Cats, just like humans, can experience stress for a variety of reasons such as boredom, overstimulation, or changes in their environment. While identifying the root cause is crucial, there are calming aids available that can help ease their unease when unavoidable situations arise. Dr. Zay Satchu, DVM, co-founder and Chief Veterinary Officer of Bond Vet, recommends various products such as treats, collars, sprays, and plug-ins to relieve stress and anxiety in cats. Pheromones, rosemary, chamomile, and/or tryptophan are key ingredients to look for in effective calming aids, though it’s important to remember that not all products will work for every cat, so trying out multiple options may be necessary.
Feliway Classic Cat Calming Diffuser Kit
Both veterinarians endorse Feliway as an effective pheromone product to help your feline feel more at ease.
Dr. Burch advises, “I suggest using Feliway pheromone diffusers, which contain synthetic hormones that imitate the ones produced by mother cats to soothe their offspring. These pheromones have an impact on your cat’s olfactory system and can help alleviate anxiety.”
Feliway is a popular choice among veterinarians and cat owners due to its proven efficacy. In clinical tests, it has been shown to lower scratching and urinating caused by stress in 90% of cats, and changes may be noticeable within a week of initiating use. For best outcomes, plug in the diffuser in the room where your cat spends the most time, making the environment more comfortable and soothing for your furry friend.
ThunderWunders Cat Calming Chews
ThunderWunders’ cat calming chews are formulated with thiamine, L-tryptophan and chamomile, helping to alleviate stress and tension caused by various triggers such as vet visits, separation, storms, fireworks and travel. These active ingredients work together to promote relaxation, making it easier for cats to keep calm in stressful situations. Each package contains 100 chicken-flavored pellets and weighs 4.8 ounces. These chews are recommended by veterinarians for managing anxiety in cats and have received high ratings of 4.8 out of 5. The only downside is that they are considered pricey.
VetriScience Laboratories Composure, Calming Formula for Cats
This chewy snack is made up of a blend of calming ingredients such as C3 colostrum, L-Theanine, and Thiamine. These ingredients work in tandem to provide support for cognitive functioning, stimulate dopamine production, and assist the central nervous system. VetriScience states that noticeable results can be seen after 20-30 minutes of giving the treat to your cat.
The treat has a tasty chicken liver taste and a chewy texture that felines seem to enjoy, according to customer feedback. These calming chews have the most uncertain reviews of all the products on the list. Some customers claim they are the perfect solution to stress, while around 20% say they don’t help with their cats’ anxiety at all.
Pros
– Made by vets
– Helps promote cognitive health
– Delectable chicken liver flavor
Cons
– Reviews from customers vary widely
Feliway Cat Stress Relief – Easiest to Use
This Feliway Cat Stress Relief provides all-encompassing calming to address a variety of feline issues, such as responding poorly to changes, anxiety, fear, inter-cat conflicts, urine marking, scratching, and other telltale signs of stress. This all-in-one solution eliminates the need for any additional products.
Feliway boasts an impressive 9.1/10 satisfaction rating and is highly recommended by veterinarians. Unlike conventional calming products on the market, Feliway is completely drug-free and provides superior results. Covering approximately 700 sq ft, the diffuser effectively targets areas where your cat typically spends time. With six refills that last around one month each, Feliway’s stress relief is perfect for busy pet parents.
PROS
Impressive 93% success rate
Portable and travel-friendly
No effort needed from owners
CONS
Cannot be used with a different diffuser
Pet Naturals Calming Cat Chews – Best Value
Pet owners looking for an affordable solution to ease their cats’ stress may find Pet Naturals Calming Cat Chews to be an ideal choice. These chews are specifically formulated by veterinarians and contain natural ingredients that can be tailored to your cat’s diet to help soothe their nerves without causing any drowsiness. Additionally, they can help reduce destructive or aggressive behavior. The recommended dosage is one chew per day, though up to three chews are permitted for extremely anxious felines. However, frequent use of these chews may render them less economical.
Pros:
– Formulated by veterinarians
– Helps to manage behavioral issues
– Meets the standards of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC)
– Budget-friendly
Cons:
– Some cats may not enjoy the taste
– Using daily may negate affordability
What to Look for in Cat Calming Treats
To help ease your cat’s anxieties, there are a number of actions you can take, such as offering them cat calming treats. When choosing a calming treat for your feline, consider their taste, texture, and form. It’s important to select treats that are palatable to your cat to ensure they will eat them. Soft chews are a popular option as they are both tasty and easy to consume. However, licks can be effective for kittens or elderly cats with dental issues, as they absorb quicker. When it comes to selecting a calming treat, the active ingredients are crucial. Look for products that contain natural components that can help reduce anxiety in cats, such as chamomile, thiamine, L-tryptophan, L-theanine, and melatonin. A high-quality product will include a blend of substances that work together to provide a more potent effect. Consider the purpose of the treat and use them in situations where your cat may need anxiety relief such as veterinary visits, grooming appointments, or during stormy weather. It’s important to check the label and follow the recommended feeding frequency and dosage instructions. Not all treats are created equal, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your cat.
FAQs
Q. Will hemp oil or CBD oil relax my cat?
A. It’s becoming more accepted to give cats hemp oil or CBD oil to calm them down. The two oils come from the same plant, neither is psychoactive, yet they are very different. Hemp oil comes from the hemp plant’s seeds and does not have any CBD in it. CBD oil is extracted from other parts of the hemp plant and there’s no THC in it to get your pet high. You probably won’t get much help from the veterinary community regarding these products due to legal issues in some states. You’ll find plenty of products to try online, especially hemp oil for pets, if you choose to go this route. If you’re considering giving your pet hemp oil for anxiety, consider the quality control and dosing of the product. Hemp oil should be given in the recommended dosage in food. Though it’s extremely rare to give your cat too much hemp oil, scour the directions so you know the correct dosage to give your pet. As long as it’s odorless, you have a good chance of getting it into your kitty’s belly.
Q. Can I reduce my indoor cat’s anxiety in ways that don’t involve any products?
A. Yes, you can train and play with your cat to reduce anxiety. An indoor cat needs more playtime than an outdoor cat that naturally burns off energy. If you train an anxious cat, use a clicker and always offer positive feedback and interaction. Other cats love to train with ordinary treats. Playtime uses up the excess energy that makes a cat anxious, and you’ll also create a stronger bond that helps to reduce fear and anxiety.
Q. What are pheromones and how do they calm cats?
A. Pheromone products may be a solution to your cat’s unwanted behaviors, fears, and anxieties, but why? Pheromones are chemical signals naturally produced by cats (and every other species) that cause specific responses from others of the same species. Some pheromones can signal cats to become alarmed, aroused, bonded, anxious, and calm. The right pheromones can calm your cat down. Synthetic pheromones, such as those produced by nursing mother cats or facial pheromones that they rub and release on surfaces when they feel relaxed in an environment, are used in calming products to make a cat feel safe and secure.
David Henry
Hello, everyone! I'm David Henry, a dedicated customer and enthusiastic reviewer of Tractor Supply Company. As a farmer and agriculture enthusiast, I frequently visit Tractor Supply Company to explore and purchase a wide range of agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment. Over the years, I have accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in shopping at Tractor Supply Company, and I aim to help others make wiser choices through my sharing. I understand the importance of selecting the right products for farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. That's why I enjoy sharing my insights and recommendations to assist individuals in finding the best-suited products for their needs. Join me as we embark on a journey of discovering quality products and making informed decisions at Tractor Supply Company. Together, let's enhance our farming and outdoor experiences through valuable insights and practical advice.
