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Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. He or she can help you pinpoint the best way to keep your cat calm and manage any other behavioral issues your feline pal might have. And if the problem persists, you can contact an animal behaviorist.

Luckily there are numerous ways to deal with these behaviors. Conclusionīehavioral issues like anxiety are among the leading reasons why many pet parents relinquish their cats. Chamomile and Valerian, for instance, are known to have calming effects. If you prefer to stick to the natural route, consider trying some stress-relieving herbs. Giving your pet anxiety medication should be a last resort – but if it’s the only method that can improve the quality of your cat’s life, it’s worth a try. Remember, some illnesses can make your cat anxious, while others are just overly sensitive and need medication to calm down. If you’ve tried all the above methods and your cat’s stress persists, talk to your vet about giving your feline pal some medication. There are numerous cat trees that you can use that vary in size and material. The scratching pole should be big enough for your cat to stretch out against (or on) fully. Therefore, installing a scratching post somewhere in your space can help your cat relieve some stress. Our feline pals scratch things around them for numerous reasons, including stress and anxiety. Many cat parents that use pheromones report that it does help lessen anxiety. They can be added to a diffuser to create a calm space, or a collar that your cat wears everywhere.

Use pheromonesĬat pheromone products like FeliWay are created in labs to mimic the pheromones that are naturally produced by our feline pals. If the leading cause of anxiety is noise-based, try playing some calming or classical music. A safe haven can be high on a shelf or in a quiet room. Remove your feline pal from stressful situations and take her somewhere that makes her feel comfortable. These activities will help distract her from whatever is making her anxious. If she loves being brushed, brush her coat when she seems anxious. If your cat loves cuddling, cuddle with her in moments of stress. If the anxiety is caused by something transient, you can distract your cat using her favorite toy. This process is referred to as counterconditioning. Eventually, your pet will learn to associate the sound or presence of the vacuum cleaner with a good thing. When she’s used to it, try turning the vacuum on while your partner or friend plays with her across the room. You can put her favorite food or treat near the vacuum when it’s off until she learns to approach the device on her own.

For example, if the vacuum cleaner is the leading source of stress, teach your feline pal to associate this device with positive reinforcement. Instead of taking your cat out of a stressful situation, you can help her adapt to whatever is causing the stress. These snacks have specific ingredients that support cats’ nervous systems. Calming cat treats can also come in handy when dealing with an anxious cat. Even if the supplement you choose doesn’t cure your pet’s anxiety fully, it can be a great addition to a more comprehensive behaviour modification program. There are numerous calming supplements available for cats. Once any health issues are ruled out, try calming your feline pal down with these solutions: 1. Most of these symptoms that cause a change in behavior can also be due to pain or elevated thyroid hormones, so be sure to consult your vet if they persist. Some cats pant or have dilated pupils when anxious. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety in cats include hiding, aggressiveness, not using the litter box and excessive licking. If your kitty is sensitive, even simple things like a new laundry detergent scent, new furniture or moving boxes can set your feline pal off! Recognizing the signs Unfortunately, determining the exact cause of stress is almost impossible. Cat anxiety can also be caused by the introduction of another pet in the house or other significant changes in your life. It can be caused by certain events or noises like thunderstorms or even a change in the environment. Does your cat have a tendency to get nervous or stressed? Use these simple tips to calm her down!Īnxiety in our furry pals comes in numerous forms.

Sounds to calm cats down