The Gut-Brain Connection in Cats (It's Not What You Think)

Dr. Bec
Sep 14
5 min read

New research reveals surprising link between your cat's tummy and mood

Last month, a fascinating study caught my eye that completely changed how I think about feline anxiety and behaviour. Researchers analysing cats worldwide discovered something remarkable: feral cats with more aggressive, hyper-alert behaviour, had gut bacteria that produced significantly higher levels of certain brain-active chemicals (neurotransmitters) called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and vitamin B12, compared to their docile domestic counterparts.

As a vet who's spent 20+ years working exclusively with cats, this shouldn't have surprised me - but it did. Here's why this matters for our cats.

Your Cat's "Second Brain"

Research shows the gut bacteria (microbiome) directly impacts the brain health and activity of cats, with the vagus nerve and brain creating a crucial connection between gut bacteria and brain function. Think of your cat's digestive system as housing a "second brain" that's constantly communicating with their actual brain.

But here's where it gets interesting for cat parents...

Why Your Anxious Cat Might Have a Tummy Problem, and Vice Versa

In the clinic, I've always noticed that cats with stress-related urinary issues, hiding behaviours, or unusual aggression very often also have tummy problems. Now the science is catching up to what many vets (and cat parents) have observed, and known intuitively.

New research reveals that specific gut bacteria - actually produce GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain's primary calming chemical, or neurotransmitter. When your cat's gut microbiome is out of balance, they may literally have less capacity to stay calm and emotionally regulated. Note that GABA made by gut bacteria sounds the same but is very different to the veterinary drug, 'Gabapentin', which is often prescribed for pain or extreme anxiety in cats.

Studies done specifically in cats show that changes in gut bacteria may be linked not just to digestive diseases, but to certain brain disorders, chronic kidney disease, and even heart conditions! The gut truly is the foundation of feline health.

The Species-Specific Problem Nobody Talks About

Here's what frustrates me most: cats have fundamentally different gut bacteria compared to dogs and humans, which reflects their unique obligate carnivore status and physiology. Yet most, if not all "calming" supplements for cats are simply rebranded dog or human products.

Research involving nearly 2,000 cats identified 30 core bacterial species that should be present in healthy feline microbiomes - and these differ significantly based on age, diet, and living environment. And they are completely different to bacteria of dogs. Cats truly are not little dogs, especially when it comes to their gut-brain connection.

What Your Cat's Microbiome Actually Needs

The latest research shows that gut - produced GABA doesn't just have effects in the intestines - it actually communicates with the brain directly through the vagus nerve, directly, which influences a cat's anxiety and stress responses.

This is exactly why I included GABA in my Anxiety+ supplement formula. And this is the world's first cat-only supplement to do so.

But GABA alone isn't enough. Healthy cat microbiomes also need species-appropriate prebiotics - which is why all my supplements contain chicken sternum collagen hydrolysate, specifically shown to support the unique feline microbiome, to encourage a cat's own gut bacteria to function optimally.

The Clinical Reality I See Daily

Just last week, I had 4 separate cat parent clients report that behavioural problems in their cats resolved significantly after addressing gut health alongside anxiety support, using my supplement.

One cat - a beautiful tortoiseshell ('naughty tortie') named Stella - had been hiding under beds for months after a house move. Within 10 days of starting my gut-supporting supplement, she was back to her confident self.

This isn't coincidence. Veterinary case studies are documenting how gut microbiome restoration therapy creates positive changes in mental health and behaviour in both dogs and cats, sometimes within 30 hours.

What This Means for Your Cat

If your cat struggles with:

Stress-related urinary issues
Hiding or withdrawal behaviours
Aggression or overreactivity
Changes in appetite during stressful times
Digestive sensitivity, alongside anxiety

...consider that their gut health might be the missing piece of the puzzle.

The exciting news? Unlike many drug-based interventions (which have their place!) the gut microbiome can be directly influenced through targeted nutrition - without changing anything else about what your cat already eats.

Looking Forward

Scientists are calling the gut bacteria-brain axis "an actionable target" for addressing behavioural disorders. For our beloved cats, this represents a completely new frontier in supporting both their mental and physical wellbeing. So long as it's done with robust science, and using supplements that are designed uniquely for cats.

This research validates what I've seen in my own cat, Mao, and in my patients, with my (delicious!) species-appropriate supplements that support the unique feline gut-brain connection.

Your cat's tummy and their emotional wellbeing are more connected than you might have imagined.

And now we have the science to prove it!!

Stay curious xx

Dr. Bec

P.S. - Please note though, that some cats do need prescription medication for anxiety or aggression, so it's always best to discuss any behavioural problems with your vet. It's also crucial to rule out underlying problems like UTIs, hormone imbalances or arthritis, as a cause for behavioural problems.

These statements have not been evaluated by veterinary regulatory authorities. Dr. Bec's supplements are designed to complement, not replace, veterinary care. Always chat with your veterinarian before starting any new health regimen for your cat.

Ready to support your cat's gut-brain connection?

Learn more here, and please contact me if you have any questions!

Made in Australia | Formulated by Dr. Bec | Backed by 20+ years of feline-focused clinical experience

Scientific References & Further Reading

The research mentioned in this email comes from peer-reviewed scientific journals. Here are some key studies if you'd like to dive deeper. Please head on over to the 'For Vets' section of my website for additional scientific papers too!

Feline Gut-Brain Research: