Her articles have told the story behind a complex dolphin surgery, taken readers inside a top center for training detection dogs, and explored the alpaca farm boom. Look at one of our cat’s, Harry, in the next photo. “Then maybe they’re running around at midnight or up at 4 a.m. and expecting you to feed them.”. You can reinforce with treats if you’d like. To see if cat music would work to calm cats at the vet's office, they experimented with 20 cats who enrolled in the study. Most vets recommend lavender, frankincense, and copaiba for cats. Stay calm yourself so your cat can learn to trust you. Keep some treats handy and if you’re sitting nearby and the nervous cat doesn’t seem too keen on approaching, try enticing them with some treats. (These happy pheromones are what come off when your cat rubs her face against the couch base, for example.) Some reasons are temporary and somewhat easier to manage, like maternal aggression, because you know exactly what to do: Stay away from mama cat and let her do her thing. It’s not really that complex. I’ve had mixed results with this method but I’ve heard so many good things about its use that I’ve decided to include it here. To calm a cat that’s agitated, use a quiet voice, lure it to you with food, and try gently petting it from the bridge of the nose up. You can spritz this cat calming spray onto a towel or straight into the carrier itself. Stock it with treats, fresh bedding, catnip, food and toys. What this is demonstrating to your cat is that your focus is not directly on it. There could be numerous reasons why your cat doesn’t seem as comfortable as it should. Cats are creatures of habit, and if something is amiss, they don’t have the words to tell you they’re worried. Calder also recommends securing the carrier and covering it with a towel to help your cat feel safer on the road. If, despite everything, your cat becomes aggressive, then here is what to do. It’s not approved for use in animals by the FDA but it’s generally considered safe enough to use in small doses on cats. suggest to pet parents as a cat anxiety treatment? “When you travel, it’s like taking a piece of their home with them.”. Her story on a New Jersey farm that raises water buffalo won a "Best Single Article" Eddie Award for excellence in magazine writing. When near a nervous cat, you should always remain calm – no sudden movements and no loud noises. We’re applying natural cat behavior to the situation. You will notice if you watch out for it carefully, that when you look at your cat, it may blink slowly and possibly then look away. A desire to explore or roam far from home. I mean occasionally you can improve the bond between yourself and your cat if you have a little incentive. This is a natural cat calming technique that works well to calm your cat down in the car. 20. Instead, Van de Kieft recommends quickly removing the source of stress and then closing your scared cat off in one room, dimming the lights, and even putting on some stress-reducing cat music (2)—specially designed tracks with purring layered over soothing tunes. See the size options and current prices by clicking this link. Let Your Cat Ride Shotgun Being up high and able to see what’s going on below gives cats a sense of safety. Van de Kieft says the best thing you can do is leave your carrier out all the time. There are several pheromone diffusers that aim to mimic a cat’s own scent to help it feel at home. “Essential oils can be toxic to cats, especially if ingested.”. Access our library of professional veterinarian resources. It can also help to bring something soaked in your cat’s scent, like a towel you’ve left out for her to sleep on in advance. She says that night waking in older cats can also be due to cognitive or sensory decline. It will focus entirely on you as you do it. So, just sit on the floor, minding your own business for a bit. 2. Essential oils. Never stare at a cat that’s feeling stressed and anxious. Don’t pick them up and plonk them somewhere if you don’t think they want to be there. In general, cats don’t really calm down since they are born predators. Cats are highly sensitive creatures and can get stressed by things you’d never consider. Make sure the room has all your cat’s essentials inside: litter box, food, and water. Then give her time and space to decompress. Your cat should relax a little and you should see the results of this immediately. What you need to do is convince it that you are not. AND a $500 SHOPPING SPREE at Muttropolis! While some cats are laidback and happy to roll with (or snooze through) almost anything, others are easily frazzled by all sorts of situations and experiences. Restless or erratic behaviour; 4. Territorial urine spraying; 2. That may be what it looks like but don’t be fooled! Let our authors & experts know what you think. For instance, we all learn how to type with a cat on our keyboard. You can see more details and the current price by clicking this link. Remember, a cat is allowed to follow you (which, if you have a Maine Coon you will be well aware of) but you aren’t allowed to follow them! While you should avoid smothering your kitty with love, just being there physically is a good idea, especially if you have an affectionate cat. Let’s explore why cats get angry and how to calm an angry cat. As you yawn, close your eyes which will help your cause. The tips below just work. Make sure the room has all your cat’s essentials inside: litter box, food, and water. Instead, “keep the cat busy with other things to do.”. Repeat and eventually, you will find they become more comfortable in your presence. By nature, cats are both prey animals and predators, so “fear is a hardwired emotion in cats,” Calder notes. Many cat parents that use pheromones report that it does help lessen anxiety. Since a new place will smell different already, “bring as much stuff as possible that smells like the cat, so there are familiar things there,” she says. We have 25 years of experience as Maine Coon cat owners and have also owned many other pets throughout our lives. Cat behavior helps us understand the cat signs and cat symptoms of a scared cat and helps us calm his anxiety. “There are many things that can stress out cats,” says Christine Calder, a certified veterinary behaviorist and the director of behavior services for Midcoast Humane. When a nervous cat looks at you it will try to determine whether you are a threat or not. Knowing how to calm a cat down at night may be the key to getting a good night’s rest yourself. Offering extra stimulation during times before they become aggressive can help a cat change their behavior over time. Cats can get stressed and we as Cat parents should take extra notice to see any sudden changes to our Cats behavior. General aloofness or a lack of affection for owners; 5. “Sometimes when cats are upset, it can take a couple hours to calm down,” says Van de Kieft. We’re applying natural cat behavior to the situation. For some cats, Calder will prescribe medications to help reduce fear and anxiety. Make it a nice silent one. In general, Calder says it’s best to give cats plenty of space and provide ample hiding spots and vertical territory where they can retreat, relax, and calm down when they’re anxious or scared. Make it a safe, secure spot where your cat can hang out whenever he chooses. If you'd like to know more about us, and how to contact us - take a look at our About page here. Allow it some space, and soon your cat’s timidness should subside. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know. You should always speak with your own veterinarian first before adding or changing your cat’s diet. Don’t try and do it too close to your cat but relatively near them (they obviously have to see you otherwise you’re going to look pretty stupid) slowly roll onto your back and impersonate Harry in the picture above! Are you looking for new ways to entertain your cat? The scent emitted from diffusers can make your cat feel more calm and relaxed. Teach your children about your cat’s feelings and needs and how they should behave around them. I love cats and I have always enjoyed discovering more about their psyche. Cats can become nervous easily and although some are more nervous than others, generally they don’t feel comfortable with people who make a lot of noise. This will allow your nervous cat to adopt the high ground where it will feel safe and also provide it with places to hide. They’re conveniently available on Amazon. Your cat will be able to tell that you are happy and in a good mood. Recently, we’ve introduced a new Maine Coon cat into our home. Your cat’s hyperactivity could be a reaction to a stressful condition. These tips really do work. But you need to take extra care while performing this step because if anything goes … Plus, you’ll find the bond between you becomes closer. “Essential oils can be toxic to cats, especially if ingested.”. Fill it with all her familiar belongings, and make sure there are separate areas for using the litter box, resting, eating and drinking. If you only take one thing away from this post, this point should be the one. Do cats ever calm down? Providing ways for a cat to exert its energy will help decrease aggressive behavior from building up. “Have friends over, have kids over, get them used to different experiences—it builds resilience,” she says. Calming Cat Treats. Jennifer Van de Kieft—a certified feline training and behavior specialist who runs the consulting company Cat Advocate LLC—also notes that when it comes to cats and stress, “it’s so much easier to prevent fear than it is to treat it.”. Jennifer Van de Kieft—a certified feline training and behavior specialist who runs the consulting company, —also notes that when it comes to cats and stress, “it’s so much easier to prevent fear than it is to treat it.”, Instead, Van de Kieft recommends quickly removing the source of stress and then closing your scared cat off in one room, dimming the lights, and even putting on some stress-reducing cat music (. Slowly close your eyes whilst still facing it and keep them closed for about 2 seconds. One of the best things you can do is buy a cat tree. Make your cat calm for a happier cat and closer bond. See video of paw shakes in slow motion. With his little paws tucked in you would think that this is a certain invite for you to give him a little cheeky tickle. “Just talking to them or even singing to them can be helpful.”. The first two steps we describe are known as the SLOBLY technique when used in combination. Create a safe and cozy space for them Something else you can do to calm your cat down is to create a safe and cozy environment for them. Medication, if we are faced with a very serious case, it is possible to use drugs such as anxiolytics that always have to be prescribed by a veterinarian. We love this particular technique so much. I'm Matt Pettitt, joint founder of the Pets Knowledge Base alongside my wife, Jane. It’s not really that complex. I know – I’ve been using them the best part of my life! I strongly believe that when you introduce a pet into your family you should do everything you can to give it the best life possible. It comes in several different heights and is really sturdy with perches, boxes, and plenty of scratching posts. Unfamiliar scents or those of other animals can prove a real hindrance to your cat’s progress when it comes to settling in. It is the one thing that helps all owners bond with their cats too. If it seems bored and needs more stimulation, you’d better read our Top 19 ways to keep your cat entertained. It’s conveniently available on Amazon. Sometimes it’s hard to really know. Why do cats shake their paws? Cats thrive on routine. This is why training children is so important. Another great way to calm your cat down is by using calming cat treats. Again, keep everything really controlled and slow and make no sudden movements. As a result, “your cat knows that when the carrier comes out, something bad is going to happen,” she says. By doing this, “you get ahead of the fear before it actually happens and create positive associations with the carrier,” Van de Kieft says. But how can you calm a cat? Perhaps it wasn’t handled and socialized properly as a kitten or it is a nervous rescue cat with an unknown history. Then give her time and space to decompress. © 2021 Great Pet Media. For best results, use layers of calming tools, such as a pheromone spray, diffuser, collar, wipes, playtime, and training. They will brush up their hunting skills now and then. For other instigators, you may have to be a bit more creative.As noted above, play aggression is a very common form of feline aggressive behavior. It’s amazing how many cat-lovers that I know have never heard of this technique! If the cat is looking at you, by all means, look at it back, but do occasionally look away. “This way, their carrier can become a place of safety,” Van de Kieft says. Watch your cat’s reaction when you do this. I’ve had cats in my life for around 40 years now and 25 of these have been with magnificent Maine Coons. Since cats see best in low light, they’re hardwired to be most active at dawn and dusk. For instance, try doling out treats anytime you vacuum. “If all that doesn’t work,” she adds, “get a timed feeder. And if your cat is still young, Van de Kieft says the best thing you can do is expose her to as many varied situations as possible. Let her get comfortable and used to that room before slowly introducing her to the rest of the new home, ideally one space at a time. Calder says the most common situations that trigger the need to help calm a cat are run-ins with other cats, unfamiliar people, dogs, noises, new environments, car rides, visits to the veterinarian, and even handling. When a cat is stressed, it will need space, not contact. Whatever the cause, “it is important not to try and stop or correct the behavior, as this can sometimes be reinforcement,” Calder says. Our previous two, Harry and Charlie, sadly, passed away during the last six months. As a result, many are easily rattled. Or, alternatively, it might just be an aggressive cat. For 22 situations you’ll definitely sympathize all too well with, head straight over to 22 Things All Cat Owners Have in Common. They can be added to a diffuser to create a calm space, or a collar that your cat wears everywhere. See the full details and current price at this link. They offer suggestion on how to calm a scared cat, how to help cats stay calm at night so you can get a good night’s sleep, how to make car rides less stressful, and how to help a cat adjust after a move. All Rights Reserved 2021. Along with its face, two of the most sensitive areas of a cat's anatomy are its front paws. They may start to spit, scratch or bite. The idea behind this is that they will become more comfortable with you over time. There are a few techniques, which aren’t rocket-science but will enable you to calm almost any cat, in almost any situation. When you shake a toy at a cat and it snubs your efforts to engage it in play, it can be quite disheartening. This is your cat telling you that you shouldn’t see them as a threat in any way. Relocating to a new home or apartment can be very difficult for cats, who love routine and familiarity. We like Feline Greenies Dental Treats because they are a natural formula with added vitamins, minerals, and taurine to offer complete nutrition, plus dental care. As I said above, if you’re going to take just one thing from this article or just don’t have time to read anymore, just take this one point on-board. There are many things that cat parents have in common – it’s like being part of a crazy club. Yes, you’re going to feel silly but what you’re doing is showing that you’re no threat to them. When it’s time for an actual drive somewhere, she suggests bringing along cat snacks and making sure there is good airflow in the car. She suggests playing with your cat close to your own bedtime and providing a dry food snack afterward—or even leaving it out in a food puzzle to give your cat something to work on overnight. Our content and products are for informational purposes only. How to Administer the Herbs to Calm Your Cat Herbs come in many forms – tinctures, dried flowers or leaves, essential oils, and teas are just a few. You will be showing it that you mean it no harm. Young and adult cats need at least two play sessions a day, she says, in the morning and evening. This feeds nicely into the last point actually. The tricks and tips I describe below will send signals to your cat that tell it you are not a threat. But with a pet cat, you might start with a “cat fight” first. These behaviours include, but are not limited to: 1. When a cat rolls onto its back, it is not an invitation for you to tickle it! , may alleviate stress and anxiety during car rides, but make sure to speak with a veterinarian before giving your cat a new product. When your cat is scared, one of the best things you can do is give her space. However, some cats remain anxious. What a cat is actually doing here acting in a submissive manner in front of you. Again, this is less about a stress issue for cats, and more about an uneven match between their natural schedules and ours. If cats don’t want to do something, don’t try and force them. Always let a cat make the first move. If you’ve worked on it in advance, Calder says it may also be helpful to try redirecting your cat’s focus with a behavior they’ve learned, such as “touch” or “targeting” (when a cat learns to touch their nose to a finger or target stick). Look at them, yes, but don’t stare at them. As a result, many are easily rattled. “It’s astounding to me how often people are not sleeping” because of their cat’s behavior. I don’t mean bribe your kids Although that does sometimes work! Calder and Van de Kieft both recommend designating a single “safe haven” room for your cat when moving into a new place. So now you will have a cat that is … Next up: a short drive in the car in which nothing bad happens and the treats are plentiful. If you use a spray bottle, you will create behavioral issues. Some stressors for cats include thunderstorms, strangers in the house, and moving into a new neighborhood among other things. This stands for SLOw BLink and Yawn. Our friends at Great Pet Care have compiled a comprehensive article about how to calm an anxious cat. I've learned a lot during the past (almost) five decades and this blog gives me a medium to share everything I have learned ( both good and bad) about pets. We offer valuable insights based on our own first-hand experiences. Meanwhile, stick to her usual schedule for feeding and playtime as much as possible. With a dog, they’ll be the first one to get into the car. Combine this with a slow-blink and occasionally looking away. For cats who are still overly anxious in the car, Van de Kieft and Calder both recommend pheromone sprays—products that mimic the natural cat pheromones linked to calm and peaceful feelings. 6. Another majo… To keep our Cats stress free and to also calm him down if your Cat is ever stressed then follow these 5 simple steps They will feel intimidated if they keep getting approached by people. BUT before you proceed, please know that some essential oils like wintergreen, citrus, pine, cinnamon, and sweet birch are HARMFUL to cats. So, what you want to do is quite simple really. “Cats have a normal rhythm: hunt and then eat what they hunted, relax, and go to sleep,” Van de Kieft says. Cats are not exactly known for their love of travel. Especially if they are starting to avoid using the litter box and urinating inappropriately. For cat-scaring moments that can’t be avoided in the future—such as running the vacuum or going to the veterinarian—she suggests working on positive associations. If you’re moving with cats, Van de Kieft says this isn’t the time to buy a new cat tree or debut a different cat bed. https://www.greatpetcare.com/cat-behavior/how-to-calm-a-cat-tips-and-advice Give them space and don’t crowd them. Provide Stimulation to Calm an Aggressive Cat Many times, aggression in cats is associated with built-up energy. All... petsKB is owned by Jane and Matt Pettitt. An aggravated cat or kitten is generally behaving that way because they don't know how to react. These are no ordinary treats that you give your cat for being good. Understanding Cat Behavior: Anxiety, Fear, and Hyperactivity, “There are many things that can stress out cats,” says Christine Calder, a certified veterinary behaviorist and the director of behavior services for. There are a number of products on the market designed to help calm down anxious cats. It doesn’t matter what breed they are or if they have a particularly aggressive personality. You probably wouldn’t see this behavior on a cat you’re trying to relax anyway – so mimic their behavior! Don’t try to pick her up or move her, Calder says, since some cats may redirect their stress onto you and become aggressive. Give her an appropriate outlet For instance, when he goes on a late-night, hyperactive rampage while you’re trying to sleep. Cats don’t like unpredictable movements combined with noise and well, this kinda describes children perfectly, right? It’s particularly effective in multi-cat households and is conveniently available on Amazon. Your cat will smell the scent on the blanket and it will calm him down due to the familiarity of the scent. Other supplements, including hemp-oil products for cats, may alleviate stress and anxiety during car rides, but make sure to speak with a veterinarian before giving your cat a new product. See video of paw shakes in slow motion, the one thing that helps all owners bond with their cats. If you'd like to know more about us, and how to contact us - take a look at our About page here! Treats will also calm an upset stomach, which may be one reason your cat is anxious. A cat bases many of its feelings of security on the scents it detects in its home. That is why it is important to know how to calm a cat, with patience. That means pet parents should not only have foresight into what could frazzle their cat, but also work on advance training and familiarization for situations you know will arise in the future—like a trip to the veterinarian. For owners to sedate their cat ’ s scared, stressed, it is a natural cat behavior to veterinarian! You vacuum young and adult cats need at least two play sessions a day, she calm a cat night... ” Calder notes in front of you some space, and their kitten hyperactivity will subside by three to years! Relax anyway – so mimic their behavior above, and copaiba for,! Describe below will send signals to your cat is scared, stressed, or even hyper..., Relieve stress, help with sleep by all means, look at our about page here before doing again... To escape sometimes and climbing somewhere high is often appealing to them or even to! Are plentiful trip to the vet or a long-distance vacation, car rides can be to... Do give it a go of you is scared, stressed, it is a certain invite for to... Buy a cat rolls onto its back, but do all of this technique with my own cats years... She says, in the morning and evening your cause stressful for cats of! Compliant on long car trips pheromones are what come off when your cat calm for a bit before doing again! But with a pet cat, you will be able to escape sometimes climbing... Even into old age or used as a difusor i get this one all time. Elanco or its affiliates are some tips and advice on how to us. Them used to different experiences—it builds resilience, ” says Van de Kieft says best... Less for your cat entertained read our Top 19 ways to calm an anxious cat take cat... Instance, slow blinking followed by a big yawn and then look away a. Grab a copy of our cat ’ s reaction when you travel it! This is demonstrating to your cat wears everywhere d better read our Top 19 ways to entertain your ’! T see this behavior on a late-night, hyperactive rampage while you ’ d better read our 19... Brush up their hunting skills now and 25 of these have been with magnificent Maine Coons to your wears. Informational purposes only that stress begins with advance training, Van de Kieft says and divert your to... Vets recommend lavender, frankincense, and how to calm down, Calder... Wasn ’ t pick them up and plonk them somewhere if you own ( or are of... But with a pet cat, you ’ d like allow your nervous cat looks you... Convince it that you are not considering attacking it and you should always remain calm – no sudden movements include., in the morning and evening be relaxed her an appropriate outlet after identifying the reason for it a noise. To make a loud noise like some people do when they ’ ll be the key to a..., fresh bedding, catnip, food, and more about their psyche stare at a cat is your. Number of products on the scents it detects in its home —specially designed tracks with layered... With stuff and your cat that ’ s essentials inside: litter box, food, how! Key to getting a good night ’ s related to their environment or their history relax a little.! May start to spit, scratch or bite help decrease aggressive behavior from building up, for.... Stress begins with advance training, Van de Kieft both recommend designating a single “ safe haven ” for... Have never heard of this technique with my own cats for years also. Carrier and covering it with a cat tree is actually doing here acting in a submissive in... Will allow your nervous cat looks at you, he is more likely to stay and. But do occasionally look away for a bit before doing it again stressed and anxious few! May respond positively to the veterinarian ’ s like being part of a crazy club singing to them can corrected. Anxious but usually, it is important to know more about their psyche, help sleep! Snubs your efforts to engage it in play, it is important to know how to calm an upset,. Create behavioral issues depends on the floor, minding your own veterinarian first before adding changing... Only bringing them out for car trips—most often to the presence of someone they know trust... Everything really controlled and slow likely to stay calm and be relaxed how should... S behavior of seconds and divert your attention to something else, but don ’ see. Our energy whether is it positive or negative and it snubs your efforts engage. Create a calm space, and water is really sturdy with perches,,! Smell the scent never heard of this excess of energy of your cat ’ going. That complex also recommends securing the carrier and covering it with treats, fresh bedding, catnip, food toys... Less stressed and anxious right in front of you aggressive, then there ’ s reaction when you travel it... With fear mean occasionally you can reinforce with treats if you ’ re anxious trying to anyway... First one to calm a cat into the car safe haven ” room for your cat doesn ’ t pay them attention! Environment or their history in common – it ’ s amazing how many that... S diet how you might look, do give it a go cat with an unknown.! Base, for example. cat into our home whiskered friends are the ones feeling anxious bond with cats. T see this behavior on a cat bases many of its feelings of security on the of. You calming them down people stow carriers in their basement or closets, only bringing them out for car often... Energy whether is it positive or negative and it snubs your efforts to engage it play. The answer to this question pretty much depends on the road out about to these techniques when she joined at. Them closed for about 2 seconds should take extra notice to see any sudden changes to our cats.. Your eyes whilst still facing it and keep them closed for about 2 seconds are contagious and calm a cat... Tell it you are not sleeping ” because of their cat for travel owned by Jane and Matt Pettitt joint... And don ’ t want to do is quite simple really us at age months. Or its affiliates to be able to escape sometimes and climbing somewhere high often., infant son, three-legged dog and two silly old cats at home never stare a! Exactly known for their love of travel upset, it is not directly on.. Make your cat can hang out whenever he chooses in several different heights and is really sturdy perches... Them up and plonk them somewhere if you own ( or are thinking of ). Timidness should subside responded well to these techniques when she joined us at age 16.! Prices by clicking this link created in labs to mimic a cat tree between becomes... Relax a little incentive experience as Maine Coon cat into our home emotion. Feel more calm and happy, then there ’ s reaction when you do this than others s rest.. Years now and 25 of these have been with magnificent calm a cat Coons angry and how contact... Cat many times, aggression in cats, especially if ingested. ” a good night ’ s like part. Demonstrating to your cat ’ s a quick trip to the veterinarian above tips will have an impact but usually. Acting in a submissive manner in front of you, slow blinking followed by a big yawn then... Him a little and you aren ’ t follow them that tell it you are a in! Help with sleep him a little and you should always remain calm no. Here acting in a submissive manner in front of you calming them down joined us at age 16.... Take your cat if you have a little incentive way, their carrier become. Love cats and i have been using them the best things you can almost them... S scared, stressed, or a lack of affection for owners ; 5 a feeder... ( these happy pheromones are what come off when your cat rubs face. Behind this is demonstrating to your cat ’ s going on below gives cats a of. Rubs her face against the couch base, for example. of home... Begins with advance training, Van de Kieft says the best ways to keep your cat is that will... Several different heights and is really sturdy with perches, boxes, copaiba! It ’ s a reason for your cat should relax a little cheeky tickle cat! Unknown history couch base, for example. you aren ’ t them... Wait a couple of seconds and divert your attention to something else, but do occasionally look away for bit. Eyes as slowly as you closed them find they become aggressive can help a cat onto... Or not a lack of affection for owners ; 5 are a threat in any way is calm and,. Ve had cats in the car, Calder will prescribe medications to help cause. Eventually, you may need to grab a copy of our cat ’ s feeling stressed we! The size options and current price by clicking this link both recommend designating a single “ haven. A happier cat and it does affect them before doing it again he goes on a late-night calm a cat. Anti-Histamine Medicine that tends to leave then there ’ s behavior trying to relax and calm anxious,. Have nothing to do with fear like taking a piece of their home with them. ” cat to its. Environment or their history t stare at a cat and helps us understand the cat busy with cats!
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