5 Vet Approved Ways to Calm Your Cat-PetSense

Anxiety in dogs is a common concern among pet owners, yet many overlook the anxiety experienced by our feline companions. Just like dogs, cats can suffer from separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, or stress triggered by specific events, such as thunderstorms, new family members, or relocating to a new environment.

Feline anxiety manifests in various ways, including urine marking, recurrent urinary tract disorders (FLUTD), overgrooming, and other compulsive behaviors.

If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s behavior and there is no identifiable cause, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. Otherwise, read on to discover five veterinarian-approved methods for soothing your anxious cat.

Key Takeaways

Cat anxiety can present itself through behaviors such as urine marking, overgrooming, and compulsive actions.
Crafting a calming environment for your cat, equipped with toys, scratching posts, and a secure hideaway, can significantly alleviate anxiety.
Engaging your cat in playtime with interactive toys like wand toys and puzzles can contribute to reducing their stress levels.
Over-the-counter calming solutions, like pheromones and dietary supplements, may be beneficial but should be discussed with your veterinarian first.

1. Create a Relaxing Environment

If your cat tends to get anxious during events like fireworks or family gatherings, take proactive steps to create a tranquil sanctuary for them. Think of it as your cat’s personal haven!

Indoor cats often retain their natural instincts, including scratching, chewing, and climbing. A serene environment should encourage these behaviors while also being free from potential threats, such as dogs or curious children’s hands. Utilize gates to tactfully separate your cat’s safe zone from potential disturbances.

Cats are natural climbers and feel secure when they can survey their surroundings from elevated positions. By providing cat trees, window perches, and raised beds, you create an enriching environment that fulfills their instincts.

Cats also prefer warm sleeping spots. Self-warming beds and sunlit resting areas contribute to their comfort, but ensure electrical cords are safely managed to prevent any chewing hazards.

Don’t forget to include scratching posts; these are essential for claw health and marking territory. Cats typically scratch in prominent places near their resting spots, so consider placing a tall scratching post nearby.

If your cat faces daily anxiety, is consistently triggered by certain stimuli, or experiences multiple anxiety episodes a month, don’t hesitate to consult your vet.

Your cat’s haven should also be equipped with engaging toys to stimulate natural hunting and play behaviors. Consider options like crinkle balls, automated toys mimicking prey, or even simple cardboard boxes. Observing which toys your cat enjoys can greatly enhance their relaxation space.

Keep in mind that cats are highly sensitive to smell. Stimulating scents, such as catnip, can significantly reduce anxiety. Use catnip toys or sprinkle catnip in their designated relaxing area. Hiding treats can also incorporate their sense of smell in a playful way.

Ensure that your cat has access to this safe space at all times—not just during stressful moments—so they don’t associate it solely with anxiety. Always consider their basic needs, including food, water, and a litter box.

2. Soothing Sounds: Soft Music or White Noise

When we think of music to calm us, classical tunes come to mind. However, studies suggest that feline-specific music can more effectively lower anxiety levels in cats. Such music resonates with their frequency range and mimics the tempos found in their natural communication.

If your cat’s anxiety stems from loud noises, utilizing music or a white noise machine can help mask these sounds. However, remember that while it may muffle the noise for you, your cat may still hear the source of their anxiety. If the sound machine is too loud or emits unpleasant noises, it might heighten their stress levels.

3. Foster Play and Interaction

Making time for interactive play with your cat allows them to express their natural instincts, leading to improved mental health.

Consider using toys that foster hunting and active play, including:

Wand toys
Automated, self-propelling toys mimicking prey
Laser pointers
Puzzle games
Crinkly toys
Cardboard boxes or toilet paper rolls

If your cat isn’t particularly fond of conventional play but enjoys human interaction, grooming sessions can serve as an excellent alternative.

Be wary of timing your play sessions. If playtime consistently precedes a stress-inducing event, your cat may lose interest.

4. Explore Over-The-Counter (OTC) Calming Products

OTC calming products can be a practical solution for your cat’s anxiety and typically don’t require a veterinarian’s prescription. Nevertheless, it’s vital to consult your vet before introducing any supplements into your cat’s routine for optimal safety and effectiveness.

Many OTC products utilize pheromones—natural chemicals that can instill a sense of safety in your feline. Examples include:

Feliway sprays
Feliway diffusers (such as Feliway Classic, Feliway Optimum, and Feliway Multicat)
Calming wipes
Calming collars

Nutraceuticals, derived from food, may also help alleviate anxious behavior. Common options include:

Vibeful™ Calming Powder
Nutramax® Solliquin Calming Soft Chews
Zylkene® Calming Capsules
VetriScience® Calming Soft Chews

5. Consultation: Anxiety Medications with Your Veterinarian

If your cat exhibits daily anxiety, is frequently triggered by the same stimuli, or experiences multiple anxiety episodes each month that disrupt family life, it’s time to engage with your vet for a thorough assessment. In certain situations, medication may be advisable.

Anti-anxiety medications fall into two categories: long-term prescriptions for daily anxiety and short-term medications for specific triggers or phobias.

Common prescriptions for persistent or generalized anxiety include:

Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Amitriptyline
Clomipramine
Buspirone

Medications typically prescribed for short-term use or specific triggers include:

Gabapentin
Trazodone
Alprazolam
Lorazepam
Oxazepam

Always collaborate with your veterinarian on the correct dosage and schedule for any prescribed medication. Medications should never be paused abruptly, so work with your vet if adjustments are necessary.

This list of medications isn’t exhaustive, and it may require some trial and error, under your veterinarian’s guidance, to discover the most effective solution for your cat’s anxiety.

Conclusion: Addressing the Core Concerns

If your cat’s anxiety is impacting their well-being or complicating your daily life, it’s crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to uncover the root of the issue. While OTC products, enriched environments, background sounds, and playtime play significant roles in maintaining your cat’s well-being, some may require medicinal support to navigate their anxiety, just like their human family members.

Effectively managing your cat’s anxiety may demand time and patience. You might find it necessary to reassess your strategies multiple times. In some scenarios, a veterinary behaviorist—an expert in diagnosing and managing animal behavior—may be the best resource for improving your cat’s anxiety management.