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.