How to Reduce Anxiety in Cats: Tips for a Calm and Happy Cat

Cats are naturally independent creatures, but just like humans, they can experience anxiety. Whether triggered by environmental changes, loud noises, or separation from their owners, anxiety can have a significant impact on your feline friend’s well-being. Fortunately, there are several ways to help your cat feel more secure and relaxed. Here’s how you can create a soothing environment and ease their stress.

Recognising Anxiety in Cats

Understanding the signs of feline anxiety is the first step in helping your pet. According to a report by the Blue Cross, common indicators of stress in cats include changes in their behaviour, body language and overall health.

It is also important to look out for:

• Excessive grooming or overlicking
• Hiding more than usual
• Sudden aggression or avoidance
• Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits
• Excessive meowing or vocalisation
• Tensing, dilated pupils or skin twitching
• Destructive behaviour, such as scratching furniture
• UTIs, diarrhoea, digestive problems or a general decline in physical condition

These symptoms can also signal underlying medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, dental pain, or urinary tract infections. If anxiety-like behaviours persist, a veterinary examination is recommended to rule out potential health issues before assuming stress is the cause.

Create a Safe Space

Cats feel most comfortable having a safe and quiet place to retreat. To create an ideal calming zone:

• Choose a quiet room or corner away from household noise (avoid areas near washing machines or TVs)
• Provide a covered cat bed, cat igloo, or soft blanket in their retreat space
• Use a Feliway diffuser nearby to release calming pheromones
• Minimise foot traffic by placing their hideout in an area with little human activity
• Add a blanket that carries your scent in their resting area for added reassurance

Engage Your Cat with Play and Stimulation

Mental and physical stimulation can help reduce stress levels. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and play sessions can keep their minds occupied and provide a distraction from anxiety triggers. 

Our top tips for stimulation include:

• Use interactive toys such as feather wands, laser pointers or electronic mice
• Provide puzzle feeders to encourage problem-solving and slow down their eating
• Aim for 2 – 3 short playtimes (5 – 10 minutes) per day to mimic natural hunting behaviour
• Rotate your cat’s toys, swapping them out every few days to keep your cat engaged

Regular exercise through play also helps release built-up energy, preventing frustration and nervous behaviours.

Try Calming Products

Certain products are designed to promote relaxation in anxious cats. 

There are numerous products available to the UK market, designed to promote the relaxation of anxious cats. Most of these products work by using synthetic calming pheromones, replicating the natural pheromones used for animals to communicate.

According to Dr. Valarie Tynes, DVM, President of the American College of Veterinary Behaviourists, “in any situation creating anxiety, pheromones can help to reduce the stress felt by pets. These situations can include things like changes in the home, learning new things, or discomfort or conflict with other pets in the home.”

Not all products work for all cats; effectiveness varies between individuals, so it’s best to combine the use of calming products with behavioural and environmental adjustments.

Some vet-recommended products you could use to support your anxious pet include:

Feliway Diffusers & Sprays – These mimic the natural calming agent present in cats, helping to create a familiar and comforting environment. 

Pet Remedy Calming Spray – A blend of natural essential oils that works to soothe stress in cats. 

Zylkene Calming Capsules – A natural supplement derived from milk protein that can help manage situational anxiety. 

Beaphar Calming Cat Collar – A long-lasting collar infused with natural valerian and lavender extracts, which help reduce stress and anxiety.

YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats – A supplement formulated to support a relaxed temperament using scientifically backed ingredients. 

There are various calming products on the market, and effectiveness may vary for each cat. The products above are commonly used for feline anxiety, though veterinary professionals have mixed opinions on their efficacy. Some studies support pheromone diffusers and dietary supplements, but results are not universal. If considering these options, consult your vet before use.

Maintain a Routine

Cats thrive on routine, and sudden changes can trigger stress. Try to keep feeding times, play sessions, and bedtime consistent. If changes are unavoidable, introduce them gradually to help your cat adjust. Even small changes, such as moving their litter tray or food bowl, should be done with care to avoid unnecessary stress.

Provide Vertical Space and Hiding Spots

Cats feel safer when they have elevated areas where they can observe their surroundings from a distance. Installing cat shelves, tall scratching posts, or allowing access to a high perch can help alleviate anxiety. Additionally, providing enclosed spaces like cat tunnels, covered beds, or cardboard boxes can give them a secure place to retreat when they feel overwhelmed.

Consider Comforting Scents and Sounds

Soft music or white noise can help mask external sounds that might be causing stress, such as fireworks or construction noise. Additionally, placing an item with your scent in their resting area can be reassuring if they suffer from separation anxiety. 

While some pet owners report that scents like lavender or chamomile help relax their cats, scientific evidence on this is limited. Certain essential oils can be toxic to cats. The PDSA warns that essential oils, including lavender, citrus oils and eucalyptus, can be toxic to felines. 

Sometimes, even if the essential oil itself doesn’t cause a problem, high fat levels in the carrier oil (used to dilute the essential oil) can also cause tummy upsets. Always consult a veterinarian before introducing any new scents.

Provide a Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet plays a key role in a cat’s overall mood and behaviour. 

Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids contribute to brain health in animals, and tryptophan is known to be a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. 

Ensuring your cat is getting the right nutrients may help improve their overall temperament. However, evidence for their direct impact on feline anxiety is still emerging, so dietary changes should always be discussed with a veterinarian.

Consult Your Veterinarian

If you’re not seeing an improvement in your cat’s anxiety, try these adjustments:

• Ensure your calming diffuser is placed in a low-ventilation area. Strong airflow can reduce effectiveness, leaving your cat nervous.
• Experiment with different locations for your cat’s safe space; some cats may prefer high perches over enclosed spaces.
• If play-based stimulation isn’t helping, try scent-based stimulation, such as catnip or silver vine to encourage engagement.

If your cat’s anxiety seems severe or persistent, it may be worth discussing with a vet. They can assess for any underlying health conditions and recommend additional treatments or behavioural modifications. In some cases, prescription medications or specialised behavioural therapy may be required for chronic anxiety.

Conclusion

Helping your cat manage anxiety is all about creating a calm and predictable environment. By providing them with safe spaces, engaging activities, and effective calming aids, you can ensure they feel secure and content. Every cat is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the best solution for your pet. With patience and care, you can support your cat in living a relaxed and happy life.