While there is some evidence for chamomile’s calming properties in humans, more study is needed to determine how much cats may benefit from the same effects. Similarly, while hemp seed oil is a good source of omega fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients, there’s no evidence demonstrating that the scent alone will have a proven calming effect on cats. But while there’s little reason to believe that Fresh Step Calm will have a significant effect on your cat’s mood or behavior, its scent can still make your litter box area a more soothing space for you. Spray: sprays can be introduced as needed into whichever rooms you require, or they can be sprayed around furniture to help combat unwanted scratching behaviour designed to make territory. Feliway also options a scratch-specific option for encouraging your cat to scratch toys rather than furniture! Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Report. 2010;3(6):895-901. Just like people, cats produce a chemical called melatonin that’s associated with the regulation of sleep-wake cycles. Safe for cats over the age of 12 weeks, NaturVet Quiet Moments Cat Soft Chews combines the sleep-inducing effects of melatonin with tryptophan, an amino acid the brain uses in the production of soothing serotonin. It too has been proven to increase sleepiness. These chews also include chamomile and ginger, which isn’t a calming aid, but has been used as an anti-nausea herbal supplement for thousands of years ( scientific studies have found that ginger was effective for relieving mild nausea during human pregnancy). This all makes NaturVet Soft Chews especially useful for road trips. Diffuser: these release natural scents into your home and can prevent territory wars between your cats. The diffuser cat calming treatments contain catnip extracts, which can soothe your cat and prevent scratching or stress. These include Feliway, a well-known brand that is renowned for reducing stress. Feliway Friends is also an ideal choice if you have a multi-cat household.

The Feliway Optimum Enhanced Calming diffuser can help calm your cat in stressful situations like moving, the introduction of a new baby or pet, and during disruptive events like thunderstorms and fireworks. Whether they use synthetic pheromones or soothing natural catnip, there are plenty of options to choose from. According to Dr. Zay Satchu, DVM, co-founder and Chief Veterinary Officer of Bond Vet, there are several different types of products available for relieving stress and anxiety in cats, including treats, collars, sprays and plug-ins. SCIENTIFICALLY RECOGNISED: Pheromone technology is widely recognised by behavioural experts and vets for its ability to create an instinctive calming response for your cat. PHEROMONE TECHNOLOGY TO PROMOTE FEELINGS OF REASSURANCE AND WELL-BEING: When cats feel relaxed and happy, they mark objects, people, other animals and their territory with Feline Facial Pheromones (FFP). When they return, they identify the area as safe and reassured. Beaphar CatComfort® contains a copy of Feline Facial Pheromone, which is instantly recognisable to all cats helping to comfort them and reduce unwanted behaviour.Ceva claims this pheromone complex “provides an enhanced message of social confidence and safety in the cat’s environment,” citing internal research finding that the Optimum formula helps “with more stress-related signs faster than existing pheromones.” Collar: a cat calming collar releases the soothing catnip extracts directly where they need to be, helping ensure your cat is relaxed for as long as 30 days.

While using beneficial bacteria to alter hormonal chemistry is a cutting edge field, Purina claims to have found improvements in anxious behaviors, while further promoting play and sociability. The supplements can be used long-term for especially anxious cats, or used for a few weeks or months after a major change, such as moving to a new home. So far, probiotic calming for pets looks very promising, with institutions like the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine monitoring the field’s progress. DePorter, Theresa L, et al. “ Evaluation of the efficacy of an appeasing pheromone diffuser product vs placebo for management of feline aggression in multi-cat households: a pilot study.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. DOI: 10.1177/1098612X18774437 There are various different treatments, so that you can find the right one for both you and your cat, including sprays and tablets as well as diffusers. These can be great in reducing stress and comforting your cat. Refill: sadly stress is bound to appear at various points throughout your cat’s life, so keep your diffuser topped up with refill bottles!Hartmann E. Effects of L-tryptophan on sleepiness and on sleep. J Psychiatr Res. 1982-1983;17(2):107-13. doi: 10.1016/0022-3956(82)90012-7. PMID: 6764927. Salmon flavored and made in the United States, NaturVet chews also include brewers yeast, flaxseed, tapioca starch, rosemary extract, and other ingredients that should appeal to your cat’s palate. It’s recommended that your cat take two chews approximately 30 minutes before a stressful event. Cats should not be given no more than four chews in a 12-hour period. Just like people, cats can get stressed out from time to time. Boredom, overstimulation (too much noise and/or excessive touching), and changes in their environment are all potential stressors. While the causes of your cat’s stress should be your first target, calming aids can help soothe them through unavoidable changes to their environment.