Last Updated on April 18, 2023 by ellen
If your cat is easily stressed, check out these ways to calm a cat. Learn how to calm a cat during a thunderstorm or other stressful periods.
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Ways to Calm a Cat
Some cats are more anxious than others. And, loud noises like summer thunderstorms can make this problem even worse.
Every pet owner wants to make their pet happy whether that means making a favorite homemade cat treats recipe, or buying their favorite toys.
But, what do you do when your cat is stressed out? I know that our cat is scared when he hears loud noises. So, summer storms and 4th of July fireworks send him running to hide underneath the bed.
Of course, some cats are just naturally more high intensity than others. So, there is only so much that you can do to find ways to calm a cat.
Our pets get stressed out much the same way that we do. I know there are times in my life when I’ve wanted to hide under the bed. Your cat is no different.
When your cat tries to hide, they are simply following their natural instincts to protect themselves from danger.
But, these tips should definitely help take the edge off your cat’s anxiety.
Help your cat calm down
One of the best ways to calm a cat is to give them their own space and time. Bring them to a quiet room where they can be alone.
Ideally, this will be a room like a bathroom where they have their litter box and a familiar area.
Be sure to bring along their food and water dish. And, they may want to hide inside their crate or even a cardboard box.
Be available when they need you
Once your cat calms down, it is natural for them to want to be with their owner again. Be available for them but let them come to you rather than you going to them.
Sit near where your cat is. And, once they calm down, they will come to you again. Just having someone they know nearby will be calming for many cats.
Use a Feliway diffuser to help calm them down more easily. Feliway is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. By mimicking the cat’s natural facial pheromones, Feliway creates a state of familiarity and security in the cat’s local environment.
How to calm a cat at night
If your cat is wide awake during the nighttime when you’d rather they sleep, keep them more active during the day. You can do this by providing engaging toys for them to play with like this Tower of Tracks.
This way they will be more likely to sleep when you want them to sleep. If you allow them to sleep all day, it will be harder for them to sleep all night.
How to calm a frightened cat
If your cat is scared by a thunderstorm or by loud noises like fireworks, it may help to simply give them time to decompress.
Try offering them their favorite treats so they associate the noise with something more pleasant.
These freeze-dried cat treats are a healthy option that your cat will really enjoy. It can be hard to find treats that are vet-approved for chunky kitties.
If they are interested, trying playing with them. Don’t pick them up. That may scare them more. But, this Go Cat Cat Catcher will definitely keep their mind off loud noises.
How to calm a cat in the car
It’s important to get your cat used to the cat carrier for more than just a trip to the vet. Keep the carrier in an area your cat accesses every day.
Rather than keeping the carrier in the closet, try placing it in the corner of the bedroom where your cat can see it. This way they don’t associate something bad with it.
And, make sure that the carrier is large enough for them to be comfortable. Try placing some
catnip toys or treats in the area as well.
Whether your cat is frightened by loud noises or a new situation like moving, Try a few of these ways to calm a cat and see if it helps calm your cat.
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Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.