Cats may become anxious or scared when faced with unfamiliar situations and environments, such as moving to a new home or hearing a loud noise outside. These stressors can make even the most confident feline feel scared and unsettled. As a loving cat owner, you must take steps to ease the fear of your furry friend. Here are 15 ways to do that.
Prepare a Safe Space
Let your cat have a dedicated area to which they can retreat when feeling scared. It could be a small room or a quiet corner with a cozy bed, blankets, and their favorite toys. Having a space of their own where they won’t be disturbed can go a long way toward reducing their anxiety levels.
Use Calming Pheromones
Products like Feliway emit synthetic versions of the pheromones that cats naturally produce when they are safe. These can be sprayed around your home or used in diffuser form to create a calming environment so your cat will be more at ease.
Maintain a Routine
Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Keeping a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and quiet time can give them stability. Knowing what to expect and when can lessen stress.
Give Them High Perches
Install cat trees, shelves, or other elevated platforms that allow your cat to observe its surroundings from above. High perches give cats a sense of control over their surroundings and a safe vantage point where they can relax and watch what’s going on without feeling threatened.
Use Soft Music
Soft, calming, pleasant sounds can mask outside noises that might be causing your cat stress. Classical music, specially designed cat music, or even white noise can create a soothing auditory backdrop that boosts relaxation and reduces apprehension.
Use a Soft Voice
When interacting with your scared cat, speak softly and calmly. Loud or abrupt noises can startle them further, while a calm tone can reassure them that they are safe. This consistent, gentle communication can build their trust and reduce fear.
Offer Treats and Comfort Food
You can provide positive distractions for your cat using special treats or a small portion of their favorite food. If you offer them any or both of these during stressful times, it can redirect their focus and associate potentially frightening situations with positive experiences.
Engage in Gentle Play
Through interactive play sessions using feather wands, laser pointers, small balls, etc., your cat can release pent-up energy and stress. Gentle play brings both physical exercise and mental stimulation and diverts their attention from whatever is causing their fear.
Use a Cat Carrier
Leave your cat’s carrier open in a safe area with a comfortable blanket inside. Make the carrier a part of their surroundings and help them form positive associations with it. Over time, they may start to see it as a secure hiding place rather than something associated with stressful trips.
Apply Tender Pressure
Wrapping your cat in a towel (often called a “cat burrito”) or using a Thundershirt can provide a calming pressure. The sensation is similar to swaddling a baby and can reduce anxiety by providing a sense of security and containment.
Provide a Scent Familiarity
Place an item that carries a familiar scent, such as a piece of your clothing or a favorite blanket, in their resting area. Familiar scents can be incredibly comforting for cats: as they remind them of safety, the fear drops.
Offer a Distraction
There are many ways to provide mental stimulation, such as new toys, puzzle feeders, or a window perch with a view of birds. These distractions can engage their curiosity, keep their minds off whatever is causing them distress, and put them in a more relaxed state.
Use Natural Remedies
Some herbal remedies for calming cats are catnip or valerian. They can be given as treats, incorporated into toys, or used in diffusers. Always consult your vet before introducing new herbal remedies to ensure they are safe for your cat.
Ensure a Safe Environment
Assess your home for potential stressors, such as loud noises, aggressive pets, or unfamiliar people. By limiting exposure to these stressors, you can create a quieter space and make it fairly predictable.
Bring in the Vet
If your cat’s anxiety is severe or persistent, it may be time to let the pros assist you. A veterinarian can rule out any underlying medical conditions, recommend behavior modification techniques, or prescribe medication.
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