cat a specialty diet, like those formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs or cats with IBD, probiotics are one of the most effective tools for treating feline tummy troubles.
Probiotics are exceptional at targeting digestive system issues like recurring vomiting, chronic diarrhea, and hairballs. They successfully manage chronic GI conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), intestinal irritation, and they encourage healthy cell growth in your cat’s gut and intestines.
Supplementing your cat’s diet with probiotics is one of the best things you can do as a cat parent. Daily probiotic supplements can also ward off future digestive problems.
Probiotic can ward off future digestive problems
Supplementing your cat’s diet with probiotics is one of the best things you can do as a cat parent. Especially when you start giving your cat probiotics a few days before an event you know will be stressful for your cat!
Traveling with your cat on airplanes, boarding them at your vet’s office, or moving to a new home can all be stressful for your kitty. Giving your cat probiotics a few days before these events are a preventative measure that can reduce the chances of them getting diarrhea.
It can also be helpful to start your cat on a round of probiotics if you’re changing, or transitioning their food from one to another.
Do probiotics help cats with constipation?
Yes, probiotics help cats with constipation. Because probiotics help the good bacteria in your kitty’s intestines thrive, this keeps your cat’s stool regular and makes it easier for them to pass soft stool.
Probiotics tend to also work well at treating pre-existing constipation, especially when combined with a high fiber diet.
Pureed pumpkin is a superfood high in fiber and is a great supplement for this. Pumpkin, especially combined with probiotics, helps support regularity and can relieve constipation. Soulistic cat food makes a great pumpkin puree topper that can easily be mixed with kibble or fed as a treat.
What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, prebiotics and probiotics are different in the following ways:
Prebiotics
These feed the bacteria that is already in the human and cat gut, encouraging it to grow and strengthening its ability to help you and your kitty maintain a healthy GI tract and immune system. Unlike a probiotic, a prebiotic doesn’t add more bacteria to your cat’s digestive system but strengthens the good bacteria that are already there.
Probiotics
The benefits of probiotics include helping with the digest system function, nutrient absorption, and regulating energy levels and metabolism.
How do I give probiotics to my cat?
Feline probiotics are commonly found as powders and pills, but they’re not limited to those. Probiotics are beginning to take on more creative forms.
They’re increasingly found in small amounts in holistic cat foods, like kibble, and infused in crunchy cat treats. Some of our favorite dry cat food brands that include probiotics in their recipes are I And Love And You, Instinct, Nulo Freestyle, Orijen, and Blue Buffalo Wilderness.
How you give your cat probiotics varies with each product. Carefully read the probiotic packaging to figure out what dosage you should give your kitty and how frequently.
Don’t just jump into giving your kitty whatever over-the-counter probiotic catches your fancy either. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat or kitten probiotic supplements. This article is not a substitute for professional veterinarian advice.
Can I give my kitten probiotics?
Yes, giving your kitten probiotics is a great way to give their immune system and digestive system a boost!
Animal advocate and world-renowned cat foster Hannah Shaw, also known as Kitten Lady, is a huge supporter of giving kittens probiotics. Shaw notes that kittens are “incredibly vulnerable beings who are very prone to illness, especially when it comes to the gut.”
Shaw says, “the vast majority of kittens who come through foster care will have some kind of GI issue,” and it’s bacterial imbalances in your kittens’ gut that can be a considerable part of these issues, especially chronic diarrhea.
Shaw urges cat parents to add probiotics to their kitten’s daily routine as the healthy bacteria in their gut is essential in helping kittens fight disease in their adulthood!
Gel and powder probiotics are the easiest and most effective way to give kittens probiotics.
Are cat probiotics dangerous?
Probiotics are rarely dangerous for your cat but it’s important to know how to read the probiotics’ labels. This is because feline probiotics aren’t strongly regulated.
Unlike human probiotics and supplements, the pet supplement industry is “loosely regulated.” The pet supplement industry doesn’t currently have any governing agencies that require a cat supplement brand to prove the claims on probiotic strain and quantity made on the probiotic label.
It’s best to find cat probiotics with National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) certification on their label.
Or, to source your cat’s probiotics from companies that also produce human grade supplements, which have more regulation and quality control.
Specifically, look out for the FDA’s GMP-certification. The GMP seal is one of the highest grades of safety and quality for pharmaceuticals and supplements.
How do you choose a good probiotic for your cat?
There are two things to keep in mind when choosing a good probiotic for your cat: the strains of bacteria in the probiotics and the amount of bacteria in the probiotics.
The best bacteria species for cats are Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus Acidophilus. The best probiotics for cats contain multiple strains of these bacterias. The more strains and diversity of helpful bacteria in a probiotic, the better the probiotic.
The amount of bacteria is also an indication of a good probiotic. Good probiotics have high amounts of colony-forming units or CFUs. Cat probiotics could contain anywhere from 1 billion to over 20 billion CFUs. Veterinarians across the board agree the higher the CFUs the better the probiotic.
Can I give my cat human probiotics?
No, you shouldn’t give your cat human probiotics. Human grade probiotics are designed to aid in human digestion and gut health, not feline.
If you want to give your kitty probiotics, your best bet is to pick a cat-specific one. Don’t assume that a human probiotic will work in a cat. This is partially because the microflora found in a cat’s gut is different from that found in humans.
How long does it take for probiotics to work in cats?
This depends on your cat. Probiotics can kick in anywhere from days to weeks. The effectiveness varies from cat to cat and depending on the conditions you’re trying to manage.
Because of this not all brands of probiotics work well in every cat. Cat parents should use their judgment and common sense to see if the probiotic seems to be working. If it’s not then it’s time to try a new brand of probiotic.
Can I give my cat probiotic yogurt?
No. You should not give your cat probiotic yogurt.
For one, these foods are designed to meet human nutritional needs, not feline ones. For another, dairy products are some of the worst foods you could give your cat.
Contrary to those nostalgic storybook images of cats lapping up saucers of cream and then curling up to take a nap, a majority of adult cats are lactose intolerant. They’re unable to digest the sugars and carbs in cow’s milk.
If your kitty ate your probiotic yogurt, they’d most likely experience stomach pains, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Therefore canceling out the purpose and effectiveness of the probiotics in the first place.
Probiotic yogurts also often contain other harmful or even toxic ingredients to cats, like xylitol, a common sugar replacement, and vanilla extract, which usually has small amounts of alcohol in it.
Key takeaway on probiotics for cats
If you want a healthy cat then probiotic supplements are an essential piece in treating common and chronic digestive system ailments in cats and kittens. Probiotics will also give your cat’s overall health a big boost. Now that you’re a pro at decoding feline probiotics you could take action to ensure your kitty has the healthiest digestive and immune system.
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