Cats suffering from separation anxiety can become destructive and may stop using their litter box. Thankfully, several treatments are available to help cats suffering from separation anxiety. The following calming supplements for cats can help keep cats calm while away from their pet parent.
Calming chews are a great way to calm an anxious cat and give them a treat. Most calming chews contain at least one of the following ingredients or a combination of all three:
VetriScience Composure Chews for Cats contain all three of these active ingredients and provide stress relief for cats. Giving cats medicine is typically not an easy task. This is why these cat calming supplements come in a tasty chicken liver flavor cats love.
Herbal sprays are a combination of calming herbs such as rosemary and chamomile. These sprays typically use concentrated herbal oils, so a little can go a long way.
Pet parents can introduce the cat to the spray by squirting a small amount on the floor in a corner. Cats are often scared of things that spray, so the pet parents should spray a small spot when the cat is not around.
Once a small area has been sprayed, the pet parent can observe their cat’s reaction. If the cat is interested and suddenly seems to enjoy that corner, then the pet can try using the spray on other areas of the home.
Also, pet parents should never spray their cats with herbal spray. Getting sprayed will stress the cat more, and the product isn’t designed to go on the cat.
Feliway diffusers are one of the most widely known remedies for cats. This plugin diffuser uses cat pheromones to induce a calming effect. The diffuser works by warming the solution and releasing it into the room.
The pheromones trigger receptors in the cat’s mouth. The cat’s brain recognizes pheromones as a positive substance and then produces a calming effect.
Pet parents need not worry about an odor because people cannot smell the pheromones.
All-natural drops, such as HomeoPet, contain a plethora of ingredients that are known for reducing anxiety. The drops can be applied directly to the cat’s mouth or added to their food. Pet parents can put a drop on their cat’s paw if their cat is stubborn. Cats are notorious self-groomers and will lick the product off of their paw.
Another oral option is capsules. Zylkene uses a concentrated milk protein known for having calming properties. Capsules can be tricky to administer to cats, so pet parents can try using a pill popper to administer the supplement or put it in the cat’s food.
Hemp and catnip are plants that typically provoke a positive reaction in cats. Catnip is well known to stimulate happy behaviors. There are many catnip products pet parents can use in their home to help reduce their cat’s anxiety, including:
Catnip toys are some of the best options for inducing happy feelings and stress relief in cats.
More recently, hemp products have hit the market and may help reduce stress. NaturVet’s Hemp chews have several calming ingredients, including:
Pet parents can combine hemp and catnip by purchasing a hemp mouse and filling it with catnip. This toy can reduce stress and mentally stimulate and distract the cat from their anxiety.
Pet parents should invest in various toys and rotate them so the cat doesn’t get bored of the same toy.
Pet parents can contact Fuzzy 24/7 with all of their cat health questions. Fuzzy’s knowledgeable veterinary team can recommend additional cat anxiety medication options.
Cat anxiety does happen, and pet parents might not immediately identify it as the cause of behavioral changes. Determining when to consider a cat anxiety supplement requires pet parents to understand why cats develop anxiety, the signs to look out for, and the essential information about supplements that are specific to cats.
There are several reasons why cats develop anxiety, which can include:
Pet parents would do well to keep an eye on anxiety signs that their cats might display if one or more of these reasons come about.
It’s not uncommon for cats to display typical signs of anxiety when they experience changes from their usual routines. Anxiety signs include:
Pet parents may notice their cats overgrooming themselves as if they were trying to self-soothe. However, other cats may do the exact opposite and begin to shed a lot more than usual —they may stop grooming themselves altogether.
There are initial steps pet parents can take when trying to reduce their cats’ anxiety:
However, these methods might not be enough to help, depending on the severity of the cat’s anxiety.
A cat’s response is related to their personality, and pet parents need to determine when it’s time to step up the level of treatment. A veterinarian can help assess the severity of anxiety and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as cat anxiety supplements and cat-calming products, if the cat is healthy enough to take them.
Pet parents should further research information about cat anxiety supplements before administering, such as ingredients, cat anxiety supplement specifics, and when to consider a stronger medication.
Cat anxiety medicine often contains pheromones, which are scents that all cats release from their glands to interact with their environment. Supplements containing pheromones tend to create a sense of relaxation and reassurance in cats.
Additionally, over-the-counter cat anxiety supplements usually contain one or more of the following ingredients for their anti-anxiety properties:
Pet parents should never administer anxiety medications that are designed for people. Cat anxiety supplements contain the correct ingredient dosages specific to cats.
There are differences between anxiety supplements for dogs versus cats. Therefore, pet parents should avoid giving their cats supplements meant for dogs, as some medication will have the opposite effect on cats.
Additionally, pet parents should assess the best time to give supplements to outdoor and indoor cats. Outdoor cats need to be much more alert to their environment and predators. Since anti-anxiety products lead to sedation, it’s wise to make sure outdoor cats stay in while they are receiving the treatments.
Cat calming supplements may not work for all anxious cats. If pet parents do not see the calming benefits for their cat when using over-the-counter products, a veterinarian can provide a prescription for something more potent. Gabapentin is an often-prescribed medicine to induce a stronger state of relaxation.
Fuzzy members and pet parents want only the best quality of life for their cats. There are several easy-to-manage options to try first when looking to calm a cat’s anxiety. Fortunately, additional help is available when those initial methods don’t seem to work.
Fuzzy members can call upon the 24/7 Live Vet Chat for further advice on easing their cat’s anxiety, including more answers to questions about cat anxiety supplements.
Although many consider cats solitary creatures, cats can experience separation anxiety. While it typically occurs in cats having strong bonds with their humans, it can affect any of them. A pet parent may notice their cat practically attached to them at all times.
In such cases, separation anxiety training for cats can be helpful. First, let’s take a look at some signs of cat anxiety.
Several signs point toward separation anxiety in cats:
Cats can develop separation anxiety for several reasons:
In addition, some breeds of cats tend to be more dependent on their humans than others. Burmese and Siamese cats are particularly prone to separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety can cause a lot of mental stress for cats, affecting their overall quality of life. Fortunately, with some separation anxiety training for cats, pet parents can help their cats feel safer and more comfortable in their environment.
Pet parents can take steps to help their cat with separation anxiety.
In some cases, simple adjustments in the home can go a long way in making a cat feel safer and more secure, helping reduce anxiety. For instance, a cat tower can help a them get up and away from a dog or small children, providing a hiding place that also works as a watchtower. Other adjustments include:
For some cats, a safe and comfortable environment might not be quite enough to reduce stress. In such cases, training and supplementation may offer ways to help a cat with anxiety. Pet parents may find success in environmental enrichment and supplementing with a cat anxiety medication over the counter such as:
In more severe cases, pet parents may need to consult a vet to get a prescription anxiety medication to aid in relieving stress for cats. Vets typically recommend this particular solution as a last resort, when changing the environment and offering supplements to help a cat with anxiety don’t work. Even then, most vets recommend anti-anxiety medication only for short-term use and in conjunction with the above recommendations.
Separation anxiety in cats can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. It affects the overall health and wellbeing of a cat and, in turn, their pet parents. Some pet parents might feel that rehoming is the best option, but, fortunately, that’s not always the case. Pet parents should consider environmental changes and supplementation to provide stress relief for cats.
In addition, pet parents should also work with their primary vet for professional cat advice. In some cases, a cat behavior specialist can also be beneficial for reducing separation anxiety. Together, pet parents and professionals can help a cat feel safer and more comfortable in their own home.
For pet parents looking for more cat separation anxiety advice from veterinarians and cat behavior specialists, Fuzzy can help. Visit Fuzzy and sign up to become a member today.
Identifying an anxiety disorder in a cat can be difficult because anxiety can look very different from cat to cat. Some cats display very obvious signs of anxiety, while others have very subtle signs of anxiety.
Signs of an anxiety disorder in cats include:
Cats that excessively groom themselves when they're anxious can sometimes create bald spots and sores. Pet parents will need to seek medical treatment to treat any sores or wounds on the skin.
Anxiety in cats has similar triggers as in humans. Pet parents will need to identify as many triggers as possible to help manage their cat's anxiety. The following list contains common anxiety triggers in cats:
Cat advice for managing their anxiety condition will depend on the severity of the condition and the triggers. Pet parents who adopt or foster kittens, for example, should know about kitten care and how to properly socialize the kittens. This can help reduce anxiety as the kittens grow up. Some of the ways pet parents can help reduce anxiety in their cats include:
Instinctively, many pet parents will punish their cat for destructive behavior. However, if the destructive behavior is how the cat expresses their anxiety, then punishing them will only make the problem worse. The cat will likely become more destructive and aggressive because they don't know how else to communicate with their pet parent that they're anxious.
If the cat is aggressive or destructive, the pet parent needs to take a step back and assess the possible cause of the behavior before reacting. Then, depending on the situation, the pet parent can give the cat space to calm down or attempt to redirect the cat's attention to something positive.
Some of the signs of anxiety can also be signs of other health conditions. Additionally, anxiety can be a sign of illness or pain. Therefore, a vet may want to conduct more tests to rule out other possible health conditions before diagnosing and treating the cat for anxiety. Fuzzy members can get access to online vets 24/7 to answer cat anxiety and other pet wellness questions.
Not all cats knead, but many do. While it may appear to be a strange cat behavior, particularly to those who have never had a cat or spent any time around one before, it’s actually perfectly normal. Some cat parents might wonder "why do cats knead?" when they don’t have to work overtime at the biscuit factory. Fuzzy vets explain that the behavior is actually quite simple and comforting for them.
Pet parents with cuddly cats may have experienced their feline kneading their lap. It’s a cat’s way of showing affection, not unlike how pet parents show their affection by petting.
While adorable, this type of affection can be painful if cat kneading occurs on a sensitive area. Pet parents can lessen some of the pain caused by sharp claws by keeping a cat’s nails trimmed.
Some cats will knead their bed or a blanket before resting on it. The habit may be instinctual, stemming from how their wild ancestors would knead grass into a soft place to sleep. It’s almost similar to how dogs turn in circles before lying down.
Felines have scent glands located in various parts of their bodies. When they knead, they leave their scent behind, which tells other cats what’s theirs. They may lay claim to their bed, a blanket, a spot on the sofa, or even their pet parents by making biscuits.
Cats sleep a lot. One of the very first things they do upon waking up is stretching out. Pet parents may also notice their felines knead their bed, the carpet, or anything else nearby while they stretch. The act of kneading helps to keep their paw and leg muscles loose and limber while also maintaining their dexterity.
Like humans, cats can experience stress. Kneading can be a calming act, helping to reduce cat anxiety and make them feel more at ease much like a toddler sucking their thumb.
Kneading typically begins in kittenhood. Newborn kittens knead to stimulate milk flow from their mothers. Even with proper kitten care, the habit can persist throughout a cat’s entire life. While kneading can be an activity to ease stress or mark territory, sometimes a cat is simply reliving the comfort they experienced from kneading in their youth.
There are several signs a pregnant cat is about to give birth. One such sign is kneading. When a pregnant cat kneads, she may be doing so to help ease her labor pains.
Cats can knead for a variety of reasons. They may be trying to alleviate stress, feeling nostalgic for their kittenhood, stretching their muscles, or simply letting their pet parents know that they love them.
No matter what the reason, gaining a better understanding of feline behavior can help pet parents ensure they provide their own cats with the best care possible. Any pet parent who has concerns about their cat’s behavior or any other cat questions should seek cat care advice from a veterinarian or consult with an online vet like Fuzzy as soon as possible.
]]>Before introducing a cat to new people and situations, there are a few things that to should have on hand:
Stress and anxiety supplements for cats can help during socialization, training, or adjustment periods.
While the best window for socialization is between two to seven weeks, most kittens remain easy to socialize up to 12 months old.
Can older cats be socialized to new pets or environments? While young kittens are the easiest to socialize, this doesn’t mean that pet parents can’t or shouldn’t bring an adult cat into the family. Socializing an older cat is entirely possible—it just requires a bit more time and patience.
Here’s how to train a cat and how to socialize a cat in several different situations.
Start by getting a new feline companion used to family members around the house. Always use a quiet, calm voice and slow, gentle movements. Make sure that young children understand these rules, too.
To start cat training, get down on the floor and slowly extend a hand toward the cat. When they approach, let them sniff or smell the hand before reaching at them. Only if they stay nearby is it okay to pet them gently. As they relax, gently pick them up, supporting their feet, and continue to pet them. If they struggle or become agitated, calmly let them go and try again later. Family members can also earn a cat’s trust by playing with them using toys.
Reward positive, social behavior with treats and head scratches. If a cat decides to run and hide, don’t chase after them. If they scratch, a firm “No!” can help to discourage unwanted cat behavior.
If other family or friends visit frequently, pet parents will want their cat to feel comfortable when these people are over. Have guests use quiet, calm voices in the house. Allow the cat to approach them rather than forcing interactions. Territorial creatures feel the most confident when they can interact in the space on their own terms.
Introducing a cat to other animals is also important, especially if a pet parent has other pets around the house. Again, pet parents should not force these interactions, rather allow safe and separated spaces to gradually introduce the animals to one another.
When socializing a cat with another cat or dog, make sure to remain present during the interaction. Before beginning the cat socialization, make sure that all animals are fed and that they’re comfortable.
If there’s a dog, consider taking them for a walk and playing with them to tire them out a bit. Pet parents might also want to keep a dog’s leash on so that they can maintain control of the space if they happen to lunge or become too worked up meeting the cat.
The earlier pet parents take steps to socialize a cat and get them used to new people, animals, and experiences, the more quickly the cat will become comfortable. Speak calmly, move slowly, and—most importantly—be patient. Eventually, a feline will feel right at home with their pet parents, family, and environment.
For cats that have trouble socializing or adjusting to new scenarios, stress and anxiety medication can help. ]]>By Dr. Jess Trimble
Pets can be very sensitive to loud noises, so it’s no surprise that fireworks can trigger stress, anxiety, and discomfort for your pet. If fireworks trigger stress for your pet, watch for the following behaviors:
Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to ease their stress and keep them safe. Fuzzy veterinarians have recommended some precautionary measures that they use to keep their own pets safe — take a minute to review and start to think about where your pets will be when fireworks start this 4th of July.
It’s important to create a space where your pet can feel safe and sheltered from the noise. Crates with blankets over the top work well for dogs. For cats, any boxes or beds with fluffy bedding should work. We recommend setting your pet up in the quietest part of your home.
If you can be home with your pet during fireworks, that will help keep them comfortable. If you aren’t able to be with them, at least they’re in a safe space.
If you know your pet struggles with stress, there are some products you can purchase that can help:
Note: The above products are available for purchase in the Fuzzy app (and shipping is free). Please order by Tuesday, June 25th to ensure delivery ahead of the 4th of July holiday.
If you have any questions about the above products, your pets, or their stress symptoms — we are here for you! Consult a vet.
Some pets will need pharmaceutical help when it comes to loud fireworks. If you suspect this is the case for your dog or cat, talk to your veterinarian now – don’t wait until July 3rd!
Here at Fuzzy, we prescribe gabapentin for cats, and trazodone for dogs. We’ll explain how the medications work, recommended dosage based on the size of your pet, and help answer any questions you may have to administer safely and effectively.
Note: If you think your pet may benefit from prescription medication, reach out to our team today in the Fuzzy app to start the conversation.
In both cases, we recommend reaching out to our team or scheduling your first visit by Tuesday, June 25th to ensure we can ship the medication in time.
]]>By Dr. Emily Wilson
Just like people do, pets can experience anxiety associated with unfamiliar situations, new people… and medical checkups. For many dogs and cats, a few tasty treats and cuddles in a familiar environment is all they need to feel at ease. Anxiety medications for pets are a common and safe alternative to help dogs and cats that are way more skeptical, and have more extensive anxiety and fear associated with a vet visit.
A vet will want to be able to evaluate your pet from nose to tail with a thorough physical exam, and the best way to be able to do this is with a relaxed pet. Nervous or tense pets are not only harder to handle, but they also make it harder to pick up on small nuances or abnormalities during an exam. For example, a much more thorough, careful evaluation of the mouth and teeth can be done for a happy, relaxed patient. The ability to pick up on abnormalities early, and be proactive about preventive care or management changes is key to a long, healthy life.
If your pet is just a little anxious, an over-the-counter supplement such as Just Food For Dogs-Calm may be enough to keep him calm. For pups and cats that are significantly nervous (they exhibit visible signs of stress such as growling, anxious panting and unwillingness to be handled), oral medications are often prescribed.
A vet will prescribe anxiety medications according to the pet’s weight, stress levels, while taking into consideration other medications the pet may be on.They should be administered well prior to the visit. However, if for any reason a pet is weak to the point of risk of organ failure, or has a decreased ability to metabolize medications, anxiety medications are not a safe option and the pet will have to be physically restrained in order to be examined.
Trazodone is our preferred anxiolytic medication for anxious dogs. You may notice your pup slow down 20 or 30 minutes after taking this medication. Some dogs take trazodone on a regular basis to help with behavioral modification, in conjunction with training. Trazodone is also often prescribed to dogs that are going through periods of cage rest.
Gabapentin is our preferred medication for cats. You may notice them feeling nice and mellow for a few hours after the visit. This medication is given a few hours prior to their vet visit in a tasty snack to allow it to have time to take effect. It’s usually well tolerated.
It is important for you to talk with a vet to make sure that your pet is good candidate for oral anxiety reduction medications – every pet is different. Even if you think your pet is a “lost cause”, please don’t let anxiety get in the way of a checkup. Regular nail trims, vaccines, and blood draws aren’t always fun, but they are critical to our pets’ health and longevity.
If you’re a Fuzzy pet parent, congrats, you have already taken the first step to having your pet have a positive, relaxed vet visit in the comfort of their own home (if you’re not a member, you can give it a try!). If you think your dog or cat may need some help staying relaxed for their next vet visit, reach out to us on Ask-A-Vet to chat with one of our vets.
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