Probiotics are live beneficial microorganisms that can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome when provided in adequate amounts. Your cat's digestive tract hosts billions of bacteria that aid digestion, produce certain vitamins, compete with harmful pathogens, and influence immune function. Probiotics may be beneficial after antibiotic therapy (which disrupts gut flora), during dietary transitions, or for cats with chronic digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease or recurrent diarrhea. Common probiotic species used for cats include Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium, and certain Lactobacillus strains.
There is no established daily requirement for probiotics in cats. If your veterinarian recommends them, feline-specific probiotic supplements are preferable to human products, as they contain bacterial strains adapted to the feline gut. A small amount of plain yogurt can provide some probiotic benefit, but dedicated veterinary probiotics are more effective.
Probiotics are not essential nutrients and have no deficiency syndrome. However, an imbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis) may manifest as chronic soft stools, flatulence, intermittent diarrhea, or poor nutrient absorption.
Probiotics are generally very safe for cats. Mild gastrointestinal upset (gas or loose stools) can occur initially when introducing probiotics but typically resolves within a few days.
Prebiotics serve as food for probiotic bacteria, helping them establish and flourish in the gut. Providing both together (called synbiotics) is more effective than either alone for supporting gut health.
What this means: If supporting your cat's gut health, combining a probiotic supplement with a prebiotic fiber source like pumpkin provides the best results. Many veterinary probiotic products already include prebiotics for this reason.
