Cats, like humans, need a healthy digestive system. And in the same way, probiotics work for us, they’ll work for your cat too. Carry on reading to find out what the benefits are for your kitty’s digestive health, our top 5 picks, and of course, our popular ‘FAQ’ section that answers the most commonly asked questions. Just in case you’re wondering, we do have a favorite, and it’s Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Cats.
Cat probiotics don’t get much better than Pet Ultimates Probiotics. This particular brand contains 5 billion CFUs per scoop and as many as 20 different types of good bacteria. But that’s not all. The formula also includes beta-glucan, which works to strengthen your cat’s immune system as well as an enzyme called alpha-galactosidase. This vital ingredient helps with the breaking down and digesting of fat, complex sugars, and carbohydrates, while also reducing IBD, inflammation, and bloating.
It’s worth noting that there are no artificial flavors, sugar, wheat, soy, or fillers of any kind, and just a single dose a day will help with your cat’s diarrhea, vomiting and excess shedding. What we like:
- It contains 5 billion CFUs and 20 types of bacteria
- The supplement includes beta-glucan for a healthy immune system, as well as alpha-galactosidase which aids with the digestion of complex sugars, carbohydrates, and fat
- Your cat only needs 1/8th of a teaspoon a day, which makes this product good value for money
What we don't like:
- The powder does have a slight smell to it, so it's probably not the best choice for particularly fussy felines
Nutramax Proviable Health Supplement for Cats and Dogs is safe, and more importantly, effective for both dogs and cats. It’s popular with cat owners and vets alike and is one of the best probiotics for cats with diarrhea available on Amazon. The capsule contains 6 billion CFUs and is especially good for treating stress-induced diarrhea or diarrhea brought on by antibiotics, reactions to food, or a weak immune system.
If your pet is experiencing a particularly severe bout of diarrhea, you can use the supplement in conjunction with the Proviable-KP paste to quickly restore the bacterial bacteria. Giving your cat Nutramax Proviable every day will help regulate his bowel movements and get his intestines back to health.
What we like:
- It is an excellent probiotic for diarrhea
- It can be used in conjunction with Proviable-KP paste to restore your cat's digestive health quickly and safely
- It is effective for both cats and dogs
- The capsule has no smell or taste and can be given to picky eaters in a treat Relief is almost immediate
What we don't like:
- Some reviews mention that the capsules are prone to breaking when you remove them from the packaging
If your cat suffers from IBD, then Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora Cat Probiotic Supplement could be just what he needs. The individual sachets are convenient and easy to use, and each dose contains 100 million CFUs. The supplement is a popular choice among vets and is considered to be one of the best probiotics for cats currently available.
Purina Pro Plan costs a little more than some of the other probiotics out there, but we think it’s worth the investment, especially when you see your kitty’s health improving.
What we like:
- The individually packaged sachets are convenient and easy to use It comes highly recommended by vets
- Because it's odorless and doesn't have a taste, it's a good option for even the pickiest eater
What we don't like:
- It is one of the more expensive supplements on the market
Some cats refuse (as only a cat can) to ingest a supplement in any form, whether it’s a powder, pill, or paste. If this sounds like your pet, then we suggest giving him special food that comes complete with probiotics. This way, even if he only eats a small amount, you know he’s still getting some beneficial bacteria into his system. Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Adult Dry Cat Food is tasty, smells good, and fortified with probiotics for your cat’s digestive tract.
It’s also packed with protein, essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants, including omega 6, vitamin A and E, linoleic acid, and taurine. We like that this pet food does two jobs and is one less thing for you to have to worry about.
What we like:
- Because probiotics are already included in the ingredients, it's one less thing for you to worry about
- This dry food is rich in protein and contains all the essentials vitamins and minerals cats need to stay healthy
- It's an affordable and easy way to ensure your cat is getting the probiotics he needs in his diet
What we don't like:
- As is always the case, how much your cat likes this will depend on his personal preference. It seems some don't like taste or smell
We like that it is a good source of folic acid and is suitable for cats at different life stages, including kittens and older cats. If you're looking for and dogs.
What we like:
- This supplement is suitable for cats in all their life stages, including kittens and seniors
- It contains a whopping 38 billion CFUs
- It's ideal for fussy felines because it doesn't have a strong odor or taste
What we don't like:
- According to some reviews, it's not the best value for money
The Benefits of Probiotics for Cats
Studies show that some illnesses, like diarrhea and vomiting, can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your cat’s stomach, as can certain medical treatments. Live bacteria, like the kind you find in probiotics, restores the natural balance in your kitty’s gut and helps reduce or even eliminate a wide range of gastrointestinal issues.
But did you know there are other benefits too? Let’s take a look and see what they are.
Helps Treat IBD and other Gastrointestinal Issues
Over processed or rendered commercial food doesn’t contain essential micro-nutrients, which means cats are prone to gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, inflammation, and IBD. Because ongoing issues in your cat’s intestinal tract can lead to more serious illnesses, like GI Lymphoma, it’s better to treat the problem, rather than mask the symptoms.
Helps Keep Your Cat’s Immune System Healthy
A healthy immune system means a body that’s fighting fit, but what happens when the immune system itself is jeopardized? Beneficial bacteria, like the ones found in probiotics, will help improve your kitty’s gut health, and as a result, strengthen his immune system.
Helps Keep Your Cat’s Heart Healthy
Believe it or not, there’s a connection between cats’ digestive health and their heart. If your cat has cardio problems, your vet might suggest a diet that’s low in fat, as well as a probiotic supplement. These changes will help reduce his cholesterol levels.
Helps Manage Your Cat’s Weight
While a probiotic alone won’t help your pet lose weight, having a healthy microbiome will ensure the maximum absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. And a kitty that’s getting proper nutrition will have loads of energy, be active and burn calories naturally.
Helps Restore the Balance After Your Cat’s Taken Antibiotics
After a course of antibiotics, doctors will recommend a probiotic. This is because they destroy the good bacteria. The same applies to cats. Studies show that the right type of probiotics will help restore enterococcus and bifidobacterium bifidumare, to keep your feline healthy and happy.
Adding a probiotic to your cat’s diet will also help with:
- Excess shedding
- Hairballs
- Allergies
- Yeast infections
What are Probiotics?
The easiest way to explain what probiotics are and what they do is to think of them like little soldiers, swooping in and defeating the enemy, which happens to be the harmful bacteria that reside in our gut. Keeping this balance right helps improve our digestive health and strengthens our immune systems. They also play an essential role in keeping serious health issues away, such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, and even heart disease.
Probiotic supplements for cats work in much the same way. So if your puddy tat is struggling with diarrhea, vomiting, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or hairballs, you might want to consider including probiotic supplements in his diet.
Probiotics for Cats: A Buying Guide
Knowing that probiotic bacteria will help improve the health of your cat’s digestive tract is one thing, but how do you choose the correct supplement for your kitty? You take a look at our buying guide, of course.
Types of Probiotics
Probiotics are available as a powder or a pill. But you can also get them in gel form, as chews or as a paste. If your pet is notoriously difficult when it comes to administering medication, you can even get a probiotic-enriched treat in a flavor he might enjoy. Alternatively, you could change his food to one that contains probiotics.
Strain of Probiotics
Different probiotics contain different strains, and what works for humans, or dogs for that matter, won’t necessarily for cats. Supplements formulated for felines contain Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus, while those for dogs include the strain Lactobacillus. Otherwise, you could go for a probiotic that’s made specifically for dogs and cats. These will contain five or more strains.
Colony Forming Units (CFUs)
Veterinarians suggest you check the label to see how many colony-forming units (CFUs) are in the supplement. It’s a case of the more, the better. Ideally, the probiotic you choose for your pet should have, at the absolute minimum, is 10 million CFUs. But for the best results, look for one that is in the billions.
Seal of Approval
We always recommend going for products that have been approved by an industry group. This is your guarantee that the product has been evaluated and meets all the necessary standards. As far as probiotics go, you want to choose one that has the National Animal Supplement Council (or NASC) seal of approval.
Price
Now, more than ever, we’re all aware of the cost of things. And you should keep it in mind when shopping for cat probiotics too. We’re not saying that you should go for the cheapest product on the market, but it’s worth shopping around to find an affordable option.
Frequently asked Questions
Should cats have probiotics?
If your cat is healthy and doesn’t suffer from IBD, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or excessive shedding, then he probably doesn’t need probiotics. But if you’re one of those owners that have a kitty with ongoing GI issues, then your veterinarian might suggest trying them out.
Can I give my cat yogurt as a probiotic?
Chances are if you’ve been on antibiotics, your doctor has suggested you add some yogurt to your diet to restore the bacterial balance. It’ll work for your feline, too, but it’s important to remember that the best probiotic yogurt for cats is one that’s natural and sugar-free. Of course, if he is sensitive to dairy, then it goes without saying that this isn’t the best option for him.
How long does it take for probiotics to work in cats?
Because you can’t see the bacterial strains at work, there’s no way of knowing whether or not they’re working. There are also no definitive clinical studies or claims to show how long it takes for probiotics to start working. However, most cat owners say they notice a difference after three to five days. Sings that they are working depends on the cat’s symptoms, but could be a firmer stool, less vomiting, or fewer hairballs.
Can I give human probiotics to my cat?
Giving your cat human probiotics is considered relatively safe, but it’s not recommended. Cats have a very different digestive system to humans and need different bacterial strains to keep their digestive tracts healthy and functioning correctly. Rather than giving your pet a supplement designed for you, we would suggest using a probiotic that has undergone clinical testing.
Can probiotics help cat constipation?
Yes. A probiotic for cats will help with constipation, runny, or loose stools, as well as other GI problems, including IBD. If your kitty is experiencing chronic constipation, you should consider changing over to a special food that targets this particular problem. Also, studies show that drinking fresh water throughout the day will help keep constipation away.
Even though it’s common for cats to struggle with various gastrointestinal issues, it doesn’t have to be the norm. The right probiotics, together with a diet that targets any special needs and access to freshwater, will get his intestine health back on ‘tract’ and get rid of your litter box blues. Remember, when in doubt, you can ask your vet for more information, and always make sure any changes to your cat’s diet are done slowly.
