8 Best Cat Probiotics in 2025, Recommended by Vets
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, typically bacteria and yeast, that live in your cat’s gut and contribute to a healthy gastrointestinal system. Cats should be able to maintain the balance of “good” bacteria naturally.
However, sometimes an imbalance can occur due to things like antibiotics or a change in diet, which can cause diarrhea in cats, gas, and other issues. In that case, your vet might recommend a cat probiotic supplement.
Probiotics for cats come in different forms, formulations, and doses. While there are plenty of feline probiotics on the market, they aren’t all created equal.
To help you choose, we consulted our expert veterinary panel for their recommendations on the best cat probiotics.
But before giving your cat any probiotic, even the ones on this list, you’ll want to chat with your vet to make sure it’s the right choice for your pet’s specific situation.
What To Look for When Choosing Cat Probiotics
NASC Seal
Our vets recommend looking for products with the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal, as they certify supplement companies for pets.
NASC works to make sure supplements are up to state, federal, and international standards.
They require an adverse event reporting system, meaning member companies must keep track of negative side effects or health problems related to animal supplements.
Company Reputation
A reputable veterinary brand that does research and development is crucial. However, how do you know what’s considered “reputable” in the veterinary world?
According to our vets, a reputable brand will meet many of these guidelines:
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The company has a history of producing clinical studies that support their data for products, and they engage with and consult licensed veterinarians.
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The company has a board-certified veterinary subject matter expert who is fully employed and engaged in their creative product design and clinical research.
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The company offers approved continuing education and/or has a licensed veterinary professional who offers education on their product line.
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The company uses a third-party non-profit organization like the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) to ensure that what is on the label consistently matches the product.
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The company does research and development on their products and has peer-reviewed studies showing the efficacy of their products. (Nutramax, for example, meets this guideline.)
Form of Probiotic
The form of the probiotic is important because you need to be sure that your cat will actually take the supplement.
If your cat loves treats, a probiotic chew might be a good option. You could also add a powder probiotic to one of their favorite treats or to a food topper, which has the added benefit of increasing palatability.
(Note: Our vets advise against adding supplements directly to the food itself since it may cause a lifelong aversion to that food.)
If your cat won’t eat because they lack an appetite, are a picky eater, or can tell that their food or treat has been somehow altered, you might want to consider a liquid or capsule.
Flavor
If your cat isn’t overly food-motivated or they’re a picky eater, you might need to be strategic about flavor. Feline probiotics come in unflavored forms, but you can also get salmon-, liver-, or chicken-flavored probiotics.
If your cat likes the flavor, it might be easier to get them to take these supplements.
Frequency of Dose
Our veterinary experts also say frequency of the dose matters. Most products will have at least 100 million CFUs (colony-forming units) per gram, while extremely potent probiotics, such as Proviable, can have up to 5 billion CFUs per gram.
The dose (aka the amount you give at any one time) for a given probiotic will be the same for all cats, regardless of their size, but the frequency in which you give the dose will depend on your cat’s specific issues, so make sure to check with your vet.
Strain Variety
Different strains of probiotics produce specific desired effects, so picking an appropriate probiotic that’s clinically proven for a specific purpose is important. Check with your vet to learn which strains are best for your cat’s specific issues.
How We Selected the Best Cat Probiotics
This list of the best cat probiotics was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD. They were asked to choose the best cat probiotics in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
- Their knowledge and practical experience
- A review of information published by the manufacturers
- Attributes such as potency, diversity of prebiotic strains, and company reputation around testing and research
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of vets and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decision for their pets.
Cat Probiotics FAQs
Q: Should I be giving my cat probiotics?
A: It depends. Your vet might recommend a probiotic if your cat is vomiting, is experiencing diarrhea, or has a loss of appetite. Other common reasons why your vet might recommend a probiotic for your cat include GI upset, skin concerns, or upper respiratory issues.
Make sure to check with your vet before giving your cat probiotics to see whether it’s the right choice for your kitty.
Q: How often should I give a probiotic to my cat?
A: It depends on your cat’s situation. You can give your cat probiotics daily, over a predetermined course, or long-term if they have a chronic issue. Always check with your vet before deciding on the frequency.
It can sometimes take up to six weeks of probiotic use to start seeing results, according to one of our vets.
Q: What are the side effects of probiotics for cats?
A: Side effects are uncommon but can include diarrhea, allergies, or symptoms of stress.
Our Vet Pick: Best in Show
Our panel of pet health experts likes FortiFlora for its simplicity and efficacy.
This liver-flavored powder supplement relies on one probiotic strain, Enterococcus faecium, which has been proven to lessen GI issues in cats on certain antibiotics and helps some cats with feline herpesvirus 1. It also contains taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid that helps with digestion.
The panel likes that it is microencapsulated (coated to protect against stomach acid), which allows it to withstand the harsh acidic conditions of digestion, keeping the probiotics stable enough to travel to the lower digestive tract, where they’ll get to work.
Appropriate for cats of all ages, this NASC-certified powder formula is easy to administer to those who have an appetite: Simply add it to one of their treats, or mix it into a food topper and then add the topper to their normal food.
“I always have a box of FortiFlora packets at home for my cats, and I start it at the first sign of diarrhea or loose stool,” says panelist Molly Price, DVM.
- Microencapsulated to protect probiotics from stomach acid
- Has taurine to support digestion and heart health
- NASC-certified to ensure quality control
- Has a powder formula ideal for food-motivated cats
- Contains 100 million CFUs per sachet
- Contains only one strain of probiotics
Our Vet Pick: Best Powder Probiotic for Cats
Advita has a mix of several strains of good bacteria: Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bacillus coagulans. Because it might cover more bases than a probiotic with just one strain, it could help cats with multiple issues.
As with FortiFlora, the probiotics are microencapsulated to keep them stable while reaching the lower digestive system, where they can flourish.
It also contains the amino acid taurine; vitamins A, E, and C; and a prebiotic (inulin), which are dietary fibers that serve as food for the healthy bacteria that live in the digestive system, supporting their growth and overall gut health.
Panelist Hannah Hart, DVM, is a big fan of the added vitamins, especially for cats with skin issues.
“Advita is a great powder probiotic option because this particular probiotic is also good for skin in addition to gut health,” she says. “The addition of vitamin E helps support skin and coat, and vitamins A and C act as antioxidants to decrease inflammation in the skin associated with multiple conditions.”
The flavored powder is a good option for cats who are food-motivated, as it can be easy to add into food with a food topper, but it can be a challenge for pet parents whose cats have no appetite.
It’s also worth noting that this product does not carry the NASC seal of approval like many others on the list do.
- Has multiple strains of probiotics
- Contains prebiotics, which help the probiotics thrive
- Microencapsulated to protect probiotics from stomach acid
- Has taurine to support digestion
- Has vitamins A, E, and C, which can help with immunity and skin issues
- Contains 200 million CFUs per packet
- Has a powder formula ideal for food-motivated cats
- Does not carry the NASC seal of approval
Our Vet Pick: Best Chewable Probiotic for Cats
Food-motivated cats might love these duck-flavored chewables, which are packed with a probiotic and prebiotic (which help the good bacteria thrive).
The probiotic in this chew is Bacillus coagulans, which helps with digestion and fights off the growth of unwanted bacteria. Containing only one probiotic strain, this treat might be better used for daily maintenance than as a treatment for a chronic or acute problem.
The prebiotic is fructooligosaccharides, which feed good bacteria in the gut.
Our veterinary panel loves that these soft chews work for cats of any age and carry the NASC seal of approval.
- Has a soft chew form easy for daily dosing and ideal for food-motivated cats
- Contains one strain of probiotics
- Contains 120 million CFUs per chew
- NASC-certified to ensure quality control
- Has a long list of ingredients, including soy and gluten
Our Vet Pick: Best Liquid, Gel, or Paste
This potent kit includes probiotic paste and capsules—each with seven strains of probiotics, as well as prebiotics, to aid in active digestive issues like diarrhea.
The paste also includes pectin and kaolin, which are naturally occurring substances that coat and soothe the digestive tract to help firm up stool.
A paste probiotic can be helpful in cases when a cat is not eating well, according to registered veterinary technician Brianne Binkley, RVT. It can be given directly by mouth and is more difficult for cats to spit out than a chew or pill is.
Pet parents who struggle to give their cats pills can open the capsules and mix the contents into a food topper, which can then be added to their regular food.
While this product does not carry the NASC seal of approval, our vets vouch for it. “Unlike [some] others on this list, this one is not NASC approved but is a trusted veterinary brand with more than 30 years’ experience with veterinary supplements and high-quality in-house testing,” says panelist Veronica Higgs, DVM.
- Contains multiple strains of probiotics to help multiple issues at once
- Has prebiotics to help good bacteria thrive
- Has a pill and paste combo that might make administration easier
- Paste contains 500 million CFUs per gram; capsule contains 5 billion CFUs per capsule
- Does not carry the NASC seal of approval
Our Vet Pick: Best Powder Probiotic for Cats
Kittens can experience digestive issues as they get used to new food, adjust to new situations, and develop their immune system. For help restoring balance and soothing symptoms, our panel recommends Nutramax Proviable probiotic and prebiotic capsules.
It contains seven strains of beneficial bacteria, as well as prebiotics, which encourage the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system.
“We recommend this probiotic for kittens, especially those going through stressful situations like moves to a new home or spay and neuter surgery,” says Stephanie Howe, DVM. “Those cats tend to have a predisposition to contract or display viral symptoms, and this immune support probiotic can help to decrease signs and symptoms of some viral disease processes.”
That said, it’s important to note that kittens with vomiting and diarrhea can have other underlying medical concerns, such as intestinal parasites or foreign bodies (from eating things they shouldn’t).
“So, it is important to check with your vet any time a kitten has vomiting, diarrhea, or a lack of appetite,” says Dr. Higgs.
While some pet parents might find it difficult to give their kitten a pill, it might be the only option if your kitten isn’t eating. However, if your kitten can still get down soft food, you can open these capsules and mix the powder into a topper to then add to their food.
Again, while Proviable does not carry the NASC seal of approval, our health experts stand by the Nutramax brand.
“Nutramax is a fantastic company that does significant research to ensure that their products are truly helping pets,” adds Dr. Howe.
- Contains multiple strains of probiotics that might be helpful for multiple issues
- Contains prebiotics to help good bacteria thrive
- Comes in capsules, ideal for cats with no appetite
- Capsules can be opened to sprinkle on food for cats who are still eating
- Contains 5 billion CFUs per capsule
- Does not carry the NASC seal of approval
Our Vet Pick: Best Budget Probiotic for Cats
For pet parents on a budget, our panel recommends Vetnique Labs Glandex Anal Gland Support powder. Carrying the NASC seal of approval, it contains a single strain of bacteria, Enterococcus faecium, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation.
The powder formula is also a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which not only aid in digestion but also help cats empty their anal glands.
Though it’s not very common for cats to have anal gland issues, they can happen in cats with infections, overweight cats who don’t exercise a lot and don’t empty their glands well, or cats who don’t have enough fiber in their diet.
Plus, this formula is hypoallergenic with vegan salmon flavor, which is ideal for cats on elimination diets or in need of limited ingredient diets.
- Small daily dose extends the product longer
- Hypoallergenic
- Carries the NASC seal of approval
- Contains one strain of probiotics
- Has added fiber, which is helpful for some cats but could be hard on the digestive system of others
- Comes in a powder formula, ideal for food-motivated cats
Our Vet Pick: Calming Cat Probiotic
There’s a connection between the gut and the brain, and it appears that, under certain circumstances, probiotics can help promote calmness in cats.
Our veterinary panel’s pick for the best calming cat probiotic uses the Bifidobacterium longum (BL999) strain of probiotic to help cats maintain calm behavior.
“This is a great probiotic to use in situations like introducing cats [to each other], moving, and stressful travel,” says Dr. Hart.
It’s also formulated to improve a cat’s immune response to feline herpesvirus by helping to decrease their response to stress, making it ideal for cats who get herpesvirus flare-ups.
This stress-reducing support may also be beneficial for other stress-induced conditions such as feline upper respiratory syndrome and feline lower urinary tract disease.
Our pet health experts not only recommend this liver-flavored powder, which carries the NASC seal of approval, but they also use it on their own pets.
“I start my kitty on Calming Care a few weeks before a stressful event, including when we go out of town … and I continue it for at least a week after the stressful event is over to help him with the transition to his normal routine,” says Dr. Price.
- Contains one specific probiotic strain to help cats maintain calm behavior
- Can help reduce sneezing and flare-ups in cats with feline herpesvirus
- Contains vitamin E, which is good for the skin
- Carries the NASC seal of approval
- Contains 1 billion CFUs per sachet
Our Vet Pick: Best Cat Food With Probiotics
This cat food is fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health, but it’s its groundbreaking ability to reduce allergens that helped this food clinch the top spot on our list.
Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is the first and only cat food designed to reduce the allergen in cats’ saliva that triggers allergies in humans. The allergen, Fel d 1, is typically found on a cat’s hair and dander, which can aggravate your allergies if you’re sensitive to cats.
LiveClear is formulated with a protein sourced from eggs that helps neutralize Fel d 1, so you can snuggle your cat without sneezing.
Though this product isn’t formulated specifically for gut issues, it’s formulated with the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans (600 million CFU/lb) to support digestive health.
“Purina LiveClear would indeed be an ideal choice for pet parents with cats who have GI issues like a sensitive stomach and who want to manage cat allergies in people in the household,” says Dr. Howe.
- Helps reduce the allergen in cat saliva that triggers cat allergies in humans
- Contains a single strain of probiotics to support digestive health
- Contains 600 million CFUs per pound of food