Stress. It’s not just a human phenomenon. Our beloved animal companions also experience it. And make no mistake, even our fearless felines, with their reputation of being independent, if not downright aloof, are not immune.
Fortunately, there are ways to help our cats rediscover their calm in a chaotic world – not least of these being the addition of ashwagandha to their daily diet.
The Facts About Feline Stress
A 2016 PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report found that UK veterinary surgeons considered chronic stress to be one of the top three most concerning health issues for cats. Aside from the obvious emotional turmoil, stress can manifest in several physical health issues. These include things like:
- Diarrhea, constipation, or vomiting: Stress can affect your cat’s digestive system, which can lead to overall poor health.
- Excessive grooming: While grooming is natural, cats who are stressed or anxious may over groom, which can lead to bald patches, skin irritation, or even skin infections.
- Changes in appetite: Stress can affect eating habits. Decreased or increased food consumption can lead to weight loss or weight gain, both of which come with their own potential health problems.
Suffice to say, cats are highly sensitive little creatures, and stress can obviously significantly impact their well-being. It’s our job to recognize the signs, discover the cause, and, most important of all, help them deal with stress and rediscover a pawsitively calm state.
Signs Your Cat Might be Suffering from Stress
Here are some subtle signs that your feline friend might be experiencing stress:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Shifting body or head away
- Holding their tail close to their body
- Tail flicking
- Holding their ears back
- Partially dilated pupils
- Excessive meowing or vocalizing
- Aggression toward humans or other animals
- Constant hiding away
- Crouching and leaning away
- Inappropriate urination
- Excessive scratching
- Staring
A Science-Backed Solution to Stress in Cats
None of this sounds fun for our purry, furry favorites, obviously, and nobody should have to live in a stressed state, least of all defenseless animals. Enter KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract, an ancient herb with modern-day healing powers.
As an adaptogenic herb, KSM-66 Ashwagandha has been proven to adapt its healing effects based on the body’s needs. For cats, this means stress management tailored to their unique situations.
Some of the ways in which it can help include:
- Liver function boost: KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract contains bioactive compounds proven to not only help manage stress but also enhance liver function. Healthy liver, happy cat!
- Inflammation control: Chronic stress triggers inflammation. Ashwagandha root extract has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, allowing it to fight both the stress itself, and any associated inflammation and other health concerns.
- Cortisol regulation: Cats, like us, produce cortisol during stress. KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract significantly reduces serum cortisol levels, promoting a calm state.
Results Speak Louder Than Meows
The proof of all this lies in a recent clinical trial which confirmed the power of ashwagandha root to help cats deal with stress:
- Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with sixteen healthy pet cats.
- Over a month, these feline volunteers received either KSM-66 Ashwagandha or a placebo and were then tasked with facing various stressors – a true test of adaptogenic prowess.
- Cats who received KSM-66 experienced the following benefits:
- Increased protein and albumin levels – well within the normal reference range – indicated a liver health boost!
- Reduced oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant defenses.
- Lowered serum cortisol indicated stress relief achieved.
- Dampened inflammatory markers indicated a win against inflammation.
Whether due to changes in routine, environmental shifts, genetics, or simply the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes your kitty’s purring can turn petrified. Fortunately, though, this proves that KSM-66 Ashwagandha pure root extract may just hold the key to a calmer, healthier cat.
The post How Ashwagandha Can Help Soothe Stressed Cats appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
