Choosing the Best Probiotics for Cats: 3 Favorites from Dr. Angie

Let’s talk about probiotics for cats! Tummy troubles are really common in cats and can be a source of distress for you and your kitty. While vomiting or diarrhea is certainly common in cats, it is definitely not normal. To learn  more about why your cat might be having tummy trouble, you can read my article on my sister site, Natural Cat Vet. 

No matter the reason for the vomit piles on your carpet, probiotics can help kitties feel better faster. Even if your kitty is not experiencing any symptoms of tummy upset, probiotics for cats can help improve their digestive health, immune function and even mental health. 

Just like people, cats have a gut full of bacteria and yeast that help digest food. This collection of bacteria and yeast is called the microbiome. Balancing your cat’s microbiome is a vital component to a robust immune system, decreased inflammation, and mental well-being.   All of your cat’s body systems are affected by the balance of this bacteria. 

When cats receive antibiotics, suffer from viral illnesses and parasites, have inflammation of the intestines or pancreas, the balance of their microbiome can be negatively impacted. Probiotics for cats are special bacteria that can help restore this balance over time and can relieve symptoms.

How do I choose a probiotic for my cat?

Probiotics for cats come in single strain or multiple strain formulations. Healthy bacteria strains can be derived from soil or non-soil bases. Bacterial strains from soil tend to set up shop in your cat’s intestines more easily because they are hardy and can survive in many different environments. I recommend rotating through different types of probiotics to help your cat achieve a diverse microbiome. 

The probiotic you choose for your cat should contain at least one billion colony forming units (CFU). This tells you how many bacteria are in each dose of probiotics. 

Here are my three favorite probiotics for cats:

1. Rx Biotic. This probiotic is a multistrain non-soil based formula. For cats, I recommend starting with a pinch of Rx Biotic on food twice daily. Wet or raw food is the easiest way to administer this powder. Increase the amount of powder gradually to ½ scoop twice daily if your kitty will allow it! This bottle will last for months and is overall a great value. 

2. Probiotic Support Powder. This probiotic formulation is a multistrain soil based formula. Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis are hardy bacteria and can more easily make a home in your cat’s intestinal tract. This formula also contains a beneficial yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, to help populate your cat’s microbiome with the good stuff! This is one of my favorite probiotics for maintenance and digestive health. For cats, I recommend starting with a pinch on food twice daily just like the Rx Biotic. 

3. Visbiome. This is a multistrain probiotic with a mix of soil and non-soil based bacteria. This is a great probiotic for diarrhea, especially in young cats. I don’t carry this in my store as it requires refrigeration before and after opening, but it is one I have in my refrigerator at all times to be on rotation for my own kitties. 

Which probiotic should I choose?

You don’t have to choose! You can use a couple of different probiotics at a time or rotate through to a new probiotic after each bottle. I use all three formulas for my patients and recommend cat guardians rotate probiotics to create diversity in their cat’s microbiome. 

How long will it take for probiotics to help my cat?

If your cat is suffering from diarrhea, you are likely in a hurry to resolve your kitty’s symptoms. For some cats, probiotics can stop diarrhea within a week. For others, probiotics may take months to effectively alter your cat’s microbiome. Be patient and don’t hesitate to pair probiotics with other treatments and diet changes. 

Still have questions? Leave a comment below or grab a time on my calendar so I can make a personalized plan for your kitty!

Hugs,

Dr. Angie