How To Calm A Cat

How to Calm a Cat: Tips and Advice

Petting a cat has been found to alleviate stress and anxiety in humans (1), but what happens when our whiskered pals are the ones who are experiencing stress and anxiety? Others are easily agitated by a wide range of situations and experiences, whereas some cats are laidback and content to roll with (or snooze through) almost anything. With behaviors ranging from trembling to hiding, skipping the litter box to excessive meowing, vomiting and even aggressive behavior, your cat may be displaying signs of anxiety more frequently than you realize.

Understanding Cat Behavior: Anxiety, Fear, and Hyperactivity

The director of behavior services for Midcoast Humane, Christine Calder, a licensed veterinary behaviorist and certified veterinary behaviorist, adds, “There are numerous things that might stress out cats.” Due to the fact that cats are both prey animals and predators by nature, Calder asserts that “fear is a hardwired emotion in cats.” As a result, many people are easily rattled as a result. Car trips, veterinarian visits, and even handling are among the most prevalent scenarios that call for the need to calm a cat, according to Calder.

Some cats require calming for reasons other than fear, and you may need to do so in those instances.

Even whether your cat is acting out of fear or just hyperactive, there are things you can take to help calm him down, no matter what the source of his anxiety is.

How to Calm Down a Cat

When it comes to giving cats lots of room, Calder recommends providing them with plenty of hiding locations and vertical terrain where they can retreat, relax and cool themselves down when they’re frightened or terrified. Jenn Van de Kieft, a certified feline training and behavior specialist who owns the consulting business Cat Advocate LLC, also points out that, when it comes to cats and stress, “it’s far more straightforward to prevent anxiety than it is to treat it.” That implies that pet parents should not only be aware of potential stressors for their cats, but they should also prepare their cats in advance for circumstances that they anticipate will happen in the future, such as a trip to the veterinarian.

How to Calm a Cat at Night

You may find that knowing how to quiet a cat down at night is the key to obtaining a good night’s sleep yourself. For the second time, this isn’t so much about cats being stressed as it is about an incongruent fit between their natural timetable and our own. Because cats see best in low light, they are programmed to be at their most active during the hours of dawn and twilight. “I get this one a lot,” Van de Kieft said of the question. When I think about how many individuals are up at night due of their cat’s behavior, it’s mind-boggling to me.

or rushing around at midnight, wanting you to feed them.” Van de Kieft suggests increasing your cat’s daytime enrichment possibilities so that he may spend more time playing on his own during the daytime hours rather than conserving his energy for nighttime rampages across the home.
Senior cats, like other cats, require planned playing once a day.
“They hunt, eat what they hunted, rest, and then go to sleep.” The author recommends that you play with your cat close to your own bedtime and then provide a dry food snack—or even leave it out in a food puzzle to give your cat something to do overnight—after you’ve finished playing.
to deliver a snack.” Calder also recommended that cats play with food-dispensing toys and puzzle toys in the evening to help them sleep better at night.

According to Calder, whatever the source, “it is crucial not to attempt to halt or rectify the behavior, as this might sometimes result in reinforcement.” “Keep the cat occupied with other things to do,” as the saying goes.

How to Calm a Scared Cat

The most important thing you can do for your fearful cat is to give her some breathing room. Calder advises against attempting to pick her up or relocate her since some cats may focus their tension onto you and become violent as a result. The alternative is to swiftly remove the cause of stress and then isolate your fearful cat in a single room, dim the lights, and even play stress-reducing cat music (2)—specially prepared recordings with purring overlaid over calming songs, as recommended by Van de Kieft.

After that, give her some time and space to unwind.
According to Calder, if you’ve worked on it beforehand, it may also be beneficial to attempt refocusing your cat’s attention with a behavior they’ve learned, like as “touching” or “targeting” (when a cat learns to touch their nose to a finger or target stick).
For example, whenever you clean, consider handing out cookies to your pets.
“Invite friends over, invite children over, expose them to a variety of experiences—this helps them develop resilience,” she explains.

How to Calm a Cat in the Car

Car excursions may be stressful for cats, whether it’s a short trip to the vet or a long-distance travel on a family vacation. Van de Kieft believes that the best way to deal with stress is via preparation. She advises starting with the cat carrier as a good place to start. Many owners store their carriers in their basements or closets, only taking them out when they need to travel by automobile, which is usually to the veterinarian’s office. Consequently, “your cat understands that when the carrier is opened, something horrible is about to happen,” she explains.

Ensure that it is a safe and secure location where your cat may relax anytime he wants.
“In this way, their carrier may be transformed into a safe haven,” Van de Kieft explains.
Van de Kieft suggests taking a brief stroll with your cat in his carrier around the home, then in the hallway, and then outdoors to help reinforce those good carrier emotions.
Following that will be a short vehicle ride in which nothing unpleasant will happen and the snacks will be plentiful.
It might also be beneficial to bring anything that has been soaked in your cat’s fragrance, such as a towel that has been put out for her to lie on in the morning.
Pheromone sprays are items that duplicate the natural cat pheromones that are associated with emotions of calm and tranquility.
It is possible to spritz this cat soothing spray either onto a towel or directly into the carrier itself.
Calder sometimes prescribes gabapentin as a cat anxiety medicine for automobile-induced stress for cats who require a little more assistance when traveling in the car.

Other supplements, such as hemp-oil products for cats, may help to reduce tension and anxiety during vehicle journeys, but always consult your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement to your cat’s diet or lifestyle.

How to Calm a Cat After Moving

It can be quite difficult for cats to adjust to a new house or apartment since they want regularity and comfort. If you’re relocating with cats, Van de Kieft advises against purchasing a new cat tree or trying out a new cat bed around the time of the move. “Bring as much material as you can that smells like the cat,” she advises, because a new environment would already smell different. “This will help to create a familiar environment,” she says. As an additional precaution, Van de Kieft recommends that you plug-in a feline-pheromone diffuser a few weeks before you plan to arrive with your cat in order to infuse those calming fragrances into the air.

It should be filled with all of her familiar possessions, and it should include distinct locations for using the litter box as well as for sleeping, eating, and drinking.

In the meanwhile, try to keep her eating and playing routines as consistent as possible.

Cat Calming Products to Consider

There are a variety of products available on the market that are meant to assist in calming down frightened cats. Along with pheromone treatments that are available in the form of diffusers, wipes, or sprays, Calder may offer nutritional supplements that are specifically developed to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety in cats. Before adding anything to or modifying your cat’s diet, you should always consult with your personal veterinarian first. Calder will give drugs to certain cats in order to help them cope with their fear and anxiety.

Essential oils are a type of oil that has a strong scent.

How to calm cat anxiety and stress: symptoms and relief

Due to the fact that cats are often autonomous creatures, their daily routine should not be significantly disrupted even if your schedule changes – for example, because you cease or begin working from home. The fact is that some cats may become worried when their routines are altered, so it’s crucial to be aware of the indications of a disturbed cat and how you may assist them. Whenever your household’s circumstances change, it is crucial to maintain as much consistency as possible in your interactions with your cat.

Inga MacKellar, an animal behaviorist, offers the following advice:

If we spend more time at home than we used to, we can find ourselves spending a lot more time snuggling with our dogs. However, although some cats will benefit from the added interaction, some may feel distressed if they are handled excessively
If your cat is displaying indications of being overly connected to you, avoid the desire to snuggle and pat them even more when you are at home. If your cat is showing signs of being overly attached to you, see your veterinarian. It is possible that over-indulging your cat can deepen his or her attachment to you, making it more difficult for your cat to cope when you leave the house. If you see that your cat is becoming agitated, make sure that they have a quiet, safe spot to go indoors or in the yard to relieve themselves. Take the opportunity to spend some quality time with your cat, especially if you have limited access to the outdoors. A excellent approach for kids to acquire both mental and physical stimulation is via the use of food activity toys. Your cat may even like listening to some particularly produced cat music
It is up to you. If you have an indoor cat, make sure the litter tray is clean and fresh to minimize accidents that result in home soiling.

In the event that we find ourselves at home more frequently than previously, we may find ourselves spending a significant amount of time snuggling our dogs. While some cats will benefit from the added engagement, some may grow uncomfortable if they are handled excessively or repeatedly. If your cat is displaying indications of being overly connected to you, avoid the desire to snuggle and pat them even more when you are at home. If your cat is showing signs of being overly attached to you, contact a professional cat care facility.

It is important to provide them with a peaceful and comfortable area to go indoors or in the garden if you see that your cat is becoming agitated.

Food activity toys are a terrific method for children to gain both cerebral and physical stimulation while playing with food.

In order to reduce house-soiling situations if you have an indoor cat, make sure the litter tray is clean and fresh.

Recognise the signs of stress in cats

1. A stressed cat will frequently twitch the end of its tail as a warning sign, just before the tension begins to take hold. In addition, their claws may be used in self-defense. Secondly, if your cat is feeling frightened or threatened, he or she would most likely hide and crouche down to make themselves appear as little as possible. They will feel less visible to any possible hazards as a result of this. Spraying (squirting urine horizontally) while standing with their tail quivering in the air is a method used by agitated cats to define their territory.

1. For your cat to feel comfortable, they must have their own place as well as a simple escape route in the event that things get too much. Never swarm them or cause a scene; instead, let them to go away and do their own thing while you wait for them to return on their own timetable when they are ready to do so. 2. Your reaction may be to soothe your cat by reaching out your arm to touch them, but your cat may interpret this as a danger and strike out with their claws or fangs instead. Keep your distance from them and keep an eye on them from a nearby location instead, and reserve the cuddling for a more relaxed period later.

When your cat appears to be less agitated and more like their normal self, attempt to engage them in play from a distance.

If you give them a fishing rod toy or roll a ball for them, they will join in if they no longer believe that there is a threat in the area.

Set up your surroundings

When your cat is stressed, provide secure hiding places for them in their basket or a couple of boxes that they may retreat to. Your cat is likely to prefer a higher elevation – the darker and cosier the environment, the more secure they will feel in it. 2. Allow people to interact with you on their own terms and conditions. You should follow your cat’s lead and refrain from caressing or playing with them if you see any of the body language signals indicated above in your cat’s body language.

You could go for a high-tech version that recognizes your pet’s microchip (to deter the neighborhood cats from paying your pet a visit, too!) or a lockable version if you want to keep your pet indoors during the evenings.

Do you have any practical suggestions for assisting cats that are suffering from anxiety?

Soothe a Stray

Our feline pals experience stress in the same way that we do–after all, who among us hasn’t longed to hide beneath our desks when things become tough? Nonetheless, when attempting to find a home for a community cat, the way they react to stressful events such as being trapped or placed in a shelter might be deceiving. You should be aware that when a cat exhibits indications of worry, which might be misinterpreted as hostility, she is only attempting to protect herself.

Don’t be concerned! We’ve enlisted the assistance of cat expert Joan Miller to provide advice on how to comfort the kitty’s small heart while still allowing her individuality to shine through.

Relaxation is Key

It’s possible that the kitten simply needs to take a brief break to settle down. Here’s how you may create a relaxing environment for her to unwind in: 1.

Make sure to give the cat the most amount of time possible to calm down. Make sure she has a quiet spot to herself where she can be alone–if you’re in your own house, a bathroom would suffice. For her to settle down in a shelter, we’d recommend utilizing a “cat cave,” which provides her with a place to hide within the cage, in order for her to feel safe. Keeping cages or crates off the floor can also help her feel better since she will be able to view everything in her environment. Every day activity like as feeding and cage cleaning should be done according to a schedule. Her capacity to be predictable will aid her in adapting. Cats use their sense of scent to define their territory. Miller advocates spot-cleaning cages in order to keep the cats’ scents inside the enclosure. Additionally, spot cleaning will be beneficial since she will not be subjected to the additional stress of being taken from her cage during cleaning time, then placed back in her cage (which now smells different) or a new cage afterward (which may smell like another cat). Also, wash your hands well to remove the smell of other cats before attempting to handle her. The cat may harbor a resentment against the trapper or veterinarian who captured it. Allow someone else to take care of the cat during feeding or playtime.

Empower the Cat

A cat’s confidence might soar when she perceives herself to be in command of her surroundings. Here’s how to relinquish some control over your life:

Allow the cat to come up to you first, if at all feasible. In the event that she is reluctant to approach but appears interested, try providing her a little scoop of canned cat food or tuna while you are conversing with her, and this may assist persuade her to come up to you. Cats enjoy having a variety of options. Provide her with climbing choices in her cage or a play area that she may utilize whenever she wants

Do not keep the cat concealed in a quiet room after she has had a chance to settle down on her own. Instead, allow her an opportunity to become acclimated to the manner in which she will be treated. Ensure that she is handled on a table or high surface so that she does not feel frightened from above. Take care not to remove cats from their carriers with their heads first. The cat is completely unaware of what is taking place and may become defensive. If possible, use a top-loading carrier or bring the cat out from the bottom first so she may retain her gaze on what she recognizes.

Try not to hold her by the scruff of her neck
Allow her to play outside her cage with toys that allow her to express her mountain lion instincts (such as toy mice)

Challenge the Cat

Although cats require lots of rest and relaxation, they may also profit from what Miller refers to as “non-threatening adversity.” To establish whether the cat has previously been socialized, initiate some engagement with her to let her understand that you’re not so horrible after all.

Make sure she doesn’t spend all of her time playing hide and seek on her alone. Interact with the cat at least once or twice a day
Gently brush the cat with your hand to keep it healthy. Maybe she’s too self-conscious or afraid to clean herself. Speak in a low, relaxing tone
Don’t confuse fear with anger when you’re speaking. “Hissing is a warning signal that cats use to communicate with one another. It does not necessarily imply that they are hostile. And I have the same feelings about growling. “The deep growl.is merely a way of expressing worry,” Miller explains.

Signs to Tell if a Cat is Frightened or Aggressive

Hissing, snarling, or spitting are all acceptable. The pupils of the eyes are not dilated
Fur is relaxed, and the head is straight.

Aggressive

Whining
Eyes dilated
Tail standing on end
Head cocked
Ears back.

After some time has passed, a cat will begin to relax and become more comfortable around you, indicating that she is ready for adoption. If the cat’s condition does not improve within a few days, it is necessary to restore her to her colony.

More information:

VIDEO: “Cultivating Cool Cats”: How to Handle Felines at a Shelter in a Way that Makes Them Look and Feel Their Best

Cat Scared of the Car? How to Calm Down a Nervous Cat

As much as you would want your cat to accompany you on your holiday, cats are creatures of habit and are unlikely to enjoy the change in routine and scenery that a vacation provides. Some cats grow quite scared when they are placed in unusual environments, such as autos. It’s possible that they’ll start meowing loudly or maybe get sick. If this describes your cat, you’ll need all of the tips you can get to assist calm your cat down in the car while you’re driving.

Familiar Smells Can Help Your Cat Stay Calm

No matter how much you’d like your cat to accompany you on your trip, cats are creatures of habit and are unlikely to like the change in routine and scenery that comes with a holiday. Several cats grow quite scared when they are placed in unusual environments, such as automobiles. If they become ill, they may begin to meow loudly. Then you’ll need to locate every suggestion you can to help calm your cat down in the car if this describes your cat.

Play with Your Cat Before You Leave

Try spending a lot of time playing with your cat before you travel to make him feel more sleepy. A wand chase or a red laser pointer chase with plenty of hopping and running will make him feel more prepared to cuddle up for the long drive on the road ahead of them.

Take a Test Drive

If your cat has never been in a car before, or if it has been a long time since he or she has done so, you may want to take him or her for a test drive first. Purchase a stylish cat carrier that can be secured to the seat of your car and take your cat for a short journey. Find out what makes her uneasy and put her through her paces. Is it true that music makes her agitated, but that a podcast soothes her? Simply lowering the volume is all that you require. When traveling with your cat, a lightweight blanket may be preferable over a carrier in order to limit the sights and noises to a minimum.

If your cat drools, screams a lot, pants, or spits up throughout the ride, she may be suffering from motion sickness, which is treatable.

Use Calming Pheromones

It may make all the difference in the world for certain cats whether they are comfortable or apprehensive while traveling if they use a product containing soothing pheromones. It replicates your cat’s natural pheromones, letting him feel that everything is OK. Comfort Zone SprayScratch Control Spray About 15 minutes before transferring your cat, spray the inside of the carrier or the interior of your automobile.

If you’re using a spray carrier, make sure to spray each corner, the ceiling, and the floor one or two times. Alternatively, you may attach aComfort Zone Calming Collar to your cat’s collar. In this way, the relaxing pheromones will remain with him no matter where you go after you leave.

Watch the TemperatureFood

Make sure your kitten isn’t too chilly or too hot in the car by checking the temperature. Furthermore, you should be aware of the sun’s rays as they pass through the windows. In order to keep your cat from overheating, you may want to consider installing a shade on the windows or a light cover on her carrier. Additionally, you may want to avoid feeding your cat immediately before you start on the road, but instead provide water during rest breaks (while keeping your car door locked to prevent your cat from escaping).

Stay Near Your Cat

Someone sitting next to them on the road might help some cats feel more at ease while on the move. When your cat becomes agitated, speak softly to your feline companion. You can calm your cat by placing a sympathetic hand next to the carrier and speaking soothingly to her if you have a passenger in the seat beside you. If you have a carrier for your cat, you can place it in the seat next to yours. Keep your cat’s cage closed while driving to avoid a startled cat leaping out and hiding behind the brakes at your feet if you open it.

Slowly navigate twists and bumps if at all possible to avoid surprising your cat with a sudden change of direction.

You Might Need to Leave Your Cat Home or with a Sitter

Cats might be difficult to transport in a vehicle at times. If this is your scenario, your best option may be to leave your cat at home or in a pet hotel while you are away. If you decide to leave your cat alone at home, make arrangements for someone to come by on a regular basis to check on your pet and leave a list of instructions. Make a note of the type of food to serve and how much to serve it, how much water to offer, any medications your cat requires, and the phone number for the veterinarian in case of an emergency in your cat’s care.

Leaving your cat alone at home is not the only choice available, although it may be his favorite!
If your cat sitter decides to take your cat into their house, keep in mind that for some cats, this change of environment can be quite upsetting.
As a result, the choice of this option is highly dependent on your cat’s personality.
The adoption of rules to ensure that these enterprises are routinely regulated and that the cats are cared for in a manner that would satisfy even the most discriminating of pet owners has taken place in some areas.
Take the time to study and visit potential places to determine which one is the greatest match for you and your cat.
To begin, conduct a few trial runs to determine what works best for your cat and what can make her feel even more anxious.

Andee Bingham is the first of the Bingham sisters. “Traveling with Cats in the Car: 5 Ways to Calm Your Kitty.” “Traveling with Cats in the Car: 5 Ways to Calm Your Kitty.” Catster, on the 19th of November, 2018.

The 8 Best Calming Aids for Cats in 2021

Discover more about our review method here. Our editors independently investigate, test, and suggest the finest goods. We may gain a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links. Sabrina Jiang’s novel The Spruce It is possible for cats to become anxious at times, just as it is for humans. Excessive loudness and/or excessive touching, as well as changes in their surroundings, might easily cause them to get distressed. However, while it is always preferable to make your cat’s environment as stress-free as possible, soothing solutions for cats may also be useful when inevitable changes occur in their surroundings.

Zay Satchu, DVM, says a variety of items are available on the market to assist cats cope with stress and anxiety.
“Calming pheromones are released into the air through sprays and plug-ins, and these pheromones are calming to cats and help them rest,” adds Satchu.
So, what should you be on the lookout for?
She prefers the products made by Feliway, but there are a variety of other solutions that cat owners have tried with varying degrees of success.
You’ll discover the greatest soothing remedies for cats in the list below.
Read the full reviewThis spray has a natural composition that is non-corrosive to surfaces and can help to lessen troublesome behaviors like as marking and biting other cats.
Check out the review These treats can begin to relax your cat in as little as 30 minutes, and they do it without causing sleepiness.
Check out the review These drops, which include four soothing herbs, may help to decrease tension, anxiety, and excitability in your cat, as well as enhance his or her sleep.

– ReviewIf you’re searching for a budget-friendly solution that’s still high-quality and highly-rated, these goodies are a great choice. Read More Check out the review Feline face pheromone is the primary active ingredient in this product. What We Appreciate

Delivery is simple (diffusion)
It covers an area of up to 700 square feet. There are no negative side effects.

Delivery Method

When selecting the most effective soothing medication for your cat, one of the most important factors to consider is the mode of delivery. Traps, collars, sprays, and plug-ins are the four most common sorts of traps. Because you are the one who knows your cat best, the cat that is best for you may not be the greatest for someone else. Satchu, on the other hand, offers his professional opinion on the matter, saying, “I have trust in the capacities of the Feliway plug-ins and sprays, but I have heard conflicting reports from cat parents who have tried the collars and goodies.” Some cats will become irritated just by the presence of a collar, which will negate the aim.”

Ingredients

When selecting the finest soothing medication for your cat, one of the most important factors to consider is the mode of delivery. Traps, collars, sprays, and plug-ins are the four most common varieties. The ideal cat for you may not be the most appropriate for someone else, and vice versa. Satchu, on the other hand, offers his professional opinion on the matter, saying, “I have trust in the capacities of the Feliway plug-ins and sprays, but I’ve heard conflicting feedback from cat owners who have tried the collars and goodies.” Some cats will become irritated just by the presence of a collar, which will negate the aim of the collar.”

Portability

The importance of mobility is determined by the manner in which you will be using the relaxing aid. You should use a plug-in diffuser to soothe your cat at home, but if you’re looking for a solution to relax your cat when seeing the vet or traveling, you should try a wipe, spray or treats. FAQ

Is it safe to use CBD products on cats? Even though CBD is getting a lot of attention these days—for both people and dogs—there is still not enough information available about the effects of CBD in felines. As a result, we do not advocate using CBD oil as a soothing aid for your cat unless you are doing so under the close supervision of your own veterinarian. Is it safe to use lavender essential oil on cats? While lavender essential oils may be a nice soothing help for humans, they should not be used near or on your cat since they are toxic to them. Cats are poisoned by lavender, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Lavender has two components that are harmful to cats: linalool and linalyl acetate.

Lindsay Boyers, a cat parent of three who is passionate with cats, is always on the hunt for products that will make life simpler and more enjoyable for her feline children. In addition to having personally tested Feliway products and found them to be really successful, she has also spent some time chatting with a competent veterinarian to seek advice for the most effective products and ingredients to help quiet cats down. To get more information about cat calming aids, we chatted with Dr. Zay Satchu, DVM, who is the co-founder and Chief Veterinary Officer of Bond Vet.

Satchu provided us with further information.

How to Calm a Cat

Article in PDF format Article in PDF format Whether you are a cat lover or not, dealing with a disturbed or anxious cat is something no one likes to deal with. A nervous cat may exhibit behavioral difficulties such as litter box avoidance, which might lead to euthanasia. There are a multitude of factors that might cause cats to get unhappy, including automobile journeys, veterinary visits, storm-related noise, visitors in the house, a strange cat outside the house, and a variety of other things.

Make an effort to soothe your cat by managing its environment and providing it some room to go about in.

1 First and foremost, consider your own and your cat’s safety. Only approach the cat if it is absolutely necessary to do so, such as while taking the cat to the veterinarian. The vast majority of nervous cats benefit from being left alone rather than being patted or taken up by their owners. The very first thing you should do if you have to approach your cat while he or she appears to be in distress is to protect yourself first, followed by the cat. Cats that are scared or aroused may and will bite their owners, as well as scratch them. This misplaced aggressiveness indicates that your cat is so agitated that it will attack or scratch anyone in its vicinity if it is unable to get at the object or thing that is causing it to be distressed.

It is critical that you approach your agitated cat with considerable caution
Else, you may end up hurting yourself. Approach the cat with caution, especially while wearing long sleeves and trousers
And Ensure that you have a towel on hand in case you need to capture your cat

2 Maintain a calm tone of speech and demeanor. Talk to your cat in a calm and collected manner. As an illustration, consider the following: “It’s all right, Peaches, everything is fine. Shh, shh, shh.” Sit calmly and patiently wait for your cat to calm down, allowing it to understand that you intend no harm and do not constitute a threat to it.

Converse in hushed tones with a lower pitched voice
Singing or chatting gently to your cat may be soothing or relaxing, just as it can be for you. Singing anything from a fast-paced tune to a gentle melody can be successful. Just make sure you’re not singing too loudly, too harshly, or with fast shifting pitches. On the television, turn the volume down to a low level.

Advertisement number three Attract the cat’s attention to you. If your cat is still apprehensive, try giving it some food. Wet food is normally more tempting to cats than dry food, and fish has an even stronger odor than meat, making it an even more appealing option.

Allow the cat to climb to a higher level so that it may feel comfortable and have a better view of what is going on
Make a soft upward motion with your thumb from the bridge of the cat’s nose to stroke the cat’s face, if at all feasible.

4 If the cat is still unhappy, confine it to a separate room. A limited place where the cat may be left alone should aid in its ability to settle down and relax. Close any doorways leading into the area where your cat is, and close shades, blinds, or curtains on windows to prevent your cat from seeing outside of the room. Children and other pets should also be removed from the area. We want to create a quiet, non-threatening atmosphere for cats, so that their anxiety levels will decrease.

To transport the cat to a place where it will be able to be alone, wrap it in a towel so that only its head is visible, similar to wrapping a burrito with it. Afterwards, you may place it in a quiet location, like as a bedroom, where it will have access to a litter box, until it becomes calm again.

1 Determine what is causing your cat to become angry. Following the conclusion of the emergency, you must reevaluate the situation. What was it in particular that made your cat agitated? If it was a one-time incident, such as having workmen in the house, you can plan ahead of time and place your cat in a quiet area until they have finished. You can utilize ways to rid yourself of stray cats if the cat was outside, such as water sprinklers or chemical sprays that dissuade cats from entering your yard.

If it is an issue that is likely to repeat (such as vehicle trips, company, or thunderstorms), you can take efforts to help your cat better cope with the circumstance
For example,

2 Use pheromones to help your cat relax and sleep. Pheromones are chemicals emitted from glands on the cat’s body, including the face, feet, back, and tail, that cats use to communicate with other cats.

Pheromones are chemical signals that cats use to interact with other cats. When cats are anxious, some pheromones, such as those emitted by the cats’ faces when they brush against objects or their owners, have been shown to have a soothing effect.

In recent years, scientists have been successful in synthesizing these compounds, which are available in a variety of forms such as collar, spray, wipes, and plug-in diffusers.

3 Make use of other soothing aids that are not medications. There are a couple of alternative non-medicated techniques for calming an anxious or agitated cat that you might try. When used in place of synthetic pheromones, essential oils or herbal combinations have the ability to mimic pheromones and can be effective. Food supplements have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety and stress in cats. The chemicals in these supplements work together to maintain the cat’s natural chemical equilibrium, which in turn helps the cat to relax more easily.

Body wraps (also known as thunder shirts or anxiety wraps) are another non-medication method of soothing the body and mind. This collection of fabric and Velcro wraps is designed to be wrapped around the cat’s body and provide moderate pressure on pressure points to help soothe cats. As with swaddling a newborn or wrapping the cat in a towel, not every cat will respond well to being forced to wear a wrap or reacting favorably to the pheromones or mixes. It is possible that you may have to go through a period of trial and error to determine how your cat will react to these products.

4 You might want to think about utilizing a short-term medicine. A unique chemical composition in certain cats makes it necessary to administer drugs to them in order to help them cope with events that cause worry or stress in their lives. There are short-term solutions that may be used for the occasional drive in the car or for visits from particular persons that your cat has developed a dislike for. A variety of drugs are available to temporarily sedate a cat in a short-term, emergency circumstance.

Given that not all cats react in the same way to the same drug, most veterinarians will recommend that you conduct an initial trial with a sedative while at home to determine how your cat will react to the sedative. Keep in mind that certain sedatives must be administered an hour or so before travel or an expected stressful occasion to ensure that the cat does not override the medication’s effects as a result of a buildup of anticipatory anxiety.

5 Consult your veterinarian about the possibility of administering sedatives to your cat. There is a wide variety of sedatives available for usage in cats. They all have negative effects and precautions to take while administering them to cats that have medical issues such as renal failure, heart disease, or diabetes, among others. Only your veterinarian can provide you with advice on which one is best for your cat. The following sedatives are commonly used in cats:

Benzodiazepines. Alprazolam, midazolam, and lorazepam are examples of benzodiazepines. These are the sedatives that are most commonly used in cats. They operate very quickly to alleviate fear and anxiety in cats, acting on the same area of the brain that alcohol does in people to diminish these feelings of worry. Please keep in mind that cats, especially SARI’s, should never be given alcohol. For instance, the sedative Trazodone belongs to this class of drugs. Clonidine and gabapentin are two medications that help immediately to reduce anxiety. Among other things, they have sedative and antianxiety properties in animals, including cats. Allergy and cold drugs, such as chlorpheniramine and Benadryl, have been used to sedate cats in the past. Another sedative that is commonly used in cats is phenobarbital.

6 Investigate your alternatives for long-term treatment. There are long-term options available for those few cats that are plagued by anxiety on a continuous basis. Cats suffering from severe, paralyzing anxiety should be treated with long-term medicine (given daily for months or years at a time). This will make life more enjoyable for both the cat and their people. Fortunately, there are now reasonably safe drugs available that can help to alleviate the chemical imbalances that make life so painful.

These medications include: Amitriptyline (an antidepressant that is beneficial for animals suffering from anxiety), Buspirone Hydrochloride (which is beneficial for animals suffering from phobias such as a fear of people in uniform or a fear of thunderstorms), Clomipramine (Clomicalm), and Fluoxetine (Reconcile, Prozac)
Due to the fact that these medications must “build up” in the cat’s body before they may be effective, it could take up to 6 weeks to determine whether or not they are beneficial. Additionally, they should not be discontinued abruptly, since this may result in harmful consequences. The most effective treatment is to gradually reduce the dosage of the medicine, giving the body time to react to the medication reduction.

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Question My 5-month-old cat is extremely sensitive to touch. What can I do to help? A veterinarian with over 30 years of expertise in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice, Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a member of the British Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary medicine and surgery were among the subjects she studied when she graduated with honors from the University of Glasgow in 1987. She has been employed at the same animal clinic in her hometown for more than two decades now. Contribute to wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer provided by a veterinarian. Allow the kitten to approach you naturally rather than forcing your attention on the cat, and be patient with him or her. Play with toys that are at a distance from the cat, such as a wing-on-a-string, to encourage the cat to enjoy your company without feeling crammed onto your lap. Additionally, sprinkle goodies as you walk along to ensure that the kitty links you with happy experiences. As the kitten becomes accustomed to your presence, wait until they begin to brush against you before briefly caressing them. Develop a gradual increase in the quantity of strokes you give the cat while without overpowering them. Question How can I train an outdoor cat to become accustomed to being indoors only after I relocate? A veterinarian with over 30 years of expertise in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice, Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a member of the British Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary medicine and surgery were among the subjects she studied when she graduated with honors from the University of Glasgow in 1987. She has been employed at the same animal clinic in her hometown for more than two decades now. Contribute to wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer provided by a veterinarian. The key to accomplishing this is to make the cat’s interior surroundings as engaging and fascinating as possible, allowing the cat to live a happy life inside. To accomplish this, high perches, numerous of scratch posts, comfy areas to gaze out the window, hiding places, and toys should be provided. Remember to actively play with your cat for brief amounts of time multiple times every day as well. Instead of serving food in meal bowls, puzzle feeders may be used to give essential mental stimulation. Question So, what can I do to quiet down my cat, who meows continuously and becomes really upset and enraged? A veterinarian with over 30 years of expertise in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice, Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a member of the British Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary medicine and surgery were among the subjects she studied when she graduated with honors from the University of Glasgow in 1987. She has been employed at the same animal clinic in her hometown for more than two decades now. Contribute to wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer provided by a veterinarian. You’re describing a cat who is really agitated. When cats get this agitated, the best course of action is to back off and allow them the space and time they require to calm down. Examine the circumstances that led to the cat becoming enraged in the first place to determine if there is anything you can do to prevent this from happening again
How can I calm a cat down so that it will be able to go in the car with me? A veterinarian with over 30 years of expertise in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice, Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a member of the British Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinary medicine and surgery were among the subjects she studied when she graduated with honors from the University of Glasgow in 1987. She has been employed at the same animal clinic in her hometown for more than two decades now. Contribute to wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer provided by a veterinarian. To make your cat more comfortable in the car, spray his bedding with synthetic cat pheromones, and try feeding him a natural medicine like as Skullcup and Valerian, or a nutraceutical such as Zylkene to make him more comfortable. To add to this, get the cat acquainted to each aspect of what it means to ride in a car, such as being content in the carrier, calm when inside a box in a car with the engine off, then try with the engine on, then with the car moving

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When a cat is teased and petted excessively, he or she may get angry and annoyed. Take good care of your cat as if it were your kid. Give it a lot of love and attention. Don’t lose your mind. They are also alive
Avoid petting the cat if it appears to be in distress. Instead, give it some space until it has gotten its bearings. Once it has done so, pet it and show it some affection. If the cat flees away and hides in its territory, let it alone until it has a chance to recuperate. Sit with your back to the cat at a 45-90 degree angle. This stance is less daunting and hard, and it demonstrates to them that they have a way out. Don’t forget to be patient and calm at the same time! It is your energy that Kitty will feed off of. Do not shuffle your cat since this produces a hissing sound that can annoy and upset a cat even more. If your cat is frequently afraid, play relaxing classical music in the background around the home. Place some food away from the cat and then step back to give them the impression that they have greater freedom to wander about

Retrace your steps and reconsider your approach if you reach for a cat and it hisses or arches its back. Bring no more than one animal into the room since this may increase your pet’s stress levels.

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Summary of the ArticleXTo calm an anxious cat, speak in a calm voice, draw it to you with food, and softly touch it from the bridge of the nose up and down. Wrapping your cat firmly in a towel with only its head peeping out will keep it from scratching or biting you while you relocate your cat to a more peaceful location. Look for long-term remedies, like as collars or sprays that contain soothing pheromones, for cats that are prone to become anxious on their own. In addition, there are drugs that your veterinarian can give for both short-term and long-term anxiety, like as sedatives for vehicle journeys or antidepressants for generalized anxiety.

Continue reading the article to find out more from our Veterinarian co-author, including how to assess what is causing your cat to be scared. Did you find this overview to be helpful? The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 324,978 times.