Among the best probiotics for cats for veterinary use, we find the top 10 choices below. Let’s have a look!
Among many products that are recommended for the proper health of your cat, there are also two well-known categories. They are prebiotics and probiotics that are usually ingested in tablets or powder. They have a beneficial effect on the intestinal flora, regulating the transit of food, fermentation, and absorption. The most obvious effects for the owner in using prebiotics and probiotics are the feces.
Usually, the correct use makes the stool normal, starting from a situation of diarrhea or constipation. In this article, we will evaluate a series of probiotics to find out the best probiotics for cats.
Top 8 Probiotics For Cats You Should Know
Top 1: Purina FortiFlora Cat Probiotic Powder Supplement
Purina FortiFlora is palatable and easily digestible. They are a food supplement for cats fed with traditional food and also for vegan cats. The food supplements or complementary feeds are a mixture of simple feeds that contain some nutrients, such as probiotics in high percentages. Because of their organoleptic composition, they can ensure the daily ratio of nutrients only if we combine with the daily meal.
The so-called natural probiotics for cats are live microorganisms produced based on strains of bacteria. They come from in the cat’s intestine and bring health benefits. We consider probiotic bacteria for cats as a food supplement for intestinal diseases.
In the composition of Purina FortiFlora, there are Prebiotic and Probiotic elements in combination. They restore a normal and functional enteric bacterial flora by rustling in the reactivation of intestinal functions. Purina FortiFlora is available for veterinarians to restore the normal intestinal bacterial flora of the cat.
Pros
- Palatable and easily digestible
- The high amount of probiotics
- Against intestinal diseases
- Reactivation of intestinal
Cons
- Expensive
Top 2: FERA Probiotics for Cats
FERA Probiotics is a complementary food for dogs and cats. This complex comes from micro-encapsulated lactobacilli, hydrolyzed yeasts, colostrum, maltodextrin, fructooligosaccharides, magnesium stearate, and citrus pectins.
The micro-encapsulated FERA Probiotics complex exerts a positive effect on the balance of the intestinal flora ecosystem. It also enhances the immunity of the cat’s body by promoting the antibody response. The colostrum strengthens an inactive immune system by stimulating and modulating immune and aiticorpali responses. Finally, MOS (mannan-oligosaccharides) and FOS (fructooligosaccharides), Pectins, Dextrins with an energizing function and vitamins keep the absorption of nutrients functional.
FERA Probiotics for cats is the ideal food in all cases for the balance of intestinal microbial flora. The disease comes from prolonged drug treatments, environmental stress, a drop in immune defenses, sudden and frequent changes in diet unbalanced diets.
FERA Probiotics is a prophylactic and also therapeutic use for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It has better efficacy in the treatments by administering the probiotic as the antibiotic treatment. It also administers probiotic supplements at different times of the day by associating them with a normal meal or a snack for allergic cats.
Pros
- Premium ingredients
- Remains the balance of the intestinal flora ecosystem
- Enhances the immunity
- Keeps the absorption of nutrients
Cons
- Small capacity
Top 3: Dr. Bill’s Feline Digestive Support
Dr. Bill’s supplement comprises a complex of fructooligosaccharides. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are present in various plant varieties. It performs an important beneficial activity towards the regeneration of the cat’s enteric flora, promoting the growth and development of useful microorganisms such as bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
Dr. Bill’s supplement can purify the body, improve digestion and intestinal absorption of nutrients. The presence of the vitamin B complex exerts an effective protective and stimulating action on liver functions. In cases of constipation, it has a beneficial effect on peristalsis and the transit of feces in the intestinal tract.
The administration of Dr. Bill’s supplement is suitable for animals of any age, physiological condition, in the convalescent phase and can also be prolonged. The composition of this unit performs a rebalancing action on intestinal physiology. It is suitable for all cases where there is a need for normalization of intestinal activity, antibiotic therapies that modify the transit and absorption of nutrients, and intestinal disorders.
Pros
- High effectiveness
- Suitable for animals of any age
- Performs a rebalancing action on intestinal physiology
- Purifies the body and improves digestion
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
Top 4: PetUltimates Probiotics for Cats
PetUltimates Probiotics is the natural probiotic complementary food supplement for kittens and adult cats. It contains the lactic ferment of Enterococcus faecium. The process of microencapsulation ensures as many live bacteria as possible for the gastrointestinal tract.
The supplement promotes the integral functioning of the intestine by maintaining the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora. It also boosts the overall immune system and keeps the cat healthy. The presence of antioxidant vitamins E and C and high levels of beta-carotene help prevent damage from free radicals.
Administration can take place by sprinkling the PetUltimates Probiotics sachet directly on the cat’s food of one sachet per day for at least 30 consecutive days. On the advice of the veterinarian, we can use PetUltimates Probiotics lactic ferments for a longer period after the disappearance of the diarrheal symptom. During treatment with antibiotics or other drugs, the administration of probiotic lactic bacteria should preferably take place other than the antibiotic.
Pros
- Contains the lactic ferment
- Enhances the gastrointestinal tract
- Boosts the immune system
- The high amount of vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Nothing much to say
Top 5: Nutra Thrive Supplement
Nutra Thrive Supplement is not a veterinary drug, but complementary dietary food for cats. It is available in the reduction of acute gastro-intestinal absorption disorders. It happens when accompanied by diarrhea and nutritional dietary support throughout the subsequent convalescence period.
The function of Nutra Thrive Supplement for cats is to support intestinal functions when transiting alterations in progress. It is because of abnormal activity of the entero-intestinal mucosa. It is an effective dietary supplement developed to counteract the intestinal hyper-reactivity of dogs and cats.
The product contains Glutamine that is necessary to protect the lining of the digestive tract, recover and maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. It activates the protection of the integrity of the enteric mucosa. Finally, the supplement maintains the correct degree of permeability and the selective absorption function of nutrients.
Pros
- Reduction of acute gastro-intestinal absorption disorders
- Supports intestinal functions
- Protects the lining of the digestive tract
- Activates the protection of the immunity
Cons
- Many cats dislike the taste
Top 6: Proviable-DC Probiotic Supplement
Proviable-DC is a probiotic food supplement for dogs and cats obtained by natural fermentation of cereals such as wheat, barley, and rye enriched with inulin extracted from chicory. Proviable-DC contains fermented yeasts essential for the supply of vitamin B (Cyanocobalamin or Vitamin B12). They are essential for the animal’s body, especially for the intestinal microflora. These nutrients handle a nutritional effect that favors the general health of your cat.
It also contains lactobacilli that are essential for maintaining the balance of bacterial flora. The supplement also promotes better digestion to create a real physical barrier against bacteria. Thus, it prevents the onset of gastrointestinal diseases. After taking Proviable-DC, yeasts and lactobacilli perform a joint and synergistic action.
The prebiotics present in Proviable-DC being dietary fiber. They are not digested by intestinal enzymes and pass through the intestine. It colonizes the intestine microbiota, favors the selective growth of good bacteria, and improves the balance between good and pathogenic bacteria.
Pros
- 100% natural ingredients
- The supply of vitamin B
- Maintains the balance of bacterial flora
- Promotes better digestion
- Prevents the onset of gastrointestinal diseases
Cons
- Poor customer service
Top 7: Probios Vet Plus Powder
Probios powder is a nutritional supplement that acts by regulating the intestinal bacterial flora of dogs and cats for easier absorption of nutrients. This ferment supplement works to promote digestion and restore intestinal balance altered by drug treatments. It also stimulates the reactivity of the immune system, thanks to its innovative formulation.
The supplement improves intestinal absorption and enhances rapid recovery of intestinal function after gastrointestinal diseases. It optimizes the absorption and digestion of the food ration and restores the efficiency of the intestinal ecosystem.
Pros
- Easier absorption of nutrients
- Promotes digestion
- Restores intestinal balance
- Promotes rapid recovery
Cons
- Contains aluminum as an anti-caking agent
Top 8: All-in-One Cat Probiotics
All-in-One Probiotic is a regulator of the intestinal flora for cats. The tablets are useful in cases of dysmicrobism resulting from diarrhea, motility disorders, stress, intensely physical and competitive activity. It is also effective in case of environmental or dietary changes, particular pharmacological treatments, food poisoning, and organic debilitation.
All-in-One Cat Probiotics Supplement is available for the reduction of acute intestinal absorption disorders. It is also the nutritional support for a normal and efficient intestinal microbial flora during acute diarrhea and subsequent convalescence periods. Finally, the product contains an increased level of electrolytes and highly digestible ingredients.
Pros
- Prevents from diarrhea, motility disorders, and stress
- Reduction of acute intestinal absorption disorders
- Contains electrolytes and digestible ingredients
Cons
- Low effectiveness
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are real bacteria. The desired bacteria are not fed but put directly into the cat’s body by selected and non-pathogenic strains. For the living organisms, the cat’s digestive system could kill them all. It is why we must pay attention to the probiotics when they are given.
First, we always give probiotics only on an empty stomach. If we give probiotics on an empty stomach, they stay a little in the stomach. It kills a few of them and they will arrive safely in the intestine. Because the gut is a supportive environment, they grow and develop at the expense of bad bacterial populations.
Benefits of Probiotics for Cats
They define probiotics as live microbial foods suited to animal nutrition. In this specific case, the host is your cat. There are currently many benefits attributed to the probiotics in the intestines of our pets. For example, some benefits of probiotics for cats are:
- Inhibition of the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause infections
- Treatment of diarrhea and decrease in the incidence of diarrhea and other digestive pathologies
- Reduction of allergies
- Increased absorption of nutrients
- Reduction of intestinal permeability
- Reduction of intestinal inflammation
- Stimulation of the body’s defense powers (immunity)
Important Features to consider
The colonization of the probiotics occurs with the first feeding of the newborn. Through feeding, the volatile bacteria and those present on the maternal breast reach the intestinal lumen. The predominance of one strain over another occurs through the interaction of antibodies and prebiotics in breast milk.
Therefore, it is possible to define that the intestinal bacterial flora is a subjective characteristic influenced both by genetics and by the surrounding environment.
Returning to the choice of the probiotic, the answer is simple. By exploiting the bacterial strains already present in the intestine, it is good practice to use a multi-purpose probiotic. In this way, you can be sure of integrating the missing microorganisms. Then, the unsuitable ones will be repressed by your intestinal bacterial flora.
FAQs
Which probiotic should I give my cat?
There are several types of probiotic supplements made for pets available both online and at the pharmacy. These include:
- Powdered probiotics, which can be added to your cat’s food every day
- Capsules or chilled liquids, which can be opened when needed and added to your cat’s meals or homemade snacks.
- Freeze-dried probiotics
- Chewable Probiotics
Are human antibiotics safe for cats?
In most cases, yes. Some people choose to give their cat the same probiotic supplements they use, although the dosage may need to be adjusted depending on the pet’s weight. It is safe to give full-dose human probiotics to cats weighing 18 pounds or more. But a lower dosage should be given to cats weighing less. One sign that your cats taking too many probiotics is the onset of diarrhea / loose stools. Some veterinarians recommend owners opt for a probiotic designed specifically for cats, as it should contain the most effective strains and doses.
When buying, check on the label how many live bacteria the probiotic contains. As for storage methods, it is important to read the recommendations on the label. Some species need to be refrigerated to survive and preserve their effectiveness. Also, check the expiration date and store probiotic supplements in a well-sealed cool place.
Probiotics are compatible with food or on an empty stomach, although they may be most effective when taken alone between meals without food. If you are giving your cat probiotics to help manage digestive issues, we should take them with meals. If the administration takes place between meals, try to administer them with a little water. It promotes the dilution of stomach acid, facilitating the survival of the strains as they pass through the digestive tract.
Do cats need probiotics every day?
The cat can take probiotics both in the short and long term, depending on the state of health and the reaction to them. The best approach is always to follow the dosage and duration of treatment instructions on the label. Each product works slightly differently from the others. So, ask your veterinarian’s opinion.
Another suggestion to increase the effectiveness of probiotics for cats is to give your pet a prebiotic supplement. It contains ingredients that can help feed the probiotic bacteria by promoting their proliferation in the intestine. Prebiotics are selectively fermented in the gastrointestinal tract. It allows for specific changes in the composition and activity of the healthy microbiota found in probiotic supplements.
