Introduction
Cats are highly sensitive creatures that experience stress easily. Stress in cats can lead to a number of concerning behaviors like excessive vocalization, aggression, destructive scratching, and inappropriate urination outside the litter box. According to the Humane Society, “A stressed cat can even become sick.” source It’s important for cat owners to understand how to recognize signs of stress and find ways to calm their cats.
Certain scents have demonstrated calming effects on cats. By using the right scents and oils around the house, cat owners can help relieve their cat’s anxiety, promote relaxation, and prevent stress-related behaviors. Finding the most effective scents to reduce stress can dramatically improve a cat’s wellbeing and quality of life.
Understanding Cat Stress
Cats can experience stress from a variety of sources. Some common causes of stress in cats include threats to their territory, changes in environment or routine, conflict with other pets, loud noises, health issues, and more. Stress affects cats both emotionally and physically.
On the emotional side, stressed cats may seem more anxious or irritable. You may notice increased vocalization like meowing or yowling. They may hide more often or seem restless. Stressed cats also exhibit physical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, excessive grooming, and urinary issues. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system and make cats more prone to illness. It can also lead to destructive behaviors like aggression or furniture scratching as the cat tries to cope.
Some signs your cat may be stressed include bald spots from overgrooming, urinating outside the litter box, changes in sleep patterns, reduced playfulness, and more anti-social or aggressive behavior. If your cat is exhibiting these behaviors, it’s important to identify and address the source of stress when possible. Some ways to relieve stress include providing safe hiding spots, keeping routines consistent, using calming scents, and giving your cat more positive attention.
How Scents Can Calm Cats
Cats have a strong sense of smell, and scents can have a profound effect on their moods and behavior. Certain scents mimic natural feline pheromones that provide a calming effect. Other scents may have inherent soothing properties that help relax cats when they are stressed or anxious.
A cat’s olfactory system is highly sensitive, with around 200 million odor receptors compared to only 5 million in humans. When cats smell certain scents, it stimulates nerves that signal the brain to release hormones and neurotransmitters that induce calmness. For example, the scent of nepetalactone from catnip triggers opioid receptors linked to relaxation and euphoria.
Scents like lavender and chamomile contain terpenes and esters that have demonstrated sedative effects. Valerian root contains valerenic acid that acts on GABA receptors to reduce anxiety. Pheromones found in feline facial pheromone sprays can also help cats feel secure and comfortable in their surroundings.
By using the right calming scents, cat owners can help alleviate stress, fear, and nervousness in their pets. Diffusing essential oils, using scented plugins, or adding herbs to toys are simple ways to incorporate soothing scents into a cat’s environment.
Top Calming Scents
There are several scents that have been shown to have a calming effect on cats. According to https://www.hepper.com/scents-to-help-calm-cats/, some of the most effective calming scents for cats include:
Pheromones
Synthetic pheromones, such as Feliway, mimic the pheromones produced by cats to mark territory and provide comfort. Pheromone diffusers or sprays can help relieve anxiety and stress in cats by making them feel more secure in their environment.
Lavender
The scent of lavender has long been used to promote relaxation and sleep in humans. Studies show lavender can also have a calming effect on cats. The aromatic compounds in lavender may help lower cats’ heart rate and relieve anxiety.
Catnip
Catnip contains nepetalactone, which binds to cats’ olfactory receptors and stimulates a euphoric response. While the effects of catnip only last about 10 minutes, it can be an effective natural way to relax cats.
Valerian
Valerian root has sedative effects on cats similar to catnip. According to https://www.paleopets.com/blogs/news/calming-scents-cat-anxiety, valerian can help relieve tension and calm anxious or aggressive behavior in cats.
Pheromones
Pheromones are chemicals that animals secrete to communicate with others of the same species. Cats have pheromone-secreting glands on their face, paws and tail. When a cat rubs against objects in its environment, it releases pheromones that mark the objects as safe and familiar. Synthetic cat pheromones can be used to help calm stressed or anxious cats.
There are several pheromone products available for cats:
- Feliway Classic Spray contains a synthetic version of the feline facial pheromone. It can be sprayed on objects like cat carriers, bedding or furnishings to help provide a sense of familiarity and security.
- ThunderEase Calming Diffuser emits a synthetic feline facial pheromone continuously to create a calming environment.
- Feliway MultiCat Diffuser provides a longer-lasting version of the facial pheromone to help reduce stress for multi-cat households.
The synthetic pheromones mimic natural reassuring signals and help reduce behaviors associated with stress, fear and anxiety. Pheromones can help relax cats in stressful situations like travel, vet visits, adapting to changes, and conflict between household cats.
Lavender
Lavender has long been known for its calming and soothing properties. When used properly, lavender can help relax anxious or stressed cats.[1] The main active ingredient in lavender is linalool, a compound that has been shown to reduce anxiety and lower heart rate in cats.[2]
Lavender essential oil should always be diluted before use on cats, as concentrated oils can be toxic. A dilution of 0.5-1% is recommended when using lavender oil topically or in a diffuser. Many cat-safe lavender sprays and plug-in diffusers are already pre-diluted with water or carrier oils.[3]
Cat owners can use dried lavender in toys or beds. The dried herb is considered safe for cats to smell and chew. However, cats should not ingest large amounts.[1] Lavender-scented toys orTunnels can provide sensory stimulation and relaxation.
While lavender has calming properties, cats may react differently based on their personality. Use caution when first introducing lavender, and monitor your cat’s response. Seek veterinary advice if you have concerns about using lavender for your cat.
With proper precautions, lavender can be an effective way to help keep cats relaxed and stress-free.
[1] https://www.catster.com/guides/does-lavender-calm-cats/
[2] https://www.dutch.com/blogs/cats/is-lavender-safe-for-cats
[3] https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/is-lavender-safe-for-cats
Catnip
One of the most well-known calming scents for cats is catnip. Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone which acts as a sedative when inhaled by about 50-75% of cats (1). It binds to receptors in a cat’s nose and has a calming effect on the nervous system. Some of the effects of catnip on cats include sleepiness, anxiety and stress reduction, and euphoria (2).
Catnip can be given to cats in several forms. Catnip-filled toys are very popular, providing a stimulating playtime for cats while also producing a calming effect. Catnip sprays can be applied to toys, scratching posts, and bedding. You can also grow catnip at home in the garden. Dried catnip can be sprinkled on the floor or on toys (1).
Catnip should not be given too frequently, as cats can become desensitized to its effects. It’s recommended to limit catnip use to about once a week for 10-15 minutes at a time (2). Always supervise your cat when introducing catnip to ensure they don’t ingest too much. Overall, catnip is a safe natural relaxant for many cats when used moderately.
(1) https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/cats/blog/catnip-and-your-cat-what-it-what-it-does-and-why-it-doesnt-affect-all-cats
(2) https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/catnip-why-you-should-try-it-on-your-cat
Valerian
Valerian is a flowering plant known for its sedative qualities and calming effects. Its root contains valerenic acid and valepotriates, compounds that act on cats’ GABA receptors to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation (1).
Valerian has been used for centuries as a natural sedative for humans, and it has a similar effect on cats. Many cat owners find it helps reduce stress in anxious or high-strung cats. The calming effects can help cats who are fearful of car travel, vet visits, grooming, or other stressful situations (2).
Valerian comes in several forms for cats. Dried valerian root can be sprinkled on food or made into extracts. There are also valerian-based treats, toys, and herbal blends designed to relax cats. It’s important to follow dosage guidelines, as too much valerian can cause lethargy. When used properly, it’s a safe way to help calm a cat without sedative medications (3).
(1) https://scrumbles.co.uk/blogs/news/valerian-for-cats
(2) https://scrumbles.co.uk/blogs/news/valerian-for-cats
(3) https://scrumbles.co.uk/blogs/news/valerian-for-cats
Additional Tips
Here are some other tips for calming anxious or stressed cats:
Encouraging playtime and exercise can be beneficial. Playing with interactive toys like feathers or laser pointers gives cats an outlet for their energy and predatory instincts. Set aside 10-15 minutes 1-2 times per day for active play. Providing a cat tree or scratching post also encourages physical activity.
Providing hiding spots around the home allows cats to retreat when needed. Boxes, cat shelving, and enclosed beds give cats spaces to relax in peace. Place hiding spots in quiet areas.
Using calming treats can help relax cats. Look for treats with calming ingredients like tryptophan, chamomile, ginger, valerian root, and L-theanine. Follow package directions for proper dosage and timing.
Playing calming music designed specifically for cats can lower stress. Stick to slower tempos and frequencies similar to feline purring and suckling sounds.
Conclusion
When looking to reduce stress and create a calm environment for cats, some of the most effective scents include pheromones, lavender, catnip, and valerian. Pheromones mimic natural scents that provide comfort and security. Lavender has long been known for its soothing, relaxing properties. Catnip triggers a euphoric reaction in many cats. And valerian acts as a mild sedative and muscle relaxant. Using these scents strategically in your home can helpcreate a refuge where your cat feels at ease.
It’s important to understand the stressors that affect your cat and look for ways to minimize them. A stressful environment can lead to destructive behaviors, illness, and emotional distress. While calming scents can be very helpful, they should complement broader efforts to identify and eliminate sources of anxiety. If your cat is displaying intense or prolonged signs of stress and anxiety, be sure to consult your veterinarian.
With some awareness of cat psychology and a few simple tricks, you can transform your home into a calmer, more peaceful place. A little time and effort invested in reducing stress can pay off tremendously in your cat’s health, contentment, and quality of life.