Last updated May 2, 2024
Sarah Zimmerman / Cats.com
We’ve chosen Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotic Cat Supplement as the best cat supplement on the market because it’s a veterinarian-recommended, widely-used nutritional supplement that’s appropriate for all cats.
Since all cats have different needs, our product roundup includes the best probiotic supplement, urinary tract health supplement, multivitamin, and fish oil.
To choose the best vitamins and supplements on the market, we evaluated the most popular products on Amazon and Chewy, tested the authenticity of their reviews, and read relevant discussions from veterinarians and pet nutrition experts.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Cat Vitamins and Supplements
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotic Cat Supplement
- Highly-rated and recommended by veterinarians
- Contains probiotics for overall health
- Supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and taurine
Open Farm Bone Broth
- Rich in collagen and health-boosting nutrients
- Low in fat and calories
- Great way to add moisture and flavor to cat food
Tomlyn Felovite II Nutritional Gel Cat & Kitten Supplement
- Contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Appetizing fish flavor that cats enjoy
- Low price
Vet’s Preferred Cat Urinary Tract Chews
- Formulated to support urinary tract health
- Made with natural, plant-based ingredients
- Also supports kidney and heart function
Feline Prime
- Easy to administer powdered formula
- Made with beef bone broth
- Contains 2 billion CFUs of probiotics
Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
- Made with 100% wild-caught Alaskan salmon
- Rich source of EPA and DHA
- Supports skin, coat, eyes, joints, and digestion
Nusentia Probiotic Miracle for Dogs and Cats
- Synergized with prebiotics for maximum efficacy
- A well-known and popular supplement
- High CFU count
Animal Nutritional Products UroMAXX Urinary, Kidney & Bladder Dog & Cat Supplement
- Many customers say that the supplement treated their cats’ urinary tract conditions or helped to prevent recurrence
- Palatable flavor
- Appears to be safe for all cats
Top Picks Explained
Why Trust Cats.com
Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time studying feline biology, primarily from a nutritional perspective. To write this piece, I dug into the topic of feline digestive health, relying on scientific publications and resources like the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and the NIH’s in-depth report on probiotics.
To identify the best vitamins and supplements for cats, I examined product listings, cat health forums, and customer reviews. And because the vitamins and supplements space is plagued by fake customer reviews, I also put the reviews’ veracity to the test on FakeSpot.com.
Throughout the process, I consulted veterinary experts to learn more about the role vitamins can play in supporting digestive health and how to identify trustworthy products.
Do Cats Really Need Vitamins and Supplements?
Sherry Sanderson, DVM, PhD, of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, says that “there are some circumstances where a cat has an underlying condition that may warrant a supplement,” adding that supplements may not help at all due to a lack of testing or proven efficacy. Sanderson says that “many supplements are untested and unproven in veterinary medicine.”
Vitamins supplementation may be necessary for cats with certain conditions.
Also Read: 10 Best Joint Supplements for Cats
Some diseases inhibit nutrient absorption, which necessitates vitamin supplementation. Cats with allergies or pregnant cats may benefit from other supplements.
Ultimately, the requirement for cat vitamins and supplements is one that you can only determine on an individual basis. Consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to find the right supplement for your cat.
Types of Vitamins and Supplements
Here’s a quick summary of the types of supplements your cat might need.
Vitamins and Multivitamins
Multivitamins commonly contain B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, and the amino acid taurine. These are naturally present in fresh, raw, or cooked and fortified food, but some cats may require a boost due to excess urination, dietary deficiencies, or nutrient absorption problems. Your vet can help you determine if your cat has these health or dietary problems.
If you determine that your cat needs a multivitamin, decide whether you’ll give them a pill, chewable tablet, powder, or gel. Generally, supplement gels are the most palatable and receive the highest customer ratings, but they tend to contain corn syrup and other sugary ingredients that cats don’t need.
Can You Give Your Cat Too Much of a Vitamin?
Talk to your veterinarian before adding vitamins to your cat’s diet.
Most vitamins are water-soluble and will pass out of your cat’s body and into their litter box, meaning that the biggest problem you’ll encounter is what some describe as “really expensive pee”. You’ve wasted money on vitamins your cat doesn’t need.
Some vitamins, however, remain in the body and can cause toxicity after a period of sustained over-supplementation. These include vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are fat-soluble, meaning that they can accumulate in the body’s fat stores for a long time.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
These supplements can reduce inflammation and promote a healthy skin and coat.
Give your cat omega-3s from animal sources, including fish and krill oil. Fish and krill oil contain the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are easily utilized by the body.
Plant-based omega-3 supplements contain ALA, which is another type of omega-3 fatty acid. ALA must be converted into DHA and EPA before the body can utilize it. While herbivores and omnivores can convert ALA into DHA and EPA, cats can’t.
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes
Probiotics are live, active microorganisms that benefit the host. They support and fortify the population of friendly microorganisms that already exist in your cat’s body.
A healthy microbiome supports immune health, digestive health, and can reduce inflammation.
Digestive enzymes are similar to probiotics—they’re naturally found within your cat’s body and in fresh food and help the digestive system break down food.
Added digestive enzymes may help cats with reduced pancreatic function, but it’s generally believed that they’re not necessary or helpful for healthy cats.
Want more information? Read our complete guide to the best probiotics for cats.
Other Supplements
There’s a supplement or herbal remedy for virtually every condition. Supplements claim to soothe anxiety, reduce the chances of developing feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), and treat other common conditions. It’s impossible to evaluate all of these supplements as a whole, as each one is different and requires individual analysis.
How To Choose the Best Vitamins and Supplements for Your Cat?
Do Your Research.
Because this space is full of products with hard-to-quantify health benefits and often little or no veterinary testing or validation, be diligent in your research. When shopping for the best cat vitamins and supplements, look for products that have a strong reputation and, preferably, clinical testing to back up their benefits.
Beware of Fake Reviews.
Customer reviews are a great resource for analysis. Authentic ones can tell you a lot about the company and its products. Fake ones tell you something, too.
Before choosing any of the products on the above list of top vitamins and supplements, we checked their listings on FakeSpot to weed out any with suspicious reviews.
Best Cat Supplements on the Market Today
#1 Best Probiotic: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotic Cat Supplement Review
This best-selling probiotic supplement is well-respected among veterinarians and loved by cat owners.
It’s made with the additive commonly called “natural flavor”, which is made from hydrolyzed animal tissue. This flavor additive is a major component of Temptations treats, giving FortiFlora powder the potent palatability of crushed Temptations.
Each sachet contains 100 million colony forming units (CFUs) of a single species of bacteria—Enterococcus faecium. For supplements, CFUs are unit of measurement for the amount of live microorganisms in a single dose of the supplement. In addition to probiotics, Purina FortiFlora is supplemented with several vitamins and minerals.
This supplement is appropriate for both sick and healthy cats. It’s particularly popular among cats with inflammatory bowel disease or other digestive issues and can help cats with kidney disease to feel better.
Pros
- Highly-rated and recommended by veterinarians
- Contains probiotics for overall health
- Supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and taurine
- Highly palatable
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains only one probiotic species and relatively low CFUs
#2 Best Ethically Sourced: Open Farm Bone Broth
Packed with collagen and delicious flavor, Open Farm bone broth works well as a food topper or mixer to boost your cat’s daily nutrition.
Bone broth is slow-simmered from meaty bones, making it a rich source of moisture and amino acid-rich collagen. It helps strengthen the lining of your cat’s digestive tract to boost nutrient absorption and relieve digestive upset. It also supports joint health, liver detoxification, and strong immunity.
Open Farm is well-known for their commitment to animal welfare and sustainability, making this supplement a nutritious and plant-friendly choice.
Open Farm bone broth comes in single-protein recipes like chicken, turkey, and beef. Each formula is supplemented with functional ingredients like non-GMO veggies and nutrient-rich herbs to boost the flavor and impart additional health benefits.
These bone broths are rich in protein but low in fat. They’re a great way to rehydrated freeze-dried or dehydrated cat food or to simply add moisture and flavor to your cat’s staple diet.
Pros
- Rich in collagen and health-boosting nutrients
- Low in fat and calories
- Great way to add moisture and flavor to cat food
- Available in four single-protein formulations
Cons
- Some cats may not like it
- Only lasts 7 days after opening
#3 Best Multivitamin For Cats: Tomlyn Felovite II Nutritional Gel Cat & Kitten Supplement Review
This popular veterinarian-formulated multivitamin gel is appetizing and packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your cat’s overall health. The ingredient list includes supplemental calcium, phosphorus, taurine, vitamin A, and essential fatty acids.
Like many other supplement gels, this is a sugar-packed product with corn syrup and malt syrup leading the ingredient list. Tomlyn claims that it has a “tasty fish flavor”, and customer reviews confirm that it’s appetizing and palatable.
It’s appropriate for all cats, including kittens.
Pros
- Contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Appetizing fish flavor that cats enjoy
- Low price
Cons
- Sugar-heavy with corn syrup and malt syrup as the first two ingredients
#4 Best Urinary Health Soft Chew: Vet’s Preferred Cat Urinary Tract Chews
Formulated to support numerous aspects of feline urinary health, these soft chews contain key ingredients like cranberry, astragalus root, and licorice root. They come in a tub of 60 soft chews which is a 30-day supply for cats weighing between 5 and 10 pounds.
Cranberry has been shown to kill certain strains of bacteria and, by doing so, may help reduce the risk for urinary tract infections in cats. Astragalus root supports kidney circulation and cardiovascular function while licorice root boosts digestive health and helps soothe allergy symptoms. These chews also contain nettle leaf which supports the body’s natural detoxification systems, helping flush toxins from the body.
These soft chews are designed for adult cats over the age of 12 months. Dosage varies according to the cat’s weight with the recommendation being one chew for every 5 pounds of bodyweight.
Pros
- Formulated to support urinary tract health
- Made with natural, plant-based ingredients
- Also supports kidney and heart function
- Soft chews are easy to dose and administer
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Some cats dislike the flavor
#5 Premium Pick: Feline Prime
This digestive supplement is formulated to address gut issues in cats which can trigger numerous issues including bad breath, litter box odor, and skin problems.
It contains a variety of natural ingredients, starting with bovine bone broth. Bone broth is rich in collagen which, in addition to supporting your cat’s digestion, may boost joint health, skin and coat health, and immunity. Where most of the digestive benefits come from, however, is the probiotic-enzyme blend which helps restore balance in your cat’s body and gut microbiome.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria naturally found in the digestive tract. When they become unbalanced with bad bacteria, it leads to digestive symptoms like smelly stools, diarrhea, or constipation. Probiotic supplements like Feline Prime help restore that balance, but only if they contain enough “colony forming units” or CFUs. Feline Prime contains 2 billion CFUs of cat-friendly probiotics.
Because it comes in powdered form, this supplement is easy to administer – just add it to your cat’s food. The downside is that it is fairly expensive and, at least when you first start using it, it may increase digestive symptoms like gas or diarrhea.
Pros
- Contains digestion-boosting bone broth
- Made with 2 billion CFUs of cat-friendly probiotics
- Powdered form is easy to add to your cat’s food
Cons
- May increase frequency of bowel movements
- Fairly expensive per day
#6 Best Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplement For Cats: Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
With over 1,500 reviews on Chewy and nearly 25,000 on Amazon, this Zesty Paws salmon oil supplement is easily one of the most popular omega-3 fish oil supplements on the market. The oil is derived from wild-caught salmon harvested from Alaska and it is free from GMO ingredients and artificial additives.
This salmon oil supplement contains a rich blend of EPA and DHA, both of which are essential for keeping your cat’s skin and coat in good condition. These omega-3 fatty acids also play a role in supporting the health of your cats eyes, brain, joints, digestion, and immunity.
Though pictured as a pump bottle, the images on the Chewy product page note that customers will receive either a pump bottle or a squeeze bottle. You do not get to choose which.
Pros
- Made with 100% wild-caught Alaskan salmon
- Rich source of EPA and DHA
- Supports skin, coat, eyes, joints, and digestion
- Liquid is easy to pour over or mix with your cat’s food
Cons
- Has a strong fish odor
- Some customers receive pump bottle, others don’t
#7 Best Probiotic For Cats: Nusentia Probiotic Miracle for Dogs and Cats Review
While our top supplement contained one strain of probiotic bacteria, it’s not necessarily the best probiotic supplement on the market. This supplement has multiple species and a high CFU count for maximum benefit.
The probiotic contains six bacterial species:
- Bifidobacterium animalis lactis
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus reuteri
Each scoop contains 1 billion CFUs, and this bacteria count is guaranteed for up to one year after the date of manufacture. To increase efficacy, the formula includes inulin, a prebiotic fiber that promotes probiotic activity in the gut.
Pros
- Synergized with prebiotics for maximum efficacy
- A well-known and popular supplement
- High CFU count
Cons
- Some complain that it’s difficult to scoop the powder out of its jar
#8 Best Urinary Health Supplement For Cats: Animal Nutritional Products UroMAXX Urinary, Kidney & Bladder Dog & Cat Supplement Review
FLUTD is one of the leading cat health problems, so urinary tract health supplements are extremely common. This popular formula contains cranberry extract and glucosamine HCl, which, according to the product label “help nourish and strengthen the urinary tract lining”.
Most customers say that their cat accepted the supplement and many say that it helped to both prevent and treat cystitis and other urinary health issues. The company says it’s utilized by “animal hospitals and veterinary specialists” around the United States.
Unlike other cranberry-based urinary health supplements, this supplement tastes like chicken and has no astringent flavor.
Pros
- Many customers say that the supplement treated their cats’ urinary tract conditions or helped to prevent recurrence
- Palatable flavor
- Appears to be safe for all cats
Cons
- Expensive
Want more information? Read our complete guide to the best cat food for urinary tract health
Choosing the Best Supplement for Your Cat
All of the products on the above list are well-respected with a reputation for effectiveness but aren’t necessarily the best choices for you and your cat.
Before choosing any product, ensure that the product suits your needs. Your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist can evaluate your cat’s unique situation and help you choose the right product.
I use this oil “American Journey Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil Liquid Dog&Cat” sometimes. I can say that there are no cons to it. My cat is crazy about this oil.
We have a 12 pound fixed male cat named “rudy” who was a rescue. His age is a mystery but, the vet figures he is about 14–15 years old now. he appears to be in good health and tears around the house and follows me a lot. we are buds. I noticed him staring fixedly at nothing on occasion in the last year. i told my vet about it and she says he might be in early stages of senility and suggested maybe giving him vitamins containing antioxidents, vitamins c and e, beta carotine, carnitine?, carotenoids, omega 3 flavonoids and selenium. WHEW! Please excuse the spellings. Anyway, try finding that somewhere.
Thanks,
Tom
Hi Thomas, good question. I believe that Felovite’s nutritional gel is probably the one that comes closest to meeting the criteria your vet described. You can follow up with her to confirm, but it contains a good array of omega-3s, antioxidants, and other nutrients that may be beneficial to your cat. Here’s a link: https://www.healthypets.com/tomlyn-felovite-ii-2-5-oz.html
What do you think about Cat Mix supplement from Life Extensions?
lifeextension.com/vitamins-supplements/item01932/cat-mix
I would like to add some probiotics for constipation form my 15 yo. cat. I looked at your recommendation: Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics Dog & Cat Supplement, but I will not support this brand.
Life Extension has very strong reputation for human supplement.
I would greatly appreciate your input.
Thank You
Forti Flora is good, however if your cat has food allergies it can cause issues. Our cat had skin break outs. Our vet recommended Nutramax Proviable as an alternative. Proviable doesn’t have the flavorings or something and it works great. Our cat actually likes that Proviable is tasteless.
I just found out my tabby cat Reese is FIV positive. He is a rescue from outdoors. I’m looking for vitamins that will help build his immune system.
Hi Arleen, your timing couldn’t have been better! We just published a short video on this subject. I hope you find it helpful!
Do you have any recommendations for something that’s good for joints and mobility? My young Scottish folds seem to be rather stiff
While the research on glucosamine and chondroitin is not very promising, a lot of people (including vets) swear by it, and it might help. Other than that, I would focus on omega-3 fatty acids to relieve inflammation. Here’s a guide to the best omega-3 supplements for cats.
thank you!
I have been giving my cat an all natural vitamin by the brand balanced breed for almost three months now and the results are amazing. I see a big improvement on her immune system, joints, weight regulation and her fur is shiny and soft. vitamins really do help your feline friends 🙂
Cool, thanks for sharing!
What is a good supplement to help boost liver function in my cat?
There’s a supplement called Denamarin that has been demonstrated to be able to support liver function in cats. Hope this helps!
Hi, which probiotic would you choose out of three? I cant decide. Atm I am giving the pro plan now and i want to find the best quality
It really depends on your cat’s needs. I would lean towards the Purina Fortiflora, as it is the one that seems to be the best-researched and recommended by vets. You can learn more about our top probiotics in our article on the subject here.