Stress can cause a variety of behavioral problems in a cat and in some cases may even affect her health. After your vet rules out an illness as the cause of your kitty’s anxious behavior or otherwise, help keep her calm with some natural vet-approved solutions. Herbs and regular exercise may calm your kitty down, reducing her stress without the need for prescriptions.
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Gem flower
Flower essences are liquid tinctures made from different flowers that have calming properties. Unlike most tinctures, ones made specifically for pets like Bach Rescue Remedy are made with metered vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol, making them safe to use on our feline friends. You can add a few drops of these remedies to your kitty’s water bowl, put a few on her tongue or rub some of these drops on her fur until she licks it off. Before using these types of homeopathic medicines, consult with your veterinarian.
Calming catnip
Catnip, an herb in the mint family, contains volatile oils, which mimic the pheromones in most kitties. When a cat smells grass, she may become hyperactive for a few minutes or roll into a trance before calming down. Eating the herb has a mildly calming effect on kitties. You can sprinkle it over her food to encourage her to eat it. This herb is safe for cats and is not addictive, according to the Scientific American website. Giving your squirrel buddy some toys stuffed with mint chips or sprinkling them around the areas you like to hang out may help your cat get rid of it, recommends the Humane Society of the United States. You can also grow it indoors for your kitty munch.
Herbal remedy
Several types of herbs that are safe for cats have calming properties, including lavender, hops, and chamomile. Make a tea with these herbs to mix into your kitty’s food. Stuff dried leaves and flowers into filling cat toys or your kitty’s bedding. You can put a few drops of essential oils made from these herbs in a vaporizer to provide some soothing aromatherapy for Fluffy. Other calming herbs such as ginseng, kava kava, valerian, St. John’s wort and skullcap also may reduce cat anxiety. These herbs are usually available as supplements that you can give your cat by mouth. You will need to consult with your veterinarian or a holistic vet who can recommend the appropriate dosage of these herbs for your feline friend and whether they are appropriate for her.
Reduce stress
Help reduce stress for your friend by providing him with some exercise each day in the form of an interactive game with you. Give her some toys to play with while you’re away. Put a comfy cat bed and climbing tree in a quiet corner of your house so he has plenty of places to relax and feel safe. I play Dilara Parry of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, according to CatChannel.com. If you have more than one cat, provide each cat with at least one litter box; Provide an extra litter box for all of your cats as well. Spray synthetic cat pheromone around your home to give your kitty a sense of well-being.
