We all want our cats to live their healthiest, happiest lives, but there may be times when your furry friend starts exhibiting signs of anxiety. When this happens, you’ll be happy to know there is a range of products that can help calm your cat and create a comfortable environment.
In this blog, we’ll cover the best cat calming products, how they work and which options are best suited to your feline friend and their source of stress.
Browse our full range of cat behaviour and calming solutions at VetUK and help your cat get back to feeling like their old stress-free self.
What causes stress and anxiety in cats?
Before you begin to treat your cat’s anxiety, knowing the cause of their stress can be a great help in identifying the best treatment. There are lots of factors that can contribute to increased anxiety in cats, but the most common examples are:
- New pets or family members in the household.
- Conflict with other cats.
- Moving to a new home.
- Changes to the house layout or rearranged furniture.
- Disruption to daily routines and environment.
- Litter box issues, such as a changed location or dirty litter.
- Loud noises like fireworks, thunder or construction work.
Whilst there could be more specific circumstances in your household contributing to your cat’s stress levels, these are the biggest factors that are known to increase anxiety in cats and alter their behaviour.
The best cat calming products – Pheromones
Cats communicate using chemical signals known as pheromones, which they produce naturally when they feel secure within their environment. Synthetic versions of these ‘feel-good’ feline pheromones are often used in a number of cat calming products because they can encourage a cat to feel relaxed and safe.
Plug in pheromone diffusers
Many pet owners opt for cat diffusers as an effective solution to calm their cats. These plug-in devices release synthetic pheromones mimicking those produced by mother cats during nursing, or they emit calming herbal aromas that help to create a sense of safety and familiarity for your cat.
Plug-in diffusers are one of the best cat calming products before a big life event or change in your cat’s life. Whether you’re introducing a new cat or baby into the home or simply planning a trip to the vet, plug in the diffuser a few days before the changes happen. This gives the pheromones time to take effect and can help make transition periods or new changes easier on your cat.
If you’re a cat owner, you’ve most likely heard of Feliway as the biggest and most popular pheromone diffuser, but there are a number of options on the market to explore.
To effectively use a cat calming diffuser, make sure to:
- Continue to use the diffuser during and after big events to encourage a continued sense of safety in your cat’s environment.
- Place the device in a room most frequently used by your cat.
- Ensure the device is placed in the centre of a room to allow maximum reach.
- Remember to refill the device to prevent disrupting your cat’s mood.
Pheromone calming sprays
Much like diffusers, many calming sprays also use synthetic pheromones, which, when sprayed in your home, can help your cat feel more secure. Use these sprays on your cat’s beds and bedding, and any hiding spots they go to feel comfortable and this can help to increase their feeling of safety and reduce anxiety.
Remember to always test an inconspicuous spot first if spraying directly onto fabrics.
Pheromone-infused cat collars
Pheromone-infused collars offer another option that is particularly useful if your feline friend often roams outdoors. These collars slowly release calming pheromones over several weeks, helping your cat feel at ease wherever they go.
CalmDown for Cats is a brilliant device that is ideal for post-vet trips and surgery. This little button is attached to plastic collars or cones and contains cat facial pheromones that can help aid your cat’s recovery and relieve their stress during this period.
Natural cat calming aids
Besides synthetic pheromones, there are other natural calming aids that can help reduce stress levels in cats. Natural supplements and herbal remedies have been known to relieve anxiety without causing drowsiness.
Valerian root
A common ingredient found in natural cat calming products is valerian root. This natural plant compound is commonly used in human healthcare as a sedative, but it has also been found to have calming effects on cats.
Valerian root is used in a range of products from natural diffusers to sprays and even wipes. Pet Remedy is a good example of a brand that utilises valerian root as the main ingredient for cat calming. Mixed with other essential oils, Valerian root can offer a similar effect to pheromones. Use these natural calming products in stressful situations, like during fireworks or housework, to help your cat feel comfortable and relaxed.
Valerian root treatments are one of the best cat calming products for fast-acting calming. Unlike pheromones, they don’t need days to adjust to your cat’s hormones, so the sprays and atomisers can be used straight away, and the effects are much faster.
Catnip
It’s no secret that cats have a love affair with catnip. This natural herb, known scientifically as Nepeta cataria, is famous for its unique effects on our feline friends. But did you know that this plant also has calming properties?
Cat owners might initially question the use of catnip as a calming agent because exposure tends to cause hyperactivity first. However, energetic displays when playing with catnip toys or loose leaves are typically followed by periods of relaxation and sleepiness.
This dual nature results from a compound called nepetalactone, which binds with receptors inside a cat’s nose, prompting responses ranging from euphoria to sedation.
Catnip comes in a wide range of products from cat treats to room sprays, catnip toys and in loose pouches, meaning you can experiment in finding the best form for your cat.
Remember that not every cat reacts to catnip, so alternative cat calming products may be needed if they continue to exhibit signs of anxiety or stress.
Calming supplements
These are daily calming supplements that can be given directly to your cat in pill form or concealed in their food if your cat won’t take tablets. If you want to integrate calming solutions into your cat’s daily routine without them noticing, this is a great option and causes less stress than struggling with forcing tablets into their mouths.
If you do decide to try supplements for your cat’s anxiety, we’d always recommend consulting a vet so they can advise on the right type of supplement, dosage and ingredients for your cat.
Calming cat treats
Of course, we simply can’t discuss calming products without bringing up the subject of cat treats. There is now a wide range of treats on the market that are infused with calming ingredients to help your cat feel more relaxed. With so many flavours and different calming ingredients from catnip to valerian and even hemp oil, there’s an option for even the pickiest of cats.
Calming treats are great for short-term use or in situations where you may want to reward your cat for being brave. During noisy firework displays or vet appointments, offer your cat a few treats as a sign of affection and comfort. The active calming ingredients in these treats should then help to decrease your cat’s stress levels.
Offering your cat some calming treats after their vet visit can also act as a way of reinforcing positive associations with the experience, which can, in turn, help to prevent future anxiety.
Keep your cat comfortable with the right calming care
Cat calming products can be a highly effective and cost-efficient way of managing stress in cats when paired with the right care. Creating a safe environment, keeping your cat enriched and providing plenty of affection are all brilliant ways of helping your cat feel relaxed and comfortable and loved in the home.
When you notice signs of stress in cats and it seems to be prolonged, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your vet. They can help determine the cause of this behaviour and recommend veterinary medicines if needed.
If you’re not sure which cat calming products will work best with your cat, our experts can help you decide. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll provide recommendations on our favourite and most effective option for your furry friend.
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