How To Calm Down 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 readily agitated by a wide range of events and experiences, but some cats are relaxed and content to roll with (or slumber through) practically anything. With behaviors ranging from shivering to hiding, missing the litter box to excessive meowing, vomiting and even aggressive behavior, your cat may be displaying signs of anxiety more frequently than you know.

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.

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

In other words, 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 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

Cats, who thrive on regularity and familiarity, may find it difficult to adjust to a new house or apartment. It is not the time to purchase a new cat tree or try out a new cat bed if you are relocating with cats, explains Van de Kieft. “Bring as much material as you can that smells like the cat,” she advises, because a new environment will already smell different. “This will help to create a sense of comfort,” 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 travel with your cat in order to introduce those calming fragrances into the air.

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

For now, try to keep her eating and playing routines as close to their normal as possible.

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

How To Calm Down A Crazy Cat – PPM Apartments, Chicago

Anyone who has ever acquired a kitten knows that kittens are extremely playful, if not a little bothersome at times. Most cats, on the other hand, grow out of it. However, this is not the case for all of them. In the event that yourcatis above six months old and is still behaving up, you may have to face the fact that you have a crazy cat on your hands. Even the most predictable animal may be surprising, but cats are particularly cunning: they might appear soft and lovely for part of the day, only to transform into a monster minutes later.

Some of the unhinged felines’ favorite activities include running around your apartment, clawing anything in sight, and generally making a lot of noise.

When it comes to taming your cat, there are several actions you may take, especially if their hyperactivity is caused by an underlying issue.

Provide Playtime

Cats are naturally inclined to enjoy themselves. They require outlets for their excess energy in order to be happy and healthy. It is possible that they will use all of their stored energy on your residence instead if they do not have access to toys. It is possible to keep your cat entertained for hours by providing them with balls, strings, and other cat toys. This will prevent your cat from getting into trouble due to boredom. Because there are so many different possibilities when it comes to cat toys, you may experiment with a few different types to determine which ones your cat loves.

On Chewy.com, you can see some of the various cat towers.

Don’t forget to give your cat a treat or a ball at the conclusion of the session to reward him or her for his or her efforts.

Another alternative is to purchase an automated cat toy, such as this one, which works automatically. Because it will offer your cat with attention and amusement while you are away, this is a particularly fantastic option if you don’t spend a lot of time in your house.

Try Calming Solutions

An alternative method of calming down a crazed cat is to experiment with some of the relaxing products that are currently available on the market. Among the options are herbal soothing sprays, CBD oil that is safe for pets, and feline pheromone diffusers. The ingredients in each of these products work to relax your cat in a natural and safe manner.

Take Care

We’re not pointing any paws at anyone. Nonetheless, if you’re attempting to bring your wild cat under control, it’s important to recognize that you can be contributing to their erratic behavior. Cats may be extremely sensitive to a variety of stimuli, and their out-of-control behavior could be a disguised cry for help. Here are some things to think about: How often do you clean the litter box in your cat’s litter box? Cats are inherently clean creatures, and this is no exception. Cats, in contrast to dogs, are not often interested in becoming dirty.

It’s possible that your cat will act out as a result of an unclean litter box, so be sure to maintain your cat’s litter box clean at all times.
What is the frequency with which you groom your cat?
A healthy cat will groom herself on a daily basis.
This is most often the case when a cat is overweight and unable to reach all regions of her body in order to groom herself.
Approximately how many times a week do you cuddle with your cat?
They want attention if they are to feel pleased and happy.
And, to be honest, who can blame her?

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

Some cats like traveling, especially if they are introduced to the experience as kittens. Some cats, on the other hand, require a little additional assistance in order to remain quiet. It’s critical to keep your cat’s routine as consistent as possible when you’re away. This sense of normalcy will help your cat feel more at ease. Make sure to pack all of your cat’s essentials, including food, dishes, toys, travel-sized litter, and an abedor blanket, for the trip. When deciding which bed or blanket to bring, choose one that is familiar to your cat and that she enjoys spending time on.

Put your cat’s carrier in your house for a few days before the trip to give him a feeling of normalcy and to help him relax even more.

1 Reward her with a treat every now and then while she’s in the carrier. By the time you put the carrier in the car, the carrier should have a familiar scent to it, and the cat should find the carrier to be a source of comfort by the time you are on the road.

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.

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.

Speak gently and steadily, and try to keep the music as peaceful as possible. 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.
“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.

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.

Inga also discusses the indicators to look out for if your cat is experiencing anxiety, as well as how you may assist them.

Here are some pointers on how to use your body language and the environment around you to alleviate your pet’s suffering.

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.

How to calm a cat

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?

How to Calm an Aggressive Cat

Sharing your house with energetic cats adds a new dimension to everyday life. However, if your kitten has a propensity to become violent, particularly unjustified aggressiveness, you may be at a loss as to how to handle the situation.

Cats that are aggressive are relatively uncommon, although they might be difficult to interpret at times. Discovering how to calm an angry cat can assist you in developing a strong and loving relationship with your feline companion.

Identifying Aggressive Behavior

The ability to read a cat’s body language under “regular” conditions might assist you in recognizing when they are performing in an unusual manner. “It helps them to more accurately’read’ their cats and better comprehend their sentiments and motives for doing what they do in their daily lives. It also enables them to respond more effectively to behavioral concerns like as aggressiveness and oppositional behavior “explains the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Some cats are naturally rambunctious, engaging in bizarre behaviors such as sprinting up and down the hallway (usually in the middle of the night), hurling their toy mouse in the air, and yowling in delight.

There’s no mistaking the following symptoms of aggressive behavior:

Hissing, biting, swatting, growling, exposing claws, opening mouth, and adopting a stiff stance

To rule out the possibility of an underlying medical condition in your cat, take them to a veterinarian’s clinic as soon as possible if they suddenly display these or other indicators of violent behavior that are out of character and for which there is no evident reason. Once your cat has been given a clean bill of health, you may look for and deal with any other potential causes of his mischievous behavior.

Causes of Aggression

Always remember that cats may be feisty; as the Cornell Feline Health Center explains, “Aggression, defined as aggressive or violent behavior designed to dominate or intimidate another individual, is a very typical behavioral issue in cats.” Age (kittens and young cats up to the age of two are the exact definition of “rowdy”), lack of socialization (this is especially true for cats that are secluded during their early life stages), and maternal instincts are only a few of the factors that contribute to hostility (mama cats are very protective of their babies).

Three types of redirected aggressiveness are the most often seen causes of aggressive cat behavior: play, inter-cat hostility, and territorial aggression.

Play or Aggression?

Cats like playing, but this enjoyment may occasionally devolve into hostility. This is a normal occurrence among kittens, who are still learning about their surroundings. If they bite or slap their littermates too hard, their siblings will snap them back into shape fast. It is common for cats who are going to engage in more vigorous play to shake their rears and flatten their ears, and their eyes may dilate.

Inter-Cat Hostility

According to the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, inter-cat aggression is the second most common type of aggression (the first being play aggression). “Cats may not cohabitate well for a variety of reasons, including incompatible temperaments, territorial competitions, or as a result of overcrowding.” For example, if two cats who were previously friendly suddenly become antagonistic, it might be because one of them has a new scent after seeing the veterinarian.

Territorial and Fear

Many cats go into attack mode when they are threatened or provoked by people or other animals. This is why your cat may be perfectly friendly with you, but then growl and swat at a guest, or whack the family dog if they attempt to snuggle on the sofa with them, for example. When a cat perceives that someone or something is attempting to intrude on their territory, they will strike out. But, fortunately, there are methods for controlling your cat’s aggressive behavior.

How to Calm an Aggressive Cat

Following the identification of the source of your cat’s hostility, you may more effectively regulate their behavior. Some reasons, such as maternal hostility, are transient and relatively simpler to deal with because you know exactly what to do in these situations: Stay away from mom cat and let her do her job. You may need to be a little more inventive when dealing with other instigators. As shown above, play aggressiveness is a highly prevalent kind of feline aggressive behavior. Avoiding roughhousing with your cat is one approach to de-escalate the situation – and even prevent it from occurring in the first place.

You may divert their focus away from harsh activities by giving them an alternative toy, such as an animal plush to cuddle up with.
Once a cat establishes their realm, they’ll make sure other animals (and people) know they are the ruler.
Very aggressive cats may be a hazard to others, so you never want to intervene when your cat is on the defense, or you’ll wind up generating more commotion.
If your cat is afraid and alone, you’ll be tempted to pet or soothe them, but they may view this gesture as a threat.
Don’t worry – they’ll let you know when.
Since you negotiate your cat’s aggressive behavior, don’t try to reprimand them, “as this may cause a cat to grow scared of people or may be viewed as play, which may accidentally promote the aggressive behavior,” adds Cornell.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

It is necessary to take your cat to the veterinarian if you see unusual hostility in him that cannot be explained by a particular cause. The doctor will examine your cat and determine any broader problems, such as an underlying medical issue. Neutering and spaying your cat, as well as treating them for a medical condition, will help to lessen feline aggressiveness. Cat aggression can be caused by a variety of illnesses, including epilepsy, trauma, dental disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (which accelerates metabolism), hypertension (high blood pressure), primary brain disorder, FeLV (feline leukemia), FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), and FIP (feline immunodeficiency parasite) among others (feline infectious peritonitis, a viral disease).

The best thing you can do to maintain your animal buddy in good health is to intervene as soon as possible. You may be able to calm your fur babies down with the help of these suggestions, guidance from your veterinarian, and a lot of patience if you follow these guidelines.

Contributor Bio

Christine O’Brien is a writer and actress. The author, mother, and long-time cat parent Christine O’Brien lives with her two Russian Blue cats, who are the rulers of the household. Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy are just a few of the publications where she contributes articles about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, where she goes by the handle @brovelliobrien.

Keeping Your Cat Calm at Night

Cats’ Natural Habits and Behaviour When it comes to working late in New York, the only thing on my mind when I get home is my fluffy pillow, much like the majority of the population. As a result, I am met by four pairs of moist eyes that are looking at me, eager to be fed. It’s not an issue. There are three pairs of eyeballs that scatter after a full supper and a little grooming. The owner of the second pair, on the other hand, begins to dart back and forth across the floor, instead of eating his meal.

It’s time to have some fun.
At the end of the day, I haven’t been home all day, so he’s had plenty of time to snooze.
He may have had a little fun with his feline buddies, but I’m a whole lot more entertaining.
Despite the fact that cats are naturally nocturnal, they have traditionally maintained a crepuscular hunting pattern, which means that they are most active between dawn and twilight.
In their retinas, they contain something called the tapetum lucidum, which is a mirror-like structure that reflects light back to the rods (parts of the eye that contribute to vision).
Although they are unable to see in complete darkness, they are capable of detecting motions and objects in semi-darkness that would otherwise be imperceptible to humans.
While you’re at work, keep your cat occupied.

Provide your cat with toys that he can swat about on his own, such as toy mice, which are particularly entertaining for this purpose.

Cats, like people, grow bored with the same old thing day after day, so be sure to rotate these toys on a regular basis.

Cats are very fond of batting at these.

Your cat will believe they are brand new.

Before you leave the house, program your VCR to begin recording at a specific time, such as mid-afternoon.

Placing a chair in front of the television so that the picture is at the cat’s eye level will allow him to attempt to “capture” these elusive creatures.

One end of a fuzzy soft ball is suspended from a battery-operated wand, which swings the ball around at a variety of customizable speeds and at various angles.

Another version of this toy has a digital timer that can be programmed to run for anything between 15 minutes and 2 hours.

Cats are particularly fond of charging into paper bags that have been opened.

Installing a bird feeder outside of your window is another excellent suggestion for keeping your cat entertained.

There is no better delight than being able to observe live birds up up and personal.

Lil’ Pete enjoys being chased around the home by his mother.

He also enjoys it when I put his toy mouse in front of him for him to swat.

Cat dancers and kitty teasers, which resemble the movement of mice and birds, can also be used to attract attention.

We smear our faces together, and I give him a relaxing belly rub.

Then, in order to put him to sleep completely, I finish the evening with Lil’ Pete’s main course.

The Best Way to Deal With Your Cat Waking You Up in the Middle of the Night to Play Because some cats may nibble at your toes while you are moving or swat at your closed eyes when you are twitching while you sleep, it is necessary to keep them out of the bedroom.

A medical condition such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) that may be readily treated with medicine may be the cause of your normally well-behaved cat roaming restlessly at night, crying, or requiring more food than usual.

In addition, age-related deficiencies such as loss of hearing, vision, or sense of smell might cause excessive nighttime weeping.

If you let the cat to sleep next to you, it may be comfortable for both of you.

Set it to open once or twice a night for a few hours.

Providing your cat with multiple little meals during the day may also assist to reduce his or her excessive nighttime appetite. Keep the largest meal for the last few hours before night. Good night, and good luck!

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.

What We Don’t Like About It

It might take up to 7 days for the effects to become apparent. A new canister must be purchased every four weeks

Across the board, Feliway receives positive feedback, including from Dr. Satchu and the vets who care for the cats of the Spruce Pets crew. It works by simulating the pheromones released by cats in their natural environment to help relieve tension and anxiety. Your cat’s nerves are specially designed to pick up on pheromones, and the pheromones then transmit soothing messages to the brain, resulting in a calmer cat. This diffuser, which has been clinically proved to minimize urine spraying and scratching in 90 percent of cats, can also help soothe your cat during stressful situations like as relocating, the introduction of a new baby or pet, and during disruptive events such as thunderstorms and fireworks.

Spraying is the preferred delivery method.

What We Appreciate

You have the freedom to spray it wherever (you are not restricted to a certain room)
Additionally, it contains calming florals.

What We Don’t Like About It The MasterMind of the Pets Cool Kitty Calming Spray similarly makes use of cat pheromones, but unlike a diffuser, which releases product into a general area on a continuous basis, this spray allows you to pinpoint and completely control the area where you spray. In addition to pheromones, it contains passionflower and jasmine, two flowers that have been shown to have extra sedative properties. This tool may be used at any time, but it’s especially handy during trips to the veterinarian, when traveling, or when new dogs or humans are introduced into the home.

Wipes are used as the delivery technique.

It is necessary to have a firm surface to wipe on. There are only 12 in a box.

Traveling may be stressful for cats, whether you’re going down the road to your local veterinarian’s office or taking your feline on a lengthy vehicle journey with your family. These Feliway Travel Calming Wipes, which include pheromones as their active component and can be thrown into any bag or placed in your glove box, are similar to baby wipes in that they are simple to store. You don’t apply them directly to your cat, but you may use them to wipe off any hard surface, such as a cat carrier or the seat of a car or aircraft when you’re traveling.

Delivery Method: Chew (treat) |

It begins to function in 20 to 30 minutes
The dosage can be increased to get the desired outcomes. It is possible to cut it into smaller pieces.

What We Don’t Like About It

Some cats may not be interested in them
It might be challenging to chew
The fragrance of medicine

These treats, which include colostrum, L-theanine, and thiamine (a B vitamin), can begin to relax your cat in as little as 30 minutes after giving them to him. These components, in addition to calming the nervous system, also help to boost cognitive performance and the overall health of the brain. The dose, or the number of chews you give your cat, is determined by his or her weight, but if you’re not seeing the results you desire, you may increase the quantity by doubling or tripling it with no negative consequences.

If you have a cat with an anxious nature, you may give them to him on a daily basis, or you can give them just as necessary during highly stressful periods like thunderstorms.

The VetriScience Composure treats required several tries before she would accept them, but we ultimately succeeded by including them in her usual morning routine (which she loved).

They certainly appear to be assisting her in de-stressing.” — Margaret Badore, Senior Editor, The New York Times Nursing pheromones derived from natural sources are used in the delivery method. What We Appreciate

What We Don’t Like About It This package from ThunderEase, which is yet another diffuser option, can help quiet down all of the cats in a multi-cat home. When used in conjunction with a mother cat’s nursing pheromone diffuser, fighting between cats in the same home can be reduced, stress and anxiety can be reduced, and resilience can be increased, allowing your cat to better adjust to any changes in the environment. It works in the same way as the Feliway diffuser, and it can cover up to 700 square feet of area.

You have the option of purchasing a 30-day supply or a 60- or 90-day supply of coverage.

Valerian, chamomile, passionflower, and skullcap extract are some of the most important ingredients.

It might be challenging to administer to your cat’s needs. It fades away after a few hours

With Valerian, chamomile, passionflower, and skullcap extract, Richard’s Organics Pet Calm promotes relaxation in your cat and may help ease stress, anxiety, and excitability while also improving your cat’s sleep. This is due to the fact that it is a liquid drop, which can make administration difficult, especially because there are no extra scents to tempt your cat to swallow it. Putting it on your cat’s paw and allowing him or her lick it off is our recommendation. Inhalation of cat pheromones is used as a delivery method.

It causes the release of pheromones, which are extremely effective
It is effective for 30 days.

What We Don’t Like About It In a similar way to diffusers and calming sprays, calming collars operate by releasing pheromones into the environment, which in turn function to help calm your cat’s anxious system. According to the company, clinical experiments have shown that this collar can minimize excessive meowing and anxiety of loud noises, as well as curtail negative behavior in dogs. Satchu points out that wearing a collar might cause some cats to get stressed, which negates the aim of the soothing device in the first place.

Treats are the preferred method of delivery.

What We Appreciate What We Don’t Like About It The cost of calming aids may soon mount up, especially when you consider that they must be replenished on a regular basis.

Because there are 100 chews in the container, the cost per chew is less than 20 cents each chew.

Finally, a decision has been reached. Veterinary professionals and cat owners who have used the Feliway Diffuser (see at Chewy) have praised it, but if you need something more portable for travel, the Feliway Travel Calming Wipes (view at Chewy) may be a better option.

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

Another important issue is the composition of the materials. Some of the most important substances to look for include pheromones, rosemary, chamomile, and tryptophan, while some products contain additional soothing agents such as passionflower, colostrum, L-theanine, and jasmine. If you want to experiment with soothing treats, search for ones that have extra components such as chicken or liver to ensure that your cat will eat them.

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: Tips and Advice

Understanding Cat Behavior: Anxiety, Fear, and Hyperactivity