Theanine

I use Composure treats to help in the re-introduction process for my two cats.  I'm looking to go to the source by buying Theanine and adding it to their food.  Will it work as well without the mix of the other supplements (B1 and Colostrum?) in the Composure treats?  

If so, any word on whether theanine can contribute to constipation?  My cats throughout the process have been constipated and each time we reach a milestone in the re-intro process (more exposure to each other)--they get more constipated.  That's why I'm pretty sure constipation is due to stress and anxiety.  Yes, they have seen the vet.  They are also on a small/moderate dose of prozac which also contributes to constipation.

They have now graduated to non-separation status when human is home or awake.  I'm very happy with this new development of course--after 4 months of separation in a small apartment.  There have been some scuffles but nothing resembling the alley cat type death fights that precipitated their separation.  Generally they are coping well with the hours of open home living.  But of course there is some tension and anxiety.  Sometimes, I give them a mini-separation.  From what I've seen since last Friday is they're nervous using the litter box in non-separation time.  They choose to use the box, especially for pooping, when in separation time.  I'm hoping theanine will help in chilling them out just a bit.  Upping prozac brings on a bunch of side effects--grogginess, constipation, urine retention.

Hi there 

Very glad to read about the progress that has been made with Josie and Dory ... That's awesome!

I have not used L-Theanine as a supplement on its own, so can't offer much insight here. Its supposed to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness? The supplement featured in the link below, is one that you can purchase OTC.

So far I am not seeing anything really concerning as far as side effects associated with L-Theanine, no constipation. As it is an ingredient of most calming treats, there should be no issue with it. The concentration of L-Theanine in the supplement will be greater than what is in the treats I would expect, so dosage will be important and something you will want to discuss with your vet. The supplement featured also contains decaffeinated green tea, which may be okay in small quantities, but again, discuss this with your vet. 

http://www.homevet.com/pet-care-pro...age=flypage.tpl&category_id=11&product_id=113

Good luck, and let us know how things turn out with this.

Thanks One.  Yes, I googled combinations of theanine, cats and constipation and didn't turn up much.  I was hoping some insight could be shared here.  I think I need not to be overly concerned of a constipation side effect since there seems to be little on the matter.

I'm looking for a pure form of theanine ideally--without any other added supplement.  I've been reading reviews on Amazon.  Hopefully, I'll stumble onto something.

I use L-theanine because Ritz is prone to stress-induced UTIs and has FHS (possibly a reaction to vaccinations or stress or ?) She was dumped when she was around 4 to 6 months old in frigid weather so has reason to be nervous and is in general a nervous cat. I was using a capsule, but figured if I bought it in bulk, it would be cheaper. And there wouldn't be the possibility of Ritz getting a hold of the capsule and eating it. The jar of L-theanine includes a small measuring spoon, I use one dose a day.
Neither form made Ritz constipated, although she has been constipated before for non-medical reasons (too much bone--I fed raw).
I also use Feliway plug ins and when a particularly stressful event is occurring (i.e., trip to the vets Friday) I will put some drops of Rescue Remedy in her food.
To be honest, I'm not sure either works or how well. Or, if a cat can develop a tolerance to either Feliway or L-theanine and become less effective. I adopted her about four years ago, and in the past 9 to 12 months, she has become more "settled", come in to her own. Perhaps that is due to the L-Theanine. But in my opinion, a natural remedy beats a prescribed drug (she was on Prozac for FHS), assuming the issue isn't clearly a medical problem. (I would not give a cat Berberine in place of a prescribed antibiotic for a UTI, for example.)
Good luck. (Ritz is female, around 4.5 years old, only cat.)

I have two Feliway plugs going and need to order refills.  I'll do it tonight and add in the bulk Theanine.  I've seen a couple of options on Amazon and they look to be good options.  In any case, I really need the kitties to be okay with using the litter box with each other around.  It's a small apartment--they're not going to get much privacy.  Today, Josie only used the box when she was separated and Dory only used it when Josie was napping soundly.  

Forgive me, I haven't read your other posts but: how many litter boxes do you have?

There are two large litter boxes.  They used to share one (and didn't have constipation problems) but with the separation, I added a second.  

They are urinating.  And perplexingly, they have urinated in each other's box (in non-separation mode).  So that does dent the theory they are too stressed to use the litter box in front of each other.  I wonder if they're making some kind of territorial statement to each other?  In any case, they are holding out on the poop though.