Cats at the Vet: The Effect of Alpha-s1 Casozepin

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Cat owners try to avoid necessary health checks at the vet, because they are related to stress for both the cat and them. In this study, we examined the influence of the dietary supplement, α-s1 casozepin, on fecal cortisol metabolites and the autonomic nervous system in cats. We found evidence for a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system. Our findings, although preliminary, suggest that α-s1 casozepin may improve the coping of cats with stressful events. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of α-s1 casozepin on cat stress responses at a veterinary practice. Cats feel confident in their familiar surroundings and daily routine. A visit, and transport, to the veterinarian is a stressful experience for cats and their owners. Stress can mask clinical signs and has physiological impacts. Alpha-s1 casozepin (Zylkène; Vétoquinol) could potentially minimize stress in cats with its calming and anxiolytic characteristics. A randomized, partial double-blind and placebo-controlled study was carried out with 60 adult cats. The trial was designed for three groups: low dose (15 mg/kg q24 h α-s1 casozepin for six days), high dose (75 mg/kg q24 h α-s1 casozepin for three days), and a placebo (one fructose capsule per day for three days). For the study, cats had a checkup at their trusted veterinarian without the dietary supplement, followed by a second one four weeks later. Alpha-s1 casozepin or a placebo was administered three to six days before the checkup. Fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) were measured to non-invasively evaluate the impact of α-s1 casozepin on adrenocortical activity. The cat owners and veterinarians also assessed the physiological reactions (respiratory rate, sweaty paws, pupils, panting, and vocalization) of the cats at home, in the waiting area, and in the examination room. The only significant effect (kappa coefficient κ = 0.007 and κ = 0.003) found in this study was the absence of sweaty paws in cats who were treated with the high dose of α-s1 casozepin over three days, observed in the waiting area and examination room of the veterinarian’s practice, respectively. Alpha-s1 casozepin also showed a small but insignificant reduction in FCM levels. Alpha-s1 casozepin influences the autonomic nervous system, and can inhibit sweaty paws during stressful situations for cats.