If your cat is feeling stressed or anxious, there are many products that can help them feel more relaxed. From diffusers and chews to special foods and shirts, these calming aids can make a big difference. Here are the top calming aids for cats to help your furry friend stay calm and happy.
Key Takeaways
- Feliway MultiCat Calming Diffuser Refill for Cats uses synthetic pheromones to create a calming environment.
- PetHonesty Cat Calming Chews are tasty treats that help reduce anxiety with natural ingredients.
- NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Drops can be added to your cat’s food to help them relax.
- Vibeful by Chewy Behavior Support Powder Calming Supplement is a powder you can mix into your cat’s meals.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Calm Dry Cat Food is specially formulated to reduce stress in cats.
Feliway MultiCat Calming Diffuser Refill for Cats
The Feliway MultiCat Calming Diffuser Refill is a top choice for reducing stress in multi-cat households. This product mimics your cat’s natural calming pheromones, providing a sense of security and comfort. 84% of cat owners saw significant improvement in conflict between cats when using Feliway MultiCat. The diffuser works by heating a wick inside a canister of liquid, dispersing the pheromone as the heat evaporates the formula.
Key Features
- Drug-free solution: Mimics a mother cat’s natural pheromones.
- Effective range: Covers up to 700 square feet.
- User-friendly: Simply plug it in and let it work.
Pros
- Reduces common stress behaviors like scratching and spraying.
- No unwanted side effects.
- Recommended by veterinarians.
Cons
- Can take 1-4 weeks to show improved behavior.
- Canisters need to be replaced monthly.
- Plug-in can get hot if left in after the canister is empty.
This diffuser is a lifesaver for many cat owners, helping to create a peaceful environment for both cats and their humans.
PetHonesty Cat Calming Chews
PetHonesty Cat Calming Chews are a popular choice for helping cats manage stress and anxiety. These chews are formulated with L-theanine, thiamine, and natural chamomile to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Cats love chowing down on the chicken-flavored chews, which have a crunchy shell and soft, creamy filling.
Key Features
- Contains L-theanine, thiamine, and chamomile
- Chicken-flavored with a crunchy shell and creamy filling
- Helps alleviate stress and anxiety
Customer Reviews
- "Gave my cat a half dose to test and am more than happy! He’s VERY chilled out and sleepy." – Emmalee
- "Another cat came to live with us. Payton was a little too aggressive with her. These treats helped calm him." – Judith
- "I gave them both these treats and they were out for half of the day!" – Natalie
These treats are a dual texture calming supplement for cats that many pet owners find effective. However, some customers report that the texture is a little hard for their cats, while others found that the chews were soft enough to be broken into pieces.
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Drops for Cats & Dogs
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Drops for Cats & Dogs is a liquid supplement designed to help reduce stress and tension in your pets. This product is suitable for both cats and dogs, making it a versatile option for multi-pet households. The drops contain naturally-derived active ingredients like L-tryptophan and chamomile, which work together to promote a calming effect. Additionally, ginger is included to help settle sensitive stomachs, which can be a common issue during stressful events.
Key Features
- Multi-Pet Use: Suitable for both cats and dogs.
- Natural Ingredients: Contains L-tryptophan, chamomile, and ginger.
- Stress Relief: Helps reduce anxiety, stress, and tension.
- Easy Administration: Can be given orally during stressful events or daily for ongoing support.
Usage Instructions
- Administer the drops orally to your pet during stressful events like travel or thunderstorms.
- For ongoing support, you can give the drops daily to help maintain a calm demeanor.
- Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging for the best results.
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Drops are a great option for pet owners looking for a natural way to help their pets stay calm and relaxed. Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a thunderstorm, these drops can make a big difference in your pet’s stress levels.
Vibeful by Chewy Behavior Support Powder Calming Supplement
The Vibeful by Chewy Behavior Support Powder Calming Supplement is a top choice for pet owners looking to ease their cat’s anxiety. This powder is designed to calm cats without making them drowsy. Active ingredients include L-tryptophan, valerian root powder, and chamomile powder. Simply sprinkle it over your cat’s food for an easy dose of stress relief.
Key Features
- Non-drowsy formula: Helps calm your cat without making them sleepy.
- Easy to administer: Just sprinkle over food.
- Effective ingredients: Contains L-tryptophan, valerian root powder, and chamomile powder.
Customer Reviews
- CATS APPROVE: "Helps a lot! We wanted something with chicken flavor because everything else is ‘liver’ flavored and this has helped both our kitties!"
- EXCELLENT RESULTS!: "I purchased primarily for 2 of my pets – I have a 12 yr old blind Jack Russell that has a lot of anxiety with loud noises, and other circumstances. This Behavior product calms her down without getting loopy from drugs. My 8 yr old male cat self-harms when he is anxious, he licks the same spots until they bleed. He also stress vomits. He ran out of gabapentin (which did not work well) I purchased the Behavior product to see if it would help without using RX drugs. I started giving it to him each night on his wet food. He is calmer and has slowed down on the self-harming. All in all this was an excellent value."
- GOOD, WORKS WELL: "My cat is very anxious and has been having a hard time lately. I’ve tried a lot of stuff but this actually helps significantly. As always it depends on the pet. But for my cat it worked very well."
This supplement is a great option for those looking to manage their cat’s anxiety without resorting to prescription medications. However, always monitor your pet for any adverse reactions, as individual responses can vary.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Calm Dry Cat Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Calm Dry Cat Food is a specialized formula designed to help manage stress and anxiety in cats. This food is not only calming but also supports overall health. It contains hydrolyzed milk protein and L-tryptophan, which are known to promote relaxation in cats.
Key Benefits
- Calming Ingredients: Hydrolyzed milk protein and L-tryptophan help manage fearful behavior in cats.
- Nutritional Support: B vitamins and amino acids support healthy skin, while fiber helps control hairballs.
- Stress Management: Ideal for use during stressful events like moving or introducing new pets.
Considerations
- Veterinary Prescription Required: You will need a vet’s authorization to purchase this food.
- Cost: It is on the expensive side, but many cat owners find it worth the investment.
We have 6 cats and started having issues with spraying and fighting. We switched to this food and both of these issues have improved!
Ingredients
- Chicken by-product meal
- Corn
- Brewers rice
- Corn gluten meal
- Wheat
- Wheat gluten
- Natural flavors
- Dried plain beet pulp
- Chicken fat
- Pea fiber
- Powdered cellulose
Available Sizes
- 4.4-pound bag
- 8.8-pound bag
Fresh Step Clean Paws Calm Clumping Cat Litter
Fresh Step Clean Paws Calm Clumping Cat Litter is designed to help reduce your cat’s stress while keeping your home clean. This litter features a unique blend of rose, chamomile, and hemp seed oil scents that create a calming environment for your feline friend. Additionally, it includes activated charcoal to absorb odors effectively.
Key Features
- Low Tracking: This litter really doesn’t track as much, staying better on the mats. This means less sweeping and vacuuming for you.
- Dust-Free: Keeps the air cleaner and reduces the amount of dust your cat might inhale.
- Odor Control: Activated charcoal helps in absorbing unpleasant smells, making your home fresher.
- Built-in Handle: The box comes with a built-in handle for easy carrying and pouring.
While the calming effects on cat behavior are not scientifically proven, the pleasant scent can make the litter box area more soothing for both you and your cat.
What We Like
- Relaxing scents of rose, chamomile, and hemp seed oil
- Dust-free formula
- Effective odor absorption with activated charcoal
- Convenient built-in handle
What We Don’t Like
- Effectiveness on cat behavior is unproven
Thundershirt Cat Anxiety Shirt
The Thundershirt Cat Anxiety Shirt is a popular solution for calming stressed or anxious cats. This innovative shirt applies a gentle, constant pressure on your cat’s torso, similar to swaddling a baby. This pressure can have an amazing calming effect on most cats. It’s especially useful for anxiety due to noise, fearfulness, and reactivity.
Key Features
- Drug-Free Solution: The Thundershirt offers a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety without the use of medications.
- Easy to Use: It’s easy to put on, and the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit.
- Multiple Sizes: Available in small, medium, and large to fit cats of different sizes.
- Machine Washable: Easy to clean and maintain.
Customer Reviews
Many cat owners have found the Thundershirt to be a lifesaver. One customer mentioned, "It’s easy to put on, and the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit. However, my cat’s aversion to having her belly touched proved to be a significant drawback." Despite some challenges, the overall feedback is positive, with many noting a significant reduction in their cat’s anxiety levels.
The Thundershirt is a great option for cats who get anxious during vet visits, road trips, or thunderstorms. While it may take some time for your cat to get used to wearing it, the benefits are well worth the effort.
Composure Liquid MAX For Dogs & Cats
Composure Liquid MAX is a trusted formula designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress in pets. This advanced formula contains unique factors not found in other calming products, making it highly effective for managing behavioral issues related to stress.
Key Ingredients:
- L-Theanine
- Thiamine
- C3 Calming Complex
These ingredients work together to support balanced behavior in both dogs and cats. The liquid form makes it easy to administer, ensuring your pet gets the right dosage every time.
This product is especially useful for pets exposed to increased environmental stressors, such as travel, loud noises, or changes in their routine. It helps create a peaceful environment at home, making life easier for both you and your pet.
Priced at $46.62 for an 8 oz bottle, Composure Liquid MAX offers a cost-effective solution for pet owners looking to keep their furry friends calm and happy.
Vetriscience Composure Cat Chews
Vetriscience Composure Cat Chews are a popular choice for calming anxious cats. These chews are designed to help manage stress and anxiety in cats without altering their personality. They start working within 20 to 30 minutes and can last up to 4 hours. The dosage can be safely doubled or tripled if needed, making it easy to adjust based on your cat’s needs.
Key Ingredients
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 67mg
- C3 (Colostrum Calming Complex): 11mg
- L-Theanine: 10.5mg
Pros
- Contains a trio of clinically proven active ingredients
- Affordable, costing less than $0.30 per chew
- Comes in a tasty chicken liver flavor
Cons
- Some cats may find the texture too hard
- Smells a bit medicinal
If your cat is particularly anxious, you can give these chews daily or during stressful times. They are safe for cats of all ages and weights.
Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Behavioral Support for Cats
Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Behavioral Support for Cats is a bite-sized chew designed to help manage your cat’s everyday stress and anxiety. These calming tabs have never caused a reaction other than better sleep and an easier transition to being loved and cared for. The main active ingredients include Thiamine, colostrum, and L-Theanine, which work together to naturally calm your feline friend.
You can give this product to your cat daily or only when needed. If your cat is particularly stressed, you can double the dose until you notice a change in their behavior. The chews have a natural chicken flavor that most cats will willingly eat. Each bottle contains 160 chews, making it a long-lasting solution.
Pros
- No harmful side effects
- Safe to double or triple dosage
- Clinically shown to work within 30 minutes
Cons
- Only lasts for 4 hours
- May cause flatulence
The natural ingredients and vitamin B sources work within minutes to calm your cat down without sedating them or causing drowsiness. However, it will still help keep your cat calm enough to sleep if they are having issues due to environmental or emotional stress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your cat calm and stress-free is essential for their overall well-being. From calming chews and diffusers to special diets and sprays, there are many options available to help your feline friend feel more relaxed. It’s important to find the right product that suits your cat’s specific needs and preferences. Always remember to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new calming aid to ensure it’s safe and effective for your pet. With the right approach, you can help your cat navigate stressful situations and enjoy a more peaceful life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common causes of anxiety in cats?
Cats can get anxious due to various reasons such as new people or animals in the house, changes in their environment, or health issues. Even something as simple as a dirty or new litter box can cause stress.
Do calming aids really work for cats?
Yes, calming aids can help cats feel less stressed. However, results can vary. It’s often best to use them alongside other methods like behavior changes and environmental adjustments.
What do vets recommend for a stressed cat?
Vets usually suggest identifying and removing the source of stress first. This might involve changing the litter box setup or reducing loud noises. Calming aids and sometimes even prescription medications can also be helpful.
How can I naturally calm my cat?
To naturally calm your cat, try to eliminate stress triggers and provide a quiet, safe space. You can also use calming aids and engage your cat in play to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
When should I talk to my vet about my cat’s anxiety?
If your cat shows signs of stress that don’t improve or seem severe, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. Stress in cats can sometimes lead to serious health issues like urinary tract problems.
What are the signs that my cat is stressed?
Signs of stress in cats include increased heart rate, open-mouth breathing, agitation, decreased appetite, and unusual behaviors like urinating outside the litter box or excessive crying.