Cat Calming Treats and Other Products to Help Your Kitty Relax

Just like humans, sometimes our kitties can get a bit anxious or stressed. There can be a ton of reasons why this happens, from being taken out of their usual environment and routine (like going to the vet or taking a road trip) to dealing with a new change in their little lives (such as moving to a new place) or because they’re not feeling well.

While your kitty is going to experience stress and anxiety sometimes, too much can significantly affect their health. Think about all of the weird symptoms that people can suffer from when they are under too much consistent stress; this can be the same situation for your kitty.

Thankfully, there are healthy and effective ways that you can help your kitty relax. Most of the cat calming products on the market include ingredients such as L-theanine (an amino acid), Magnolia and Phellodendron extracts (medicinal plant extract), or Whey protein. These ingredients, as well as other ingredients that are commonly found in cat calming products, are discussed in more detail later in this article.

Some popular options for cat calming products are outlined below:

• Cat calming treats are essentially regular treats (in terms of the majority of their ingredients) available over the counter, but they contain additional special ingredients that help your cat feel calm and relaxed. Cat calming treats are great for trips to the vet, road trips, fireworks, or other situations where you need to give your kitty a bit of help to stay calm.
• Cat calming supplements are usually powdered or liquid and are meant to be added to your cat’s regular food once a day. Usually, these cat supplements are used when your kitty experiences constant anxiety and needs a consistent solution to help with it.
• Cat calming CBD products are a more recent addition to the market, and although the sale and purchase of these products are not legal in Canada or the United States, multiple scientific studies on the positive effects of CBD in felines and canines have been enough for many pet owners to try these products on their own pets. Vets can generally provide counsel on how to use these products effectively but can’t directly sell or prescribe them.
• Cat calming medicine is also an option for helping your cat feel more relaxed either in specific stressful situations or in general. Many of these medications are the same as what is given to humans to help with depression and anxiety, including Alprazolam (Xanax), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Gabapentin, Lorazepam, and more.
• Cat pheromone sprays work by releasing calming pheromones into the air so that when your cat smells them, they become calm. A common way to use this product is to spray it on your cat’s favourite blanket or bed so they can be relaxed by the scent when they lie down.

Given the fact that there are a wide variety of options for helping your cat feel better in stressful situations, there is sure to be a pet wellness solution that works for you and your kitty.

In this article, we explore the options available for cat calming products, including the pros and cons of different types of products, potential side effects, and more.

Pros and Cons of Cat Calming Products

Before you purchase the first cat calming treat or product you come across to help your kitty, it’s important that you understand the potential benefits and disadvantages of using these products.

Potential Side Effects of Cat Calming Medicine

One of the cat calming products that is most likely to cause adverse side effects, even though they are still uncommon, is cat calming medication. These medicines are usually prescribed because your cat experiences constant or near-constant anxiety, stress, or depression and you need to treat the underlying cause of the problem, which your vet determined is their brain chemistry.

If it is determined that your cat needs cat calming medication long-term, your vet will likely prescribe the medication for at least two to three months. The medicine can take as long as four to six weeks to take effect, so it’s important to be patient. Once your cat is showing signs of stable behaviour, then they can be weaned off of the medication. This might be all your kitty needs to get their brain back on track, but in some cases, cats need to be on the cat calming medication longer—sometimes for six months, a year, or their entire life. For cats that are taking calming medication long-term, yearly examinations are recommended.

Potential side effects that your cat may experience when taking cat calming medicine include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Agitation or general irritation
• Lethargy or appearing to be sedated
• Decreased appetite
• Urine holding

Typically, these symptoms lessen over time if your cat experiences them at all. But if any of them are severe or don’t go away after a couple of weeks, notify your veterinarian, as they may change your cat’s medication to an alternative.

Before incorporating any cat calming products into a feline's routine, consulting with a veterinarian is advisable to ensure the chosen product is suitable for the cat's specific needs and to address any potential health concerns.

Pain Could Be a Reason Why Your Cat is Anxious

It’s important to note that there can be other causes of continuous anxiety, stress, or depression in your cat, such as pain from illness or injury, so it’s important to rule out those causes before resorting to cat calming medicine.

It’s estimated that up to 45% of all cats and 90% of cats that are over the age of 10 are affected in some way by degenerative joint disease (DJD), which can cause pain with movement. When a cat is in pain, they can be irritable, grouchy, aggressive, or engage in unwanted behaviours due to their discomfort. In the case of DJD, it’s important to treat the underlying cause of the issue rather than mask it with medications. The best way to do so is to incorporate a cat joint supplement into your cat’s diet. As a preventative, TRI-ACTA is a great choice, but for cats that are already experiencing some sort of joint issue, TRI-ACTA H.A. provides an additional boost of joint support with hyaluronic acid, which thickens the synovial fluid in the joints, allowing for easier movement.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More

What to Look For & Common Ingredients in Calming Cat Treats

Cat calming treats are a great option for cat owners who want to be able to give their kitty a calming treat every once in a while, like when there’s a thunderstorm or fireworks outside or just before a trip to the vet. Not only do they taste great to your kitty (they are treats, after all!) they are also easy to store and keep on hand for when they’re needed.

With that being said, not every cat calming treat is made the same. Like any cat treat, cat calming treats have different ingredients that may work for one cat but may not work for another.

While it might take some trial and error to find the perfect treat, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing calming cat treats:

1. Ingredients

Different brands and formulations (chews, crunchy treats, soft treats) of cat calming treats will have different ingredients to provide the calming effect in your cat once they eat it and it has a chance to go through their system. There are a few common ingredients that you’ll come across, including:

• L-theanine is an amino acid that is commonly found in tea leaves. Research shows that it has relaxing effects in humans and animals, which is why it is used in cat calming treats.
• L-tryptophan is another amino acid that’s commonly found in red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. It provides a calming effect by helping to maintain your pet’s serotonin levels (a chemical in the brain that helps control mood). One study shows that a cat calming food with L-tryptophan can help reduce aggression and unwanted behaviours in cats.
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) works differently than the rest of the ingredients in this list, as it helps strengthen your cat’s immune system, which in theory will allow their body to be better equipped to deal with stressful situations rather than having a calming effect.
• Chamomile has a high amount of tryptophan to help with stress and anxiety, but it also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well.
• Valerian root is often called a “catnip alternative” because it produces many of the same effects as catnip. It can help with anxiety and stress by encouraging your cat to engage in playful activities, which can be useful for redirecting unwanted behaviour.

2. Type

Cat calming treats come in a variety of forms, including chews, powders, crunchy treats, and even just straight herbs like catnip. Most cat calming treats take about 20-30 minutes to work, which is about how much time it takes for your kitty’s stomach to digest the treat enough so that the ingredients can enter their bloodstream. You might have to try different formulations of treats before you find one that works for your kitty, and you might have to try different ingredients as well.

For example, one cat might respond really well to treats that contain L-theanine, while another cat has no reaction to it at all. Think of it like how some cats respond to catnip and others do not; every kitty is different!

Your kitty may also prefer the taste or texture of a certain type of treat more so than another, so if you typically give them crunchy treats, you might want to try a cat calming treat in that form first so it replicates the textures they prefer.

3. Weight

Is your cat a bit on the chonkier side? If so, you might have to give them a higher dose of cat calming ingredients to get the desired effect. In some cases, this might just mean giving them a couple extra treats (usually the label on the packaging will tell you how many to give based on your cat’s weight), but you should also consider the extra calories that you’ll be adding to your cat’s diet, especially if you’re planning on giving them the treats on a regular basis. Remember, cat calming treats are still treats, so they have all the calories and fat of regular treats, just with the added calming ingredients.

If you’re looking to help your “fluffier” kitty shed a few pounds, you might want to look into different types of cat calming products like sprays, teas, or catnip-like herbs as potential alternatives to cat calming treats.

4. Brand Reputation

Especially with online shopping being extremely common, it’s even more important than ever before to be wary of the products you’re purchasing for your pets. Be sure to read user reviews on any cat calming treats that you’re thinking of purchasing to get a good idea of other’s experience with the product. You can also consult your veterinarian by bringing them a picture of the packaging with the ingredients list to get their opinion on the product itself and whether they think it would be an appropriate choice for your cat.

Best Cat Calming Treats

Now that you have an idea of what ingredients you should look out for in cat calming treats and other considerations to keep in mind, it’s time to get into our product recommendations.

1. Head to Tail Calming Cat Chews

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These cat calming chews can be used daily and start working within 20-30 minutes of your kitty eating them, lasting up to four hours. They also have antioxidants like blueberries which help support your cat’s gut health.

Active ingredients:

• Magnesium (Mg Oxide) 10 mg
• L-Theanine (Suntheanine brand) 8 mg
• Colostrum (Bovine) 6 mg
• Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) Powder 5 mg

$10.99 per 36g (1.27 OZ) bag. Pricing as of January 2024.

2. NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments Soft Chews for Cats

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These calming cat chews have been developed for use in cats over 12 weeks of age. The blend of Thiamine and L-Tryptophan helps reduce stress and anxiety, and the inclusion of ginger helps soothe ssensitivestomachs.

Active ingredients (per 2 chews):

• Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Flaxseed, Hemp, Lecithin) – 149 mg
• Hemp Seed Oil – 100 mg
• Hemp Seed Powder – 100 mg
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Flaxseed, Hemp, Lecithin) – 85 mg
• L-Tryptophan – 50 mg
• Omega-9 Fatty Acids (Flaxseed, Hemp, Lecithin) – 40 mg
• Chamomile – 6 mg
• Thiamine Mononitrate – 6 mg
• Ginger – 1 mg
• Melatonin – 0.01 mg

$20.63 for a 90 g (30 OZ) container, which contains 60 chews. Pricing as of January 2024.

Best Cat Calming Products

Calming cat treats isn’t the only option when it comes to reducing anxiety and stress in your kitty. If your cat suffers from chronic anxiety or stress, you can incorporate a calming supplement into their diet or switch them to a calming food. Our picks for these products include:

1. Royal Canin Calming Cat Food

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This calming cat food works similarly to the other calming products listed above but is meant to help cats ease their transition into different environments or situations where the stress and anxiety is causing secondary issues such as skin irritations or stomach upset.

Active ingredients:

• Thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1)
• L-tryptophan
• marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L., a powerful antioxidant for digestive support)
• Rosemary extract (helps with skin irritation)

2. Cat Calming Supplement

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The Purina Pro Plan cat calming supplement contains a strain of beneficial probiotic bacteria known as BL999, which has been shown to help cats maintain calm behaviour when they are fed one packet daily for at least six weeks. Like the calming cat food, this cat calming supplement can be helpful to support cats easing into a new environment or situation.

Active ingredients:

• Bifidobacterium longum BL999 1x109 CFU
• Vitamin E 100 IU

Additional Cat Health Recommendations: Mobility Support

If your kitty is having trouble with anxiety and stress, there could be more going on than an imbalance in the brain. Sometimes negative behaviours can surface when your cat is in pain, so it’s important to be observant so that you can address the root cause of the issue.

Cats are pros at hiding their pain, an instinct that hearkens back to their days in the wild, where if a cat in a colony was sick or injured, they would attract predators, putting the rest of the colony in jeopardy That’s why veterinarians and cat behaviourists developed the feline grimace scale, a way to help cat owners and professionals tell if a cat is in pain. If you observe your cat with their ears flat to the sides and squinted eyes, they could be in pain, which would explain any negative behaviour.

Many cat owners use CBD for calming and to help with mobility issues, but CBD, just like cat calming treats, calming food, or calming supplements does not treat the root cause of the problem if the cat is in pain from inflammation. Given the high number of cats that will experience joint problems in their lives, it’s important to be proactive in ensuring your kitty’s continued mobility and comfort.

TRI-ACTA is a great preventative joint supplement that contains two types of glucosamine, including glucosamine sulfate (sulfur helps with overall joint support), and glucosamine HCL (a highly bioavailable form of glucosamine, meaning your cat’s body can use it faster), as well as Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, a natural anti-inflammatory), and chondroitin sulfate (works with glucosamine to protect cartilage). If your kitty needs a bit of extra support because they are already suffering from joint issues, then TRI-ACTA H.A. with hyaluronic acid is a great choice, as the acid makes movement easier by thickening the synovial fluid in the joints.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Pets

Our maximum strength formula is optimally designed to accelerate the formation of cartilage, minimize inflammation, expedite the healing process, and improve joint conditions.

Learn More

Summary

Ensuring your kitty's well-being in stressful situations is a priority for responsible pet owners. Cat calming products offer a range of options to address anxiety and promote relaxation in cats. The variety allows for tailored solutions based on individual needs, from treats and supplements to CBD products and medications.

While these products present numerous benefits, such as stress reduction, behavioral improvement, and ease of use, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential downsides. Effectiveness can vary, and the relief provided is often temporary, addressing symptoms rather than root causes. Additionally, side effects and the need to carefully consider a cat's weight and preferences underscore the importance of consulting with a veterinarian before incorporating any calming product. By understanding the pros and cons outlined in this article, cat owners can make informed decisions to enhance their furry friend's well-being in various situations.

And remember, a common cause of anxiety in cats is pain. While most associate joint pain with dogs, cats are just as likely to suffer from aching joints, especially as they get older. Incorporating a joint supplement into their daily diet can do wonders for reducing their pain over time. With a reduction in pain, you may just find that your kitty is less anxious than before. Even if your kitty isn’t suffering from joint pain, a joint supplement like TRI-ACTA is a great preventative measure to ensure your kitty doesn’t experience joint pain in the future.

Purchase TRI-ACTA online or learn where to buy at a store near you.