Introduction
Calming treats for cats are supplements designed to help reduce anxiety in cats. They contain ingredients such as tryptophan, L-theanine, chamomile, and hemp that have calming and relaxing properties. The purpose of calming treats is to help create a sense of relaxation and ease stress in cats suffering from anxiety or stressful situations like travel, vet visits, grooming, weather changes, or introducing new pets.
Cats can experience anxiety just like humans. Signs of an anxious cat include excessive meowing or crying, hiding, aggression, restlessness, urinating outside the litter box, and destructive behavior. Calming treats act as anti-anxiety medication to help cats feel more relaxed and calm. They should be used alongside behavior training and environmental management. While not a cure for anxiety disorders, calming treats can help take the edge off and reduce anxious behaviors when used properly.
Signs of Anxiety in Cats
Cats can exhibit various signs of anxiety. According to Banfield, some common signs include restlessness, hiding, aggression, and overgrooming.
Restless cats may pace frequently, seem unable to get comfortable, and have difficulty settling down. Hiding is also a common sign of feline anxiety. Anxious cats may retreat to small, enclosed spaces and be hesitant to come out.
Aggressive behaviors like hissing, growling, swatting, and biting can also indicate anxiety in cats. Overgrooming refers to excessive licking, chewing, or scratching that leads to hair loss or skin damage. According to PetMD, other signs include dilated pupils, ears held back, and standing fur.
Paying attention to these behavioral changes can help identify anxiety issues in cats early on.
Benefits of Calming Treats
Calming treats can provide several benefits for anxious cats by reducing stress and anxiety levels. The active ingredients in calming treats work to promote relaxation and prevent destructive behaviors resulting from anxiety or fear.
Some of the main benefits of giving cats calming treats include:
- Reducing signs of stress and anxiety such as restlessness, vocalization, urination outside the litter box, and destructive behaviors like scratching furniture
- Helping cats cope during transitions or changes in their environment like moving homes, introducing new pets, traveling, or going to the vet
- Preventing anxious or stressed cats from acting out through meowing, aggression, or inappropriate elimination
- Providing a sense of calm before a stress-inducing event like a thunderstorm or fireworks
- Allowing cats to relax and get adequate rest
The natural active ingredients in calming treats work with a cat’s physiology to induce a state of relaxation. When used alongside environmental modifications, calming treats can be an effective way to manage feline anxiety and improve quality of life.
Ingredients to Look For
When looking for effective calming treats for cats, there are some key ingredients to look for:
L-Theanine – This amino acid has a calming effect and can help relieve anxiety in cats. It promotes relaxation without drowsiness. Sources: https://www.petnaturals.com/calming-174-for-cats.html
Chamomile – Chamomile has antianxiety and sedative properties. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain that may promote calmness and reduce stress. Sources: https://www.vetriscience.com/composure-153-calming-supplement-for-cats.html
Ginger – Ginger can help relieve nausea associated with motion sickness and has anti-inflammatory effects. It may also have mild sedative and soothing properties to promote calmness. Sources: https://www.petnaturals.com/calming-174-for-cats.html
Tryptophan – An essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and anxiety. Tryptophan can help induce calmness and relaxation. Sources: https://www.vetriscience.com/composure-153-calming-supplement-for-cats.html
CBD – CBD interacts with receptors in the brain to potentially reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and promote emotional stability. However, research on efficacy in cats is limited. Sources: https://www.petnaturals.com/calming-174-for-cats.html
Vet Approved Brands
There are several calming treat brands that are commonly recommended by veterinarians. Here are some top options:
Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Chews – These chicken liver flavored chews contain colostrum calming complex and L-theanine. Colostrum contains antibodies and probiotics to support the immune system, while L-theanine is an amino acid that helps relieve stress. According to source, these are a top vet recommended option.
Zesty Paws Calming Bites – Formulated with hemp seed powder and chamomile, these treats help promote relaxation. They have a natural chicken flavor that cats love. Zesty Paws is highly-rated by vets according to this source.
PetHonesty Calming Cat Treats – These treats contain a blend of natural calming ingredients like chamomile, L-tryptophan, passionflower, and hemp. Passionflower has relaxing properties while L-tryptophan helps boost serotonin. According to vets surveyed in this article, PetHonesty is a trusted calming treat brand.
Dosage
When giving calming treats or supplements to cats, it’s important to follow the dosage recommendations on the package. The dosage will depend on the specific product, the cat’s weight, and the purpose for giving the calming aid (such as situational anxiety vs. daily stress relief). According to Pet Naturals Calming® for Cats, the recommendation is to give one chew per day for cats up to 15 lbs, which can be given daily or on an as-needed basis. For Pethonesty’s Dual Texture Calming Supplement, the dosage is 1 chew per 1 lb of body weight.
It’s important to start with the recommended amount and monitor your cat’s response. If your cat seems overly sedated or lethargic, you may want to reduce the dosage. If your cat continues exhibiting signs of anxiety, you can safely increase the dosage, often doubling or tripling the amount during times of increased stress, according to package guidelines. Work closely with your veterinarian to find the ideal dosage for your cat’s individual needs and sensitivities.
Additional Calming Tips
In addition to calming treats, there are other natural methods to help relax anxious cats:
Pheromones – Synthetic pheromones like Feliway mimic cat facial pheromones to help create a state of calm. Pheromone diffusers and sprays can be used at home or while traveling.
Routine – Cats feel secure with structure and routine. Set feeding schedules and regular playtime can help prevent stress.
Playtime – Interactive play before bed helps cats burn off excess energy. Bring out feather wands, laser pointers, and puzzle toys. Make sure kitties get daily play sessions.
Catnip – The nepetalactone in catnip mimics feline “happy” pheromones. Most cats enjoy catnip toys or scratching posts. Use sparingly as a relaxing treat.
When to See a Vet
Though calming treats can help alleviate anxiety symptoms in cats, it’s important to monitor your cat’s behavior and know when to seek veterinary care. If your cat’s anxiety persists for more than a few weeks or seems to be getting worse despite using calming aids, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet appointment.
Your vet can help determine if there’s an underlying medical issue causing your cat’s anxiety, such as hyperthyroidism, arthritis, or other chronic pain. They may recommend bloodwork, a urinalysis, x-rays, or other diagnostics to check your cat’s health.
You should also see your vet if your cat exhibits dangerous behaviors related to anxiety, including excessive tail chasing, aggression, or self-mutilation. Your vet can assess whether medication may be needed in addition to calming treats and behavioral modification.
Bringing your cat to the vet while they’re anxious can be stressful for both you and your pet. Try these tips from VCA Hospitals to make vet visits less frightening:
- Use calming pheromones at home and in the carrier.
- Give calming treats before and after the appointment.
- Request a quiet room or early appointment to avoid other animals.
- Allow staff to remove your cat from the carrier.
With patience and care, you can help your anxious cat become more comfortable at the vet. But if severe anxiety persists, your vet may recommend medications or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.
Alternatives to Medication
While calming treats can help, there are also several non-medical approaches to help reduce anxiety in cats:
Training
Positive reinforcement training can help build confidence and mental stimulation. Teaching commands like “sit” or “stay” can give anxious cats a sense of control. Start training in short 5-10 minute sessions to avoid overwhelming them.
Environmental Changes
Providing more vertical space via cat trees, shelves, and wall-mounted platforms can help anxious cats feel secure. Place the cat’s food, water, litter box, and bed away from high-traffic areas. Using Feliway pheromone diffusers or sprays can have a calming effect. Adding puzzle feeders or toys that encourage “hunting” can also help relieve stress through mental stimulation.
Making small adjustments tailored to your cat’s needs can reduce general anxiety without medication. However, consult your vet if your cat shows extreme signs of distress.
Summary
Calming treats can be a helpful tool for cat owners looking to ease anxiety in their pets. As discussed, signs of an anxious cat may include aggression, hiding, urinating outside the litter box, and more. Veterinarian-approved calming treats often contain ingredients like tryptophan, chamomile, and L-theanine which may have a mild calming effect. Leading brands that vets recommend include Zesty Paws, Pet Naturals, and VetriScience. Follow label instructions for proper dosage. Calming treats shouldn’t replace prescribed medication but can be a complementary option alongside other calming techniques like pheromone diffusers. When used responsibly, calming treats help anxious cats feel more relaxed. If your cat’s anxiety persists, always consult your veterinarian.