Cats are typically pretty chill. But like humans, they can get thrown off and stressed out by many things. It could be a change in the home. The daily routine is off. They hate going to the vet. Sounds – like thunder or fireworks – are well-known triggers. Maybe they just don’t feel well, and they’re letting you know by anxious behavior.
The bottom line is that a stressed cat is not happy. The good news is that there are lots of ways to calm down a cat. Read on to get Kitty back to their normal, cuddly self.
Why Cats Get Stressed or Anxious
Despite their ability to nap almost anywhere, cats are highly sensitive creatures. Loud noises or sudden motions can spook them. But there are other things that can cause cat anxiety, like a change in the daily routine. Maybe you’re working longer hours, or there’s a new baby in the home.
Perhaps you’ve introduced another pet; this is a common cause of stress for the current resident. Behavior experts note that slow introductions can make a big difference; doing it too quickly can create territorial issues and anxiety for both animals.
It’s recommended that you keep the new pet in a separate room for several days, allowing them to acclimate to each other with a safe barrier between. When you DO get them together, reward positive interactions by giving them both tasty treats. Differences in pet personalities can also cause stress, such as when one pet bullies another. Reward better behavior with treats to lower ongoing stress levels.
With all the new smells and the unfamiliar surroundings, moving to a new home can also create a stressed cat. Of course, going to the vet or the groomer is rarely a favorite activity for cats, and they’ll frequently act out.
Signs of a stressed cat include hiding, hissing, biting, or fighting with another animal, or peeing or pooping outside the litter box. Your cat may also be more vocal than normal or pace around the house. Their pupils may be regularly dilated, whiskers continually on alert, and their tail puffed up or twitching more than usual.
Fortunately, there are many helpful ways to calm down a cat, including cat calming products like calming supplements for cats, scent diffusers, and even music.
10 Proven Tips to Calm Your Cat
Here are our best calming tips for cats, tested by both owners and cat professionals. If you want to understand how to relax a cat, give these techniques a try.
Give Kitty some secure, safe spaces to relax in or escape to. Ensure that these spots are quiet, away from noise or activity. Offering places where they can perch, hide, and scratch can dial down their anxiety. You can also add a blanket or a t-shirt that has familiar smells.
Cats are not fond of change, so create and stick to a routine. Be as consistent as possible in things like feeding and playtime. If you need to make changes, such as to their diet, make them slowly. Our cat feeding guide has helpful tips for successfully introducing a new food, like our grain-free wet cat food.
Play with them. A lot of cat anxiety can be relieved with regular interactive stimulation. Use wand toys, puzzles, and more to provide them with mental and physical enrichment.
Try pheromones. Synthetic feline pheromones can provide a sense of safety and calm in a stressed cat. They typically come in a spray form or a diffuser that sends the scent through the room. Try lightly spritzing the inside of their carrier ahead of a vet visit. Or spray a towel and drape it over the carrier. Plug in a diffuser in a space where the cat spends time, or if they’re in a new environment.
Calming supplements are one of several natural remedies for cats to reduce their anxiety. They’re typically made from herbs and nutrients combined to create a sense of relaxation. They can be taken in the form of a supplement to be added to their food or as a treat for cats.
Gentle sounds. Play calming music for cats (like classical or New Age), white noise, or nature sounds like rain to help calm down a cat.
Be gentle when interacting with your cat. Let them approach you on their terms. Avoid overstimulating them with too much play, and don’t force physical contact.
Explore their particular triggers. Do loud noises set them off? A change in their environment? Maybe new people are stressful to them. Observe what causes their anxiety and find ways to minimize it.
Stay calm. One of our calming tips for cats involves YOU. Cats pick up on your human stress and worry, so do what you can to maintain a sense of calm when you interact with them. Using a bit of lavender oil, either in a diffuser or dabbed on your wrists, helps you be more relaxed, and so will they.
Check with your vet. Cat anxiety may come from an underlying health issue. Talk to your vet to see if something physical is going on.
Signs Your Cat Is Calming Down
Some signs that your cat stress relief efforts are working include Kitty having relaxed ears and whiskers. A tail that’s straight with a crooked tip indicates they’re calm and happy; purring and slow blinking are other indicators. Proper litter box habits will resume, as will grooming and eating/drinking normally.
A calmer cat will return to socializing (in their own way) – they won’t hide as much and will stay relaxed around other people and animals. They’ll play with their toys (and you). You know your cat best and can judge if they’re back to their old self.When to Consult a Veterinarian or Behaviorist
If your cat’s stress is persistent or it’s getting worse, that’s the time to consult with an expert. Changes in litter, appetite, or drinking habits are an indicator that something may be off; your vet can determine any underlying physical reasons for the anxiety.
If Kitty is breathing abnormally or if their anxiety is causing them to hurt themselves (like nervously overgrooming certain spots), talk to a vet or behavior specialist. They can offer medications or other professional advice to provide cat stress relief.
