Cart
0

Calming Supplements for Cats

Posted by Dr. Roth on

Calming Supplements for Cats

Cats are known for being independent. So it may surprise some pet parents to learn their cat is susceptible to separation anxiety. Cats can become just as attached to their pet parent as dogs and become very upset when separated from them. 

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

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:

  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1): this vitamin is an immune booster that helps the cat’s body handle stressful situations.
  • Colostrum Calming Complex: this ingredient contains a mixture of proactive proteins. These proteins work to inhibit brain activity that causes stress. 
  • L-theanine: This amino acid has been heavily researched and is known for its calming effects. It works by helping the cat’s body produce additional amino acids and bring balance to neurotransmitters. 

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

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.

Pheromone Diffuser

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. 

Oral Drops and Capsules

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

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:

  • Sprays
  • Toys
  • Dried catnip

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:

  • Hemp seed
  • Melatonin
  • Thiamine
  • Chamomile
  • Ginger

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.

Fuzzy Can Help

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. 



Stress and Anxiety Wellness Care