The 9 Best Calming Aid For Cats

Reviews

Feliway Classic Calming Diffuser – Overall Winner
 

The Feliway Classic Calming Diffuser imitates the pheromones released by a female cat when nursing her kittens. What could be more reassuring than the aroma of a mother?

As a result of a synthetic version of this pheromone, the Feliway Diffuser gently and subtly soothes stressed cats. Veterinarians also recommend this diffuser, which has been clinically demonstrated to be helpful on 90% of cats.

However, while this is our greatest option overall, there is no such thing as perfection. As a result, the pheromone may have no effect on your cat because certain felines are insensitive to it.

Also, if you have a vast living space, the diffuser will not operate because its coverage is limited.

Pros

• Effective in clinical trials
• Most cats will improve within 7 days.
• Simple to use
• It works great for the majority of cats.

Cons

• Not suitable for all cats
• Will not function in areas larger than 700 square feet.

 

Calming Cat Chews by Pet Naturals – Best Value
 

Pet Naturals Calming Cat Chews are a cost-effective choice for owners of stressed-out cats. These snacks contain substances specially designed by veterinarians to help relax your cat.

Furthermore, these soft little bits include natural substances that can be added to your pet’s food. They also help to lessen the kitty’s destructive or aggressive behavior without causing drowsiness.

The recommended serving size is one treat per day, however for really anxious cats, you can boost the dosage to three times.

However, at this rate, the low-cost feature of this alternative soon be a distant memory!

Pros

• Veterinarian developed
• Helps with behavioral issues
• Meets the National Animal Supplement Council’s criteria (NASC)
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Some cats dislike it.
• If used on a daily basis, it is not as cost effective.

 

Calming Music for Pets by Pet Acoustics – Premium Option
 

You’re probably aware of the benefits of music in relieving fatigued and worried minds. But did you know there is music developed specifically to calm agitated and restless cats?

The Pet Acoustics Pet Tunes Calming Music Bluetooth speaker plays calming, frequency-modified music that has been professionally proven and vet-approved to alleviate stress and calm anxious feline behavior.

Furthermore, when hooked into a USB wall adapter, this tiny device plays music continuously. Enough to keep your cat relaxed throughout the day and night!

The only drawback for us is the relatively high price, but our tranquil kitties think it’s well worth it.

Pros

• Effective in clinical trials
• Relaxing music that people can hear
• Product of distinction
• Up to 8 hours of continuous play
• Vets recommend it.

Cons

• Expensive

 

Feliway MultiCat Calming Diffuser 30 Day Starter Kit – Ideal for Multi-Cat Households
 

Feliway MultiCat Calming Diffuser is a 30-day beginning set designed specifically for multi-cat households.

It operates in the same way as the original diffuser: it imitates the cat’s natural pheromones to minimize tensions and disputes between multiple cats.

However, if you have parakeets or parrots in your home, be cautious; these birds have sensitive respiratory systems, and pheromones could be harmful to them.

Furthermore, you must follow the space criteria for use, or the product would be ineffective.

Pros

• Clinically proven to help minimize cat conflict
• Vets recommend it.
• A good substitute for the collar

Cons

• Not suitable for all cats
• Some pet birds may be at risk. 

 

Anxiety Vest ThunderShirt
 

The ThunderShirt for cats is a compression vest meant to calm the cat, similar to swaddling a newborn. This pressure appears to be beneficial in easing worried and agitated kittens.

However, there hasn’t been any formal research on the effect of compression vests on agitated cats; however, they have been demonstrated to soothe dogs.

The main disadvantage of this vest is that it can be difficult to put on your cat, especially if your animal is already anxious. He has the potential to harm both you and himself, which would be absolutely unproductive.

However, there are some cats who will not be hesitant to wear this vest and will benefit much from its relaxing benefits. It is up to you to determine whether your pet is one of these more calm cats!

Pros

• Veterinarians recommend
• Over 80% of cats have found it to be effective.
• Excellent for nail trimming

Cons

• It can be challenging to get it on the cat.
• Some cats may get irritated.

Buyer's Guide: The ABCs of Cat Stress

What Are the Causes of Cat Stress?

Identifying the source(s) of stress in cats can be time-consuming. However, it is critical to seek them out because only addressing them will make your pet feel better.

While the causes might be numerous and diverse, the following are the most common:

• Several cats living together. Cats are territorial and routine creatures. The advent of a new kitten at home can upset your kitty, who previously ruled his domain. Even if you have multiple cats who have been living together for a long time, cohabitation can be challenging for them.
• The introduction of a new pet or child into the family. The same can be said for your cat if a new “intruder” appears and settles in his territory.
• Having visitors. Receiving visitors disturbs your cat’s natural zone. Some people may react negatively, becoming worried, isolating themselves, or even becoming angry.
• Change of scenery. A change in territory, such as moving, can be very stressful for your cat. The same is true for any disturbance in its domain, such as remodeling your basement or kitchen!
• A dietary modification. Cats prefer a consistent diet. Trying to make him happy by changing his options is a mistake; instead, it compounds his anxiousness. Give him high-quality food, primarily kibble, and stick with it if it suits him.
• Food distribution is inadequate. Cats enjoy numerous tiny meals per day. If you only feed him once or twice a day, he may become anxious about missing out.
• Transportation via car. Your cat can have trouble supporting car movement. This problem can be explained by motion sickness or by associating these journeys with a negative experience, such as a visit to the veterinarian.
• Illness. Stress can also be caused by disease or pain.

How Does Stress Affect Cats?

Each cat has an own personality and can express stress in a variety of ways. Depending on your animal’s personality, you may see a variety of symptoms:

• Stress may be causing your cat to become violent if he is used to being calm and submissive. He may begin spitting or hissing, biting, scratching, rejecting contact, or even bristling his hair for no apparent reason in this scenario. His pupils are frequently dilated and fixated.
• Anxiety: The stressed cat is anxious in general. He is terrified of even the smallest noise, develops phobias, and can react by abruptly changing his behavior. This worry can force him to damage himself by biting or pulling tufts of hair, but it can also cause him to eat any form of object, which is quite dangerous.
• Meowing frequently: A cat uses meowing to communicate with his human parent. Long, loud, harsh meows are frequently a symptom of stress.
• Compulsive licking: When anxious or upset, cats tend to lick themselves compulsively, particularly their paws. If he licks his stomach or tail when you touch him, it could be due to stress. This practice can cause hair loss in the licked areas as well as irritation and scab formation.
• Stressed cats will typically defecate outside of the litter box. They also tend to urinate in public places to demonstrate their discomfort.
• Clawing: A stressed cat may feel as though he has lost control or recognition of his environment. He needs to mark it, so he begins scratching at furniture, walls, doors, and everything else that comes into contact with his claws.
• Disease development: When a cat is stressed, the body secretes hormones that interfere with the proper functioning of white blood cells, which are cells that protect the body. As a result, his immune system is more weak and susceptible to the development of infectious diseases. If they occur repeatedly, chronic stress may result.
• Eating disorders: When stressed, cats can display polar opposite eating problems. Some people will go hungry and refuse to eat. Others will be unable to stop eating compulsively and throwing up immediately.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disease (OCD): A nervous and agitated cat may develop OCD, a behavioral disorder in which a cat engages in repetitive and exaggerated activities that appear to be aimless. Excessive grooming, pacing, meowing incessantly, and tissue chewing are all instances of behavioral compulsions. Some breeds, like as Siamese, are more prone to developing OCD.
• No more cuddles: The stressed cat frequently attempts to avoid contact, particularly your caresses. If you persist, he may become hostile and point his ears back to warn you.

How Can Cats Be Stressed?

Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you observe the first signs of stress in your cat.

First, the veterinarian will ensure that your cat is not sick or wounded. If he’s in good health, he’ll suspect a behavioral cause.

Your veterinarian can then assist you in determining the root of your cat’s nervousness or recommend you to a behavioral veterinarian.

This method aids in the implementation of appropriate stress-relief strategies or treatments. Anxiety in your cat can be reduced by using natural food additives or soothing pheromones.

Finally, if your veterinarian believes it is necessary, he may give anti-anxiety drugs.

What You Can Do to Help Your Cat Relax

The items on our list are all intended to help calm your cat; they can be used in conjunction with medication given by your veterinarian, but it is better to consult with him first.

At the same time, you can take the following steps to decrease or at least mitigate your pet’s stress:

• If the anxiousness is caused by food, give your cat many little portions of food per day. Be consistent in providing the same high-quality diet to meet its daily nutritional needs.
• Don’t reprimand your cat for displaying stress-related behaviors such as destructive activity or constant meowing. This will simply aggravate the situation and frighten your cat even more.
• To alleviate any urinary concerns, always keep fresh water on hand.
• Spend some time playing with your cat. Give him some alone time, especially if he is stressed out because of the birth of a new animal or infant.
• Allow time for your pet to acclimate to each change. To avoid disturbing him, be patient and take it slowly.

Selecting the Best Cat Calming Product

Unfortunately, there is no secret formula that will assist you in finding the ideal relaxing product for your anxious feline; you will have to rely on trial and error.

Some cats may be less susceptible to pheromone diffusers or sprays, while others may become more agitated and disturbed when wearing a collar or compression vest.

However, we recommend that you use the diffuser first, because the worst that can happen is that your cat is simply not sensitive to it.

Conclusion

Your cat may be experiencing momentary stress as a result of a specific event. Often, there is nothing to be concerned about.

However, if you notice that his behavioral issues are repeating and your pet appears to be living in a permanent state of fear or distress, you should take him to the doctor right once.

As you can see, allowing stress to take hold is hazardous to your pet’s health. It is critical to discover a method to ease the condition as soon as possible.

The Feliway Classic Calming Diffuser, which simulates the pheromones generated by the mother cat when nursing her kittens, is our top overall selection.

If you prefer a food source, the Feliway Classic Calming Diffuser and the Pet Naturals Calming Cat Chews are both less invasive alternatives that have been found to work in many cats.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that our list of the best calming aid for cats has been helpful in your search for the top option for your pet!