Key Points
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Separation anxiety manifests in behaviors like excessive grooming, excessive vocalizations, or accidents outside your cat’s litter box.
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Calming collars use synthetic facial pheromones that cats use when they rub their head or face against objects and people.
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Zesty Paws Calming Bites use herbs and other natural ingredients known for their calming properties.
Is your cat whiney, clingy, and destructive? They may have separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety in cats is a stressful and challenging issue for both pet owners and their felines. When left alone for extended periods, some cats exhibit signs of anxiety. There are various calming care products to address this issue.
This article supplies detailed information about those products’ features, effectiveness, and user feedback. Before you choose a product, learn to recognize the signs of separation anxiety in your cat and rule out any other health-related issues.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Though dogs are more prone to separation anxiety, some cats experience this condition. A change in their owners’ routine or behavior is the most common cause of separation anxiety. For example, you recently return to the office after working from home for a while, or you change to a job that requires more time away from home.
Cats feel more secure when they have a routine. If their environment changes, some cats feel a diminished sense of safety.
The Metropolitan Veterinary Center in Chicago writes about signs of separation anxiety in your cat and what to do about it. They advise not to jump to conclusions because there are other causes for the same symptoms.
“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of checking with your veterinarian when you see any change in your cat’s behavior before you chalk it up to separation anxiety, as early treatment of illnesses is crucial to cat wellness,” their writer advises. “For example, some cats go outside the litter box when they have urinary tract infections.”
Every cat is different, but some general signs of separation anxiety include excessive meowing or crying, excessive grooming, changes in eating behavior, destructive behavior, trying to escape, accidents outside the litter box, and extremely clingy behaviors.
Before trying supplements, or in addition to them, try some behavior modifications. Don’t reward their attention-seeking behaviors when you come in the door. Allow them to calm down before you greet and pet them. Provide plenty of exercise and enrichment activities to distract and entertain them.
Music has charms to calm the anxious cat. A YouTube video posted on July 23, 2023, suggests a 24-hour playlist to calm your jittery feline. .
If after checking with your vet and trying some behavior modifications, your cat still needs some assistance, you’re in luck. These are the top picks for calming care products for cats.
Depending on the number of cats in your household, the animal’s preferences, and how they respond to particular methods, there’s sure to be a products that calms your cat.
by Comfort Zone
Comfort Zone Cat Calming Collar
The Comfort Zone Cat Calming Collar is a noteworthy product for calming cats during periods of separation. This collar mimics a feline’s facial pheromones when they rub their head or face against objects or against you. It tells them this object is familiar and safe.
Your cat’s body heat activates the pheromones, so it doesn’t take long to start working. If your cat isn’t used to wearing collars, there might be an adjustment period. Let them to wear it for short periods while you monitor them. This also allows you to see that there are no adverse skin reactions.
If you see any inflammation or irritation, remove the collar.
by RESCUE
Bach Rescue Remedy Pet Drops
Bach Rescue Remedy Pet Drops are a natural option for calming anxious cats. This product combines several flower essences, including cherry plum, Clematis, and star of Bethlehem, to promote a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
It is recommended to squeeze the dropper directly into your pet’s mouth, but can be added to your cat’s food or water. Many users appreciate the natural approach and observe a calmer demeanor during car rides and things like fireworks displays.
by Comfort Zone
Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Diffuser
A calming collar may be appropriate if you have just one cat. The Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Diffuser makes more sense in a multi-cat household.
Like the collar, this diffuser releases synthetic feline facial pheromones to convey a message of familiarity and comfort to cats, reducing tension and conflicts between them.
Plug the diffuser into an electrical outlet in the room where the cats spend the most time. Users report a noticeable difference with multiple cats, with less aggression and fewer out-of-litter-box accidents.
by Nutramax Laboratories
Solliquin Behavioral Health Supplement for Cats
Solliquin Behavioral Health Supplement is a veterinarian-formulated supplement that instills emotional balance in cats. It manages behavioral issues, including separation anxiety. Its natural ingredients of L-Theanine, Magnolia officinalis extract, and Phellodendron amurense extract work together to promote relaxation without sedation.
The drawback is that it takes at least a few days for the effects to become apparent. It’s appropriate for both cats and dogs, so it’s convenient for multi-pet households.
Users notice their pet is less aggressive without being drowsy.
by ThunderShirt
ThunderShirt Anxiety & Calming Aid for Cats
The ThunderShirt Anxiety & Calming Aid is a popular choice to reduce anxiety in pets. This snug-fitting garment applies gentle, constant pressure to the cat’s body, creating a soothing sensation similar to a swaddle. The pressure provides a sense of security and reduces stress, fear, and anxiety.
Reviews vary. Some users report significant improvement in their cat’s behavior when wearing the ThunderShirt. Others say it makes their cat more anxious, as many cats don’t like their belly touched or don’t like swaddling. Be aware of your cat’s tendencies and know that results vary.
by Zesty Paws
Zesty Paws Calming Bites
Zesty Paws Calming Bites are soft chews designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress in cats. These bites contain a blend of natural ingredients, including organic hemp powder, chamomile, and L-theanine that are known for their calming properties.
Give the chews as treats or crumbled and mixed with food. The natural ingredients appeal to pet owners and work for many cats. These chews are bacon flavored, which some cats don’t like. If you know your cat’s preferences, try them out.
Calm Your Cat From a Distance
You don’t want to be separated from your cat, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Your cat doesn’t want to be separated from you, but if they If suffer from separation anxiety you need to give them some peace while you’re away.
Dealing with separation anxiety in cats is challenging, but the right calming care products make it possible to reduce their distress and create a more peaceful environment.
A calming collar may work for an individual cat. For multiple cats, a calming diffuser probably makes more sense. If you have enough time, give them a calming supplement before you have to leave them.
These products are all excellent options for calming your cat and making them feel more secure during periods of separation. Remember to consult your veterinarian to determine the best approach and product for your cat’s specific needs.
Once you get their separation anxiety under control, welcome back your calm, cool, and collected cat.
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