Calming an Anxious Cat
Cats and Anxiety
By Dawn Ruben, DVM
Cats may seem like they have it all under control and nothing bothers them, but for some cats this can be a very scary world. Cat anxiety is a real thing and can be quite serious. Finding the underlying reason or trigger is an important part of understanding and treating your feline family member’s anxiety.
The first step is to see your veterinarian. Tests can be done to rule out underlying disease or pain. Your vet can also prescribe anti-depressants if necessary and give suggestions on behavioral modification. In the case of mild separation anxiety or generalized stress, there are numerous non-prescription products available to help.
Common Causes
Anxiety in any species can be defined as a feeling of nervousness or worry. In some cats, anxiety may be due to anticipating a threat, danger or trauma. For example, separation anxiety is a common problem with cats that have been re-homed several times or orphaned at a young age. Many anxieties develop from experiences the kitten had during his first year of life, particularly during the socialization period of 7-12 weeks of age. Abandonment, lack of socialization, neglect or abuse are common causes.
Many years ago, I took in Pedro, a four-week-old grey kitten who had been found alone on the side of the road. Sadly, his mother was nowhere in sight. Since he didn’t have a mom to show him the ways of the cat world, he developed serious signs of separation anxiety by six months of age: hiding, drooling, meowing loudly and excessive grooming. He also exhibited another anxiety behavior linked to early abandonment called wool sucking, where cats self-soothe by “nursing” or kneading their paws on a blanket, sweater or other soft fabric.
To alleviate his anxiety, I tried behavior modification and a pheromone spray, and had two other cats and an old, lazy dog to keep him company when I wasn’t there. Eventually he improved and would jump onto the bed and let me pet him. With the help of the pheromone spray, Pedro became less anxious and slept in the bed all night.
This was before the advent of anti-anxiety products. I did the best I could with what was available, but his life may have been different if, at the time, separation anxiety was better understood in cats and more products had been available.
Signs of Anxiety in Cats
Signs of anxiety usually first manifest when the cat is between 5-12 months of age. Anxiety can also develop later in life if the trauma or event occurs as an adult. Some of the signs include:
- Pacing or restlessness
- Not using the litterbox
- Hiding
- Poor appetite
- Vocalization
- Trembling
- Drooling or excessive grooming
- Panting
- Destructive behaviors or aggression
Start treatment as soon as you notice a problem; the longer you wait, the worse it may get. But don’t give up. It can take weeks, months or even years of consistent treatment to improve your cat’s anxiety.
In addition to behavior modification techniques and prescription medication, there are a variety of calming products available to help your anxious cat.
Most of the miscellaneous products used to help feline stress are based on pheromones, chemicals produced by cats to communicate with each other. There are glands throughout the skin that release pheromones. They are primarily concentrated on the face, chin, ears, cheeks and foot pads. These chemicals provide multiple messages which can be calming to cats. For example, pheromones are released when the cat rubs his face or paws on objects or people, or when he scratches on things.
Anxiety Treatment Products
Collars: A popular product to help relieve anxiety in cats is a calming collar. These collars are infused with synthetic pheromones similar to the ones mothers use to soothe their kittens. Collars can work very well on some, but may have no effect on others, possibly because some cats will not tolerate a collar.
Sprays: Sprays are available for specific areas that cats commonly scratch, mark or spray. They should never be applied directly to the cat. These sprays are made from a combination of synthetic pheromones and blends of herbs which signal the cat to stay away. They usually work quickly, deterring the cat from using that area again.
Diffusers: A plug-in diffuser can help with generalized anxiety by emitting a pheromone that mimics the type released from the cat’s face. These last about 30 days before needing a refill. Similar to collars, diffusers use the version of pheromone released by mother cats while their kittens are nursing. Diffusers can sometimes be a better option than collars since a cat cannot escape a collar, but he can always go into another room if he needs a break from the diffuser.
Herbs: Herbs are available in dried leaves or flowers, essential oils and teas. Essential oils should NEVER be used to calm and soothe your cat. They cannot property metabolize oils, which can damage their livers. The safest way to provide herbs is to use the dry version. They last longer and prevent the cat from eating too many of the herbs if placed in a small pillow or closed tube.
Catnip: Catnip is a well-known substance to many cat owners. It calms most cats following an initial excitement phase, which can be quite entertaining. Catnip given specifically to reduce stress works best if given about 15 minutes before the stressful event, such as a trip to the vet.
Treats: Calming treats are another option. Some contain various vitamins, tryptophan or other calming ingredients. Alpha-casozepine, a substance that helps manage stress, is often found in calming treats. These treats can be used on an as-needed basis or daily if they seem to be effective for your cat. Anecdotally they have been shown to help with anxiety and hyperactivity. Treats can be a good option for long car rides or days at home spent alone.
Thundershirts®: A Thundershirt is a cat-sized compression vest. It applies a constant, gentle pressure, like a hug. This pressure can help with stressed cats. There is no definitive research that says it works in cats, but there is proof that they work in dogs. As you can imagine, unless you routinely clothe your cat, getting a Thundershirt on him can test your patience and may cause lots of stress for both of you, and possible injuries.
Final Thoughts on Cat Anxiety
Cats suffering from anxiety is no joking matter. Anxiety can have serious long-term consequences for your cat, your household items and you. As soon as you see signs of anxiety, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. Your vet may have you start by trying the various pheromone products. If they don’t work very well, you may need to consider behavior modification and even an anti-depressant prescription medication. Some cats with severe anxiety will require all treatments available, especially if you cannot identify the trigger.
Many cats with anxiety end up in shelters. Some cat owners just don’t have the time, resources or inclination to help these cats. Thankfully, there are many people who are willing to provide a safe, calming home for them. Cats are wonderful pets and even anxious, fearful felines deserve love and patience.
- 11 Hours of Research
- 7 Products Reviewed
- 3 Top Picks
Our Top 3 Cat Anxiety Treatment Products
Here are some products we recommend that may help calm an anxious cat and ease the distressing symptoms of anxiety.
Our experts independently review and recommend the best products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen products and links.
Feliway Classic 30 Day Starter Kit Calming Diffuser for Cats
FELIWAY Classic helps cats adjust to challenging situations, and curbs stress-related unwanted behaviors such as spraying, peeing, scratching, and general fearfulness.
- Mimics cat’s natural facial pheromones, which creates a calming environment.
- Veterinarian recommended and clinically proven.
- Start seeing results within the first week.
- Kits for multi-cat households.
- 30-day starter kit. Save an extra 5% with autoship.
FELIWAY Classic helps cats adjust to challenging situations, and curbs stress-related unwanted behaviors such as spraying, peeing, scratching, and general fearfulness.
- Mimics cat’s natural facial pheromones, which creates a calming environment.
- Veterinarian recommended and clinically proven.
- Start seeing results within the first week.
- Kits for multi-cat households.
- 30-day starter kit. Save an extra 5% with autoship.
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Your Price
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Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats
Sentry Calming Collars use patented a Good Behavior pheromone technology and continues to release calming pheromones to your cat for 30 days.
- Clinically proven to reduce or eliminate stress-related behavior.
- Adjusts to fit necks up to 15 inches.
- It can be used for cats of all ages and breeds.
- Save an extra 5% with autoship.
Sentry Calming Collars use patented a Good Behavior pheromone technology and continues to release calming pheromones to your cat for 30 days.
- Clinically proven to reduce or eliminate stress-related behavior.
- Adjusts to fit necks up to 15 inches.
- It can be used for cats of all ages and breeds.
- Save an extra 5% with autoship.
List Price
Your Price
You Save
VetriScience Composure Behavioral Health Bite-Sized Cat Chews
VetriScience Composure is an advanced formula that contains a combination of factors not found in other calming formulas, for cats exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally-induced stress.
- Calming formula providing C3 Calming Complex, L-Theanine and Thiamine
- Composure soft chews have a tasty, chicken liver flavor.
- Veterinarian formulated and safe for long term use.
VetriScience Composure is an advanced formula that contains a combination of factors not found in other calming formulas, for cats exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally-induced stress.
- Calming formula providing C3 Calming Complex, L-Theanine and Thiamine
- Composure soft chews have a tasty, chicken liver flavor.
- Veterinarian formulated and safe for long term use.
List Price
Your Price
You Save
Feliway Classic 30 Day Starter Kit Calming Diffuser for Cats
FELIWAY Classic helps cats adjust to challenging situations, and curbs stress-related unwanted behaviors such as spraying, peeing, scratching, and general fearfulness.
- Mimics cat’s natural facial pheromones, which creates a calming environment.
- Veterinarian recommended and clinically proven.
- Start seeing results within the first week.
- Kits for multi-cat households.
- 30-day starter kit. Save an extra 5% with autoship.
FELIWAY Classic helps cats adjust to challenging situations, and curbs stress-related unwanted behaviors such as spraying, peeing, scratching, and general fearfulness.
- Mimics cat’s natural facial pheromones, which creates a calming environment.
- Veterinarian recommended and clinically proven.
- Start seeing results within the first week.
- Kits for multi-cat households.
- 30-day starter kit. Save an extra 5% with autoship.
List Price
Your Price
You Save
Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats
Sentry Calming Collars use patented a Good Behavior pheromone technology and continues to release calming pheromones to your cat for 30 days.
- Clinically proven to reduce or eliminate stress-related behavior.
- Adjusts to fit necks up to 15 inches.
- It can be used for cats of all ages and breeds.
- Save an extra 5% with autoship.
Sentry Calming Collars use patented a Good Behavior pheromone technology and continues to release calming pheromones to your cat for 30 days.
- Clinically proven to reduce or eliminate stress-related behavior.
- Adjusts to fit necks up to 15 inches.
- It can be used for cats of all ages and breeds.
- Save an extra 5% with autoship.
List Price
Your Price
You Save
VetriScience Composure Behavioral Health Bite-Sized Cat Chews
VetriScience Composure is an advanced formula that contains a combination of factors not found in other calming formulas, for cats exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally-induced stress.
- Calming formula providing C3 Calming Complex, L-Theanine and Thiamine
- Composure soft chews have a tasty, chicken liver flavor.
- Veterinarian formulated and safe for long term use.
VetriScience Composure is an advanced formula that contains a combination of factors not found in other calming formulas, for cats exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally-induced stress.
- Calming formula providing C3 Calming Complex, L-Theanine and Thiamine
- Composure soft chews have a tasty, chicken liver flavor.
- Veterinarian formulated and safe for long term use.
List Price
Your Price
You Save