It is widely accepted that the causes of stress in cats are complex. Altered living conditions (a new home, stays in boarding kennels, or vacation periods), temporary environmental changes (unexpected noises such as construction, storms, discordant music, or even loneliness), or changes in daily routine (walking or mealtimes) are just the beginning of a long list.

Stress responses to external stimuli become problematic when an individual cannot control the situation or escape the stressor. In these cases, where the physiological stress response is prolonged or chronic, negative effects appear on our cat at the physiological, emotional, and behavioral levels.

• Physiological level: We observe a rapid pulse, shallow breathing, salivation, tremors, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. In short, the typical nervousness we all know.
• Emotional level: Anxiety appears, which is defined as an emotional response triggered before a stimulus or situation that the animal perceives as dangerous.
• Behavioral level: Animals begin to vocalize, have altered sleeping, eating, and bathroom patterns, and display more aggressive behavior.

At the physiological level, the central serotonergic system in cats is related to states of fear and anxiety and the ability to respond to stress. Specifically, serotonin is associated with well-being and elevated mood, in addition to controlling most brain functions, such as sleep cycles. Dysfunction in the serotonergic system is associated with increased aggression and decreased impulse control in cats.

The amino acid tryptophan (Trp) is metabolized in the brain along different pathways to synthesize serotonin and melatonin, promoting feelings of calm and well-being and sleep regulation. Other dietary components, such as glucose and large neutral amino acids (LNAA), modulate the ability of tryptophan to transport to the brain, stimulating or decreasing, respectively, the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin.

Once in the central nervous system, vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids catabolize the reactions of serotonin synthesis from 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and melatonin synthesis from serotonin, respectively. Furthermore, under stress conditions, tryptophan is degraded in the liver, reducing the amount that reaches the brain. At Kunkay we have various supplements and vitamins for cats, for every situation.

The nutraceutical Mindkun from the Behavior Wellbeing line treats stress and behavioral disorders, while reducing their side effects.