This review aims to guide you to some of the best calming supplements for cats that owners can find on cat supply shelves.
As a feline Nutritionist and pet owner, I have bought various supplements for my cats. My main concern always was; how to provide the best care for my pet.
I believe that our pets deserve the best possible care that we can provide.
In this article, I aim to show:
- Top best calming supplements for cats,
- What to look for when buying calming supplements for cats,
- Difference between supplements and what they aim to treat,
- Signs and prevention of cat anxiety, stress, and unwanted behavior.
So you can make an informed choice if a particular supplement is best for your pet.
With so many options available on cat supply shelves, it is easy to be overwhelmed, the best calming supplement for cats.
I recommend Feliway Classic Calming Spray as the best calming supplement for cats.
But every cat is different. So I researched the best calming supplement for cats range to help you make the best decision for your cat.
Let’s see our picks.
Best calming supplements for cats
Feliway Classic Calming Spray for Cats (Spray)
Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement (Drops)
NaturVet Quiet Moments Soft Chews Calming Supplement for Cats (Chews)
Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats (Collar)
4 Best Calming Supplements For Cats Reviewed
Find below items that I find the best calming supplements for cats.
Feliway Classic Calming Spray for Cats
Ingredients:
A synthetic analog of the F3 fraction of feline facial pheromone 100 mg/mL in 89.2% ethanol
Feline F3 facial pheromones, which cats deposit when they rub their cheeks against surfaces, mark the areas as safe.
Ethanol is a type of alcohol. Ethanol evaporates very quickly. Safe to be used around cats assuming the alcohol, when sprayed, is not ingested.
Key Benefits:
- Behavior management spray mimics a cat’s natural facial pheromones, which creates a state of familiarity and security.
- Help prevent or reduce stress and help cats cope with bad behavior triggers.
- Spray in the carrier or on other hard surfaces before travel to reduce aggressive or unwanted behavior.
- A clinically proven formula is also great for use in the home to eliminate spraying and scratching.
- Simply spray 8-10 pumps on doorways, cat-flaps, furniture, and other objects cats may be tempted to mark.
Cat owners have noticed that some cats have stopped unwanted behavior, like scratching the furniture after spraying this product. In a multi-cat household, less aggression towards one another was observed. However, it does not help all cats.
Feliway offers Defusers and Multi-Cat Household solutions in this range.
Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement
Ingredients:
HPUS 5x Dilution of Helianthemum nummularium, Clematis Vitalba, Impatiens glandulifera, Prunus Cerasifera, Ornithogalum Umbellatum.
Helianthemum nummularium– plant. It is used to promote calmness and relaxation.
Clematis Vitalba– plant used for pain reduction.
Impatiens glandulifera– plant, used as a treatment for acute anxiety, is protective in stressful situations.
Prunus Cerasifera– plant, a good source of nutrition value that has potassium, calcium, phosphate, vitamin B and C, that are great for the body’s metabolism and nervous system
Ornithogalum Umbellatum– plant, used in homeopathic treatments for pain and stress.
Key Benefits:
- Natural stress relief and recommended by veterinarians for calming your cat during stressful situations.
- Homeopathic, non-habit-forming, and alcohol-free solution that’s easy to use and helps calm pets in stressful situations.
- Great for animals that are afraid of everyday things like thunderstorms, fireworks, going to the vet, or being groomed.
- Helps pets after they’ve experienced a distressing event, such as separation anxiety, moving, or getting lost.
- Can be added to water, food, or given directly.
Cat owners have noticed calming effects in cats when taken for veterinary visits and during loud noises.
The supplement effect might take up to 30 minutes to work for some cats. I might need to give this several times per day.
NaturVet Quiet Moments Soft Chews Calming Supplement for Cats
Active Ingredients: (Per 2 Soft Chews):
L-Tryptophan: is an essential amino acid that helps the body make proteins and certain brain-signaling chemicals
Chamomile: sedative, an anti-inflammatory, and a muscle relaxant
Thiamine: Vitamin B1, an essential vitamin for cats. The brain and other high-energy organs require thiamine for proper function because it is used for carbohydrate metabolism.
Ginger: an Antioxidant, however, should be given with caution to a cat taking prescription medicine.
Melatonin: a sleep aid and helps with separation anxiety.
Inactive Ingredients: These are often fillers that decrease the cost of producing the product and create the perception of value. This product makes up the treat part of the supplement.
Brewer’s Yeast: protein source rich in amino acids and B vitamins
Cod Liver Oil: supports healthy skin and coat.
Flaxseed Meal: improve digestive health or relieve constipation
Glycerin: increase skin hydration, relieve dryness, and refresh the skin’s surface
Lecithin: helps improve digestion
Natural Flavoring: improves palatability in food
Oat Groats: source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants
Rice Flour: rich in calcium to support bones
Sorbic Acid: food preservative, keeps supplement from spoiling
Vegetable Oil: source of energy and a carrier of essential nutrients which are vital for growth and metabolism, protecting brain cells, reducing the risk of heart diseases
Wheat Germ: source of thiamin and a good source of folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc for cat’s overall health
Key Benefits:
- Helps maintain normal nervous system function during times of stress and tension.
- Recommended for use during stressful situations like thunderstorms, vet visits, traveling, and when introducing a new pet to existing ones.
- Melatonin helps to promote relaxation.
- NaturVet’s unique blend of Thiamine and L-tryptophan helps reduce stress and tension.
- Ginger supports sensitive stomachs, which is especially important when traveling.
Mixed reviews from cat owners. Some cats like them, some refuse to eat them as a treat, and owners have to crumb up the supplement and add to their cat’s meals. However, most of the owners noticed a calming effect on their cats.
This product line also offers a Liquid calming supplement and Calming Spray.
Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats
Key Benefits
- Uses pheromone technology that’s proven to modify behaviors caused by stress and fear, such as inappropriate marking, scratching, excessive meowing, clawing, and destruction
- Releases a pheromone that mimics the one mother cats produce to calm and soothe kittens, making cats feel safe and secure
- Helps alleviate problem behaviors caused by stressful situations such as travel, thunderstorms, new pets in the home, new visitors, car rides, and vet visits
- Releases pheromones for 30 days with a pleasant, soothing lavender chamomile fragrance
- Adjusts to fit necks up to 15 inches. Can be used for cats of all ages and breeds with no long-term side effects
Cat owners noted that this product was a great help during stressful situations for their cats like moving house, 4th of July celebrations, new additions to their cat family in between others. However, some owners had problems closing the collar.
Best Buy Guide
Which type of calming supplements for cats is better for my cat?
Every cat is different, and one supplement will be working better than others.
To start to assess your cat and their behavior:
- The diffuser will be better if you have a small flat or cats have their room. Remember a diffuser covers an area up to 70m² (750 sq ft), but must not be covered, placed behind a door or underneath furniture.
It is best to be put in a room where they display unwanted behavior.
- The spray works well if you need to put in specific places where the cat is marking- doors, sofa, furniture.
- Drops are good if your cat feels anxious before a trip, and spray is not an option.
- Chews can be offered as a treat or added to their food.
- The collar can be considered if you are able to hold your cat. Sometimes by putting the collar on can stress your already anxious cat. Some cats do not like collars and will try to take them off.
What causes anxiety in cats?
Cats are known to like their routine, which means that they might get upset and anxious for various reasons:
- Competition– if you have more than one cat they will feel less anxious if they each have their own food, water bowl, litter trays, and toys.
The rule of thumb is one more of each than the number of cats per household.
- Space– cats are 3 dimensional if you can provide places to climb and play. Cat towers, spaces to explore like the top of the refrigerator, wardrobes are a great addition to cats’ space.
- Resting spaces– every cat is an individual, some will be at your side at all times, some will want attention on their terms. Make sure that you give your cat space to relax undisturbed.
- Litter trays– Make sure to scoop and clean every day and change the litter when needed. Some cats will refuse to use a dirty litter tray and might go someplace else in your home.
- Change of diet- cats can be picky eaters, and do not like a change of food. Make sure if you want or need to change your cat’s diet, you do it gradually
- A new addition to the family– whether it is a new cat in the house or a baby, this might cause stress in your cat, make sure to properly introduce the new arrival to your cat and have enough resources for them to be happy.
- Loud noises– thunderstorms, parties, washing machines can add to the cat’s anxiety. Wherever possible have a quiet space for the cat to be undisturbed and safe. Soft music can help tune out loud sounds.
- Consistent meal times and routine- cats love their routine of eating, playing, and napping. It can be a stressful time for your cat when you go on a holiday. Where possible arrange somebody to care for your cat or offer toys and the best calming supplements for cats.
Speak with your cat’s veterinarian if your cat could benefit from calming supplements for cats.
Why is my cat scratching furniture?
Your cat is not doing this to get your attention or be mean to you. Cats need to scratch.
They do it to:
- express emotions- excitement or stress,
- to mark objects with their scent (they have scent glands in their paws),
- to remove the dead part of their nails,
- just to get a good stretch.
A cat scratching post is excellent help available by their favorite scratching corner.
There is an array of types and sizes available. See your best pick HERE.
Cats mark their territory and release tension when scratching, in a sense a cat towers are calming supplements for cats as well.
Why is my cat urinating outside the litter box?
Medical issues:
A cat might be experiencing some health issue like
- Urinary tract infection,
- Arthritis- older cats might not be able to climb into the litter box because of pain. If you have stairs in your house place 1 litter box per floor.
We highly recommend checking with your veterinarian if your cat has difficulty urinating.
Marking:
- This can happen if your cat has been neutered or not.
- If another cat has marked a specific area, your cat might want to leave their smell as well. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly with cleaning products safe for cats.
Behavior cause:
A cat might change their urinating habits if there is an issue with the litter box:
- Provide multiple litter boxes (1 more than the number of cats per household)
- Place litter tray in a private area, where your cat can be undisturbed from traffic in the house.
- Some cats will not use a litter tray if it is not cleaned or you have changed the type of cat sand.
- If your cat urinates in specific unfavorable are, close off the access for your cat or change this is for feeding or drinking station. Cats do not like to eat close by the litter box.
- Ask your veterinarian for advice, they might advise on calming supplements for cats to curve unwanted behavior.
How to help a stressed cat?
Reduce your cat’s environmental stress.
- Competition– if you have more than one cat they will feel less anxious if they each have their own food, water bowl, litter trays, and toys.
The rule of thumb is one more of each than the number of cats per household.
- 3D– cats are 3 dimensional if you can provide places to climb and play. Cat towers, spaces to explore like the top of the refrigerator, wardrobes are a great addition to cats’ space.
- Quiet resting spaces– every cat is an individual, some will be at your side at all times, some will want attention on their own terms. Make sure that you give your cat space to relax undisturbed.
- Litter trays– Make sure to scoop and clean every day and change the litter when needed. Some cats will refuse to use a dirty litter tray and might go someplace else in your home.
- Add feline pheromones — Feliway® products contain feline pheromones that reduce stress and encourage calmness in cats. A Lavander scented dehumidifier can be helpful as well.
- Consistent meal times and routine
In Conclusion.
Every cat is different, and you might need to test out supplements your cat might like.
I recommend Feliway Classic Calming Sprays for Cats as the best calming supplements for cats.
Feliway prevents and reduces stress and helps cats cope with bad behavior triggers.
Easy to spray in the carrier or on other hard surfaces during travel to reduce aggressive or unwanted behavior.
A clinically proven formula is also great for use in the home to eliminate spraying and scratching. Choose the best calming supplements for cats HERE.
