Best cat calming products in the UK: Top 5
Moving house, the arrival of a new kitty, changing the food bowl nad unusual noises are just a few examples of everyday events which can be stressful for cats. After all, they are sensitive animals. Fortunately, there are several types of cat relaxant available.
Reduce your pet's stress and anxiety by choosing a diffuser that sprays a soothing product into the room. This is a very effective and odourless solution for humans that will calm your cat for a long time. There are also tablets for swallowing that offer a rapid soothing effect. To calm your cat naturally, talk to it gently, prepare good meals and do not rush it. Make sure your cat has plenty of clean water and kibble. Remember that cats are creatures of habit.
Are you looking to adopt a kitten? You can use a diffuser now and plug it in before he or she arrives. This way, they'll feel at ease from the start in the new environment. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best model.
Summary
What can cause stress in cats?
There are many things that can stress cats out. Cats are anxious animals by nature, and sometimes it doesn't take much to upset them.
One example is a change in food distribution. Switching to a new bowl or dispenser creates a change in their habits and can cause anxiety. Cats also like to drink fresh, clean water. Make sure it's always available to avoid stress.
A small territory or a new cat in the house can also cause a lot of stress. Also, some cats don't like strangers, and the presence of guests is likely to make them nervous.
Cats are also very concerned about their hygiene and are bothered by strong odours from the kitchen or cleaning products.
What are the effects of stress on cats?
Stress can manifest itself in cats in a number of different ways, ranging from slight changes in behaviour to serious illness.
For example, if your cat starts looking unkempt, this is a sign of unhappiness: it will relieve itself outside the litter box, on beds, sofas or in guest bags. As cats are very clean animals, lack of grooming is a very clear sign of stress.
An anxious cat can also become aggressive, or isolate itself so as not to see anyone. It all depends on the pet’s personality: the owner should watch out for any changes in its behaviour.
There are also several physical signs of an anxious cat, such as dilated pupils, long and repeated meowing, ears laid back or bristling hair.
How can I help my cat relax?
If your cat is hiding because he or she is stressed, don't force them to approach you, but wait patiently until they feel more at ease. Don't rush them, but rather show them that they have nothing to fear.
If it's a visit to the vet that's making them anxious, or anything else you can't prevent, talk to them in a soothing voice and show them that you're calm. They will pick up on your calmness and loosen up a bit, too.
There are also cat anxiety sprays that work quickly and are very good for cats. Electric diffusers, for example, release pheromones into the room, creating a soothing environment. There is also cat stress medication in the form of tablets that can be administered on an ad hoc basis, for example before a trip to the vet.
How do cat relaxants work?
Cat stress relief products are very effective in helping cats to calm down as they release pheromones or natural extracts.
The diffusers work continuously for several weeks and thus help to manage the animal's behaviour. Diffusers are particularly useful when moving house, which is very stressful for a cat as it has to get used to a new environment and a new life.
Anti-stress tablets for cats work quickly and are therefore ideal for occasional moments of stress. They are a perfect way to get your pet to relax during a storm or fireworks, for example.
Are cat calming aids suitable for all types of cats?
Yes, cat relaxants can have beneficial effects on all types of cats, regardless of age or breed.
The cat’s breed has no effect on its sensitivity to stress, and Burmese cats can be just as anxious as small alley cats.
You can use a cat stress plug in as soon as your cat arrives, after it has been weaned. This is a difficult time for young cats, as they leave their birth environment, their mother and siblings, to find themselves in the unknown.
They can be very stressed, so a diffuser in the room helps them to relax and get to know their new family.
How are cat relaxants applied?
It all depends on the type of relaxant you choose. If you choose a diffuser, you need to plug it into an electrical outlet in the room most frequented by the cat. Then leave it on continuously, day and night, without forgetting to refill it when the bottle is empty.
Do you prefer to use tablets? In this case, place a tablet in your pet's mouth just before a stressful situation, such as a car journey or moving house. You can also dilute the tablet in their food.