Unno T, Suzuki Y, Kakuda T, Hayakawa T, Tsuge H. Metabolism of theanine, gamma-glutamylethylamide, in rats. J AgricFodd Chem. 1999;47:1593–6. All the parameters significantly improved (lower score) during the course of the study, except for those which concerned too few animals (< 4 cats: diarrhoea, hypersalivation and redirected aggression). Hypervigilance/hyperesthesia was the parameter with the highest median score at D0 and concerned 27/33 cats (82%). A significant decrease of this median (IQR) score was observed during the course of the study: from 3 (2–3), to 1 (0–2) and 1 (0–1) at D0, D15 and D30 respectively ( p< 0.0001). At the end of the study, 8/27 cats (30%) no longer showed the signs. Shivering was the parameter most reduced in frequency since it was detected in 11/33 cats (33%) at the beginning of the trial and in only 3/33 cats (9%) by the end of the study. Anxitane is supported by science – extensive number of scientific papers available which speak about the efficacy of L-Theanine Nathan PJ, Lu K, Gray M. The neuropharmacology of L-theanine (N-Ethyl-L-Glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):21–30.

Einöther SJ, Martens VE. Acute effects of tea consumption on attention and mood. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013;98(6 Suppl):1700S–8S. Here are some of the best calming products for dogs and cats. Natural ingredient based calming supplements 1) Zylkene Composure contains an additional two ingredients to help with anxiety: C3 (Colostrum Calming Complex), and Thiamine (commonly known as vitamin B1). The L-theanine in Composure is a branded form known as “Suntheanine,” which is a very pure form of the substance. Anxitane also uses “Suntheanine.” Thirty-three privately owned cats presenting signs associated with stress or fear (inappropriate urination/defecation, fear-induced aggressiveness, hypervigilance/tenseness or physical/functional manifestations of stress) for at least 1 month, were included in the study. They were given L-theanine (Anxitane®, 25 mg twice a day) for 30 days and 20 stress-related parameters were scored at Days 0, 15 and 30. The evolution of some parameters was also rated relative to Day 0. All median scores of the 20 parameters were significantly reduced at D30, and 30/33 cats (91%) had a reduced global score at the end of the study, including 21/33 with ≥50% score reduction. The median (IQR) global scores went from 18 (13–23) at D0 to 11 (8–13) at D15 and 5 (3–12) at D30 ( p< 0.0001; Friedman test; significant reduction starting from D15). All the stress-related signs were significantly improved compared to D0, according to the owners, especially inappropriate elimination. Tablet palatability was judged good or very good in 94% of cases with spontaneous intake by cats when given by hand or in food. Tolerance was satisfactory as well, and no side effects were reported, so that most owners (27/33; 82%) were satisfied with the product. Conclusions Sugiyama T, Sadzuka Y. Theanine and glutamate transport inhibitors enhance the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2003;1653:47–59.Mills DS, Redgate SE, Landsberg GM. A meta-analysis of studies of treatments for feline urine spraying. PLoS One. 2011;6(4):e18448. Kakuda T, Nozawa A, Sugimoto A, Niino H. Inhibition by theanine of binding of [3H]AMPA, [3H]kainate, and [3H]MDL 105,519 to glutamate receptors. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2002;66:2683–2686. We hope this gives you a little bit more of an understanding about the products available that can help to promote a sense of calm in your pets – whether for fireworks night or any other stressful situations. Kakuda T, et al. Inhibition by theanine of binding of [3H]AMPA, [3H]Kainate, and [3H]MDL 105,519 to glutamate receptors. BiosciBiotechnol Biochem. 2002;66:2683–6. Zylkene can be used longer term if your pet is very anxious. It can also be used in combination with pheromone-based products, discussed below.

YuMove Calming Care Dog and YuMove Calming Care Cat are premium calming supplements for stressed or anxious dogs and cats. Made by Lintbells, these triple-action products offer natural support for your pet. They combine scientifically proven ingredients to support natural calming pathways in the brain.

How does Virbac Anxitane work?

It contains casein, a protein found in milk which is known to promote relaxation in newborns. It has a non-drowsy formula and is lactose free.