The effect of Pet Remedy on feline stress-related behaviours in a rescue centre

Abstract

Cats are commonly chosen as companion animals, however, for numerous reasons, many end up in rescue shelters awaiting a new home. Cats are particularly sensitive to stress, which poses a threat to welfare through development of detrimental mental and physical conditions due to prolonged episodes of anxiety. Pet Remedy (Unex Designs) is a valerian-based product developed to calm and de-stress companion animals. Literature regarding feline stress is limited, with no prior research into how Pet Remedy affects cats in rescue shelters. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Pet Remedy. Forty-six participants were randomly organised into one of three treatment groups: control, placebo or pet remedy. Participant details, stress score and respiration rates were recorded prior to treatment, and again 30 minutes post-treatment. Exposure to Pet Remedy was associated with a significant decreases in stress score (P=0.000) and respiration rate (P=0.003). Efficacy of product was not affected by sex, neutering status or age, though this could benefit from further investigation. The results of this study suggest that Pet Remedy would significantly reduce stress-related behaviours in shelter cats, which may improve overall welfare of cats residing in rescue shelters.