How to Calm a Stressed Cat in 5 Easy Steps
If you are a cat lover like me, you know how wonderful and rewarding it is to share your life with a furry friend. Cats are amazing creatures, with their own personalities, preferences, and quirks.
They can also be very sensitive and emotional, and sometimes they can get stressed out by various factors, such as changes in their environment, loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or health issues.
Stress in cats can manifest in different ways, such as hiding, aggression, over-grooming, scratching, spraying, or loss of appetite.
Stress can also affect your cat’s physical and mental health, and lead to problems such as urinary tract infections, skin conditions, or depression. That’s why it is important to help your cat relax and feel comfortable and safe in their home.
Fortunately, there are some simple and effective ways to calm a stressed cat, and in this article, I will share five of them with you.
These are the methods that I have personally tried and tested with my own cat, Luna, who is a very shy and nervous kitty. She used to be very scared of everything, from the vacuum cleaner to the mailman, and she would spend most of her time hiding under the bed or behind the couch.
But with some patience, love, and these tips, I have managed to help her overcome her anxiety and become a more confident and happy cat.
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So, without further ado, here are the five steps to calm a stressed cat:
Step 1: Reduce scents.
Cats feel at home when they can mark their environment with their own scent, so avoid using strong perfumes, cleaners, or air fresheners that can mask or overwhelm their smell.
You can also provide your cat with a comfortable bed, blanket, or toy that has their scent on it, or rub a soft cloth on their cheeks and place it in their favorite spot. This will help your cat feel more secure and familiar with their surroundings.
I learned this tip from a friend who is a cat behaviorist, and she told me that cats have a very powerful sense of smell, and that they use it to communicate and identify their territory.
She also told me that some scents can be very stressful for cats, such as citrus, mint, or lavender, and that I should avoid using them in my home.
I followed her advice, and I noticed that Luna became more relaxed and less skittish. She also started to sleep on her own bed, instead of hiding under mine.
Step 2: Lower the volume.
Many cats are sensitive to loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or music. If possible, try to minimize the sources of noise in your cat’s environment, or provide them with a quiet and safe place to hide, such as a closet, a cardboard box, or a carrier.
You can also play some soothing sounds, such as classical music, white noise, or a cat-specific playlist, to help your cat relax.
I discovered this tip when I had to take Luna to the vet for the first time. She was very scared and stressed, and she kept meowing and scratching the carrier.
The vet suggested that I play some calming music for her, and he gave me a CD with some tracks that he said were specially designed for cats.
He said that the music had a frequency and tempo that matched the cat’s heartbeat and breathing, and that it would help her feel more calm and comfortable. I tried it, and it worked like a charm. Luna stopped meowing and scratching, and she even fell asleep on the way back home.
Now, I always play this music for her when she is stressed, or when there is a loud noise outside, such as a storm or a firework.
Step 3: Provide a clean, pleasant litter box.
Cats are very particular about their hygiene, and a dirty or unpleasant litter box can cause them stress and anxiety. Make sure to scoop the litter box at least once a day, and change the litter completely every week.
You can also use a litter that is unscented, clumping, and soft on your cat’s paws, such as Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter.
This litter is very absorbent and odor-free, and it creates tight clumps that are easy to remove. It also has a fine texture that is gentle on your cat’s paws, and it does not stick to them or track around the house.
I found this litter online, after trying several other brands that Luna did not like. She would either avoid the litter box, or use it and then shake her paws vigorously, leaving litter everywhere.
She also seemed to be very irritated by the smell and the texture of some litters, and she would scratch her ears and nose after using them.
But when I switched to Dr. Elsey’s litter, she immediately liked it, and she started to use the litter box more regularly and happily. She also stopped scratching her ears and nose, and she seemed to be more comfortable and content.
Step 4: Handle your cat with care.
Cats can be calmed by gentle and respectful handling, such as stroking, massaging, or brushing their fur. However, some cats may not like to be touched, especially when they are stressed, so always pay attention to your cat’s body language and signals.
If your cat shows signs of discomfort, such as hissing, growling, or biting, stop and give them some space. You can also use a calming spray, such as Feliway Classic Spray, to mimic your cat’s natural pheromones and create a sense of security and comfort.
I learned this tip from my own experience with Luna, who is not very fond of being petted or cuddled. She prefers to be left alone, and she only comes to me when she wants some attention or food.
I respect her boundaries, and I only touch her when she allows me to, and I always follow her cues. Sometimes, she likes to be scratched behind the ears, or under the chin, and she purrs and rubs her head against me. Other times, she just wants to sit next to me, or on my lap, and enjoy my company.
I also use Feliway spray to help her feel more relaxed and calm, especially when there is a new situation or a change in her routine. I spray it on her bed, her carrier, or her toys, and she seems to be more at ease and less anxious.
Step 5: Offer stimulation.
Cats need mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy, and to prevent boredom and frustration. You can provide your cat with toys, puzzles, or games that can challenge their hunting and problem-solving skills, such as the Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree. This is a fun and interactive toy that stimulates your cat’s natural instincts and curiosity.
It has a sturdy base with three levels of difficulty, and you can fill it with your cat’s favorite treats or kibble. Your cat will have to use their paws and claws to move the food through the holes and reach the bottom tray, where they can enjoy their reward.
I bought this toy for Luna, after noticing that she was getting bored and restless with her regular toys. She loves to chase and catch things, and she is very smart and clever. She quickly figured out how to use the food tree, and she had a lot of fun trying to get the treats out.
She also became more active and playful, and she spent less time sleeping or hiding. She also seemed to be more satisfied and less hungry, as she had to work for her food and eat more slowly.
Conclusion
These are the five steps that I have used to calm my stressed cat, Luna, and I hope they will help you and your cat as well.
By following these tips, you can create a more comfortable and relaxing environment for your cat, and help them cope with stress and anxiety. You can also strengthen your bond with your cat, and enjoy a more harmonious and happy relationship.
Thank you for reading, and have a purr-fect day! 😊
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