Calm Travel: Best Products For Anxious Cats

Cats can be lively travel companions, but it's important to take the time to create a positive experience for them. One way to do this is by using calming products to reduce stress and relieve the symptoms of anxiety. There are several types of calming products for cats, including pheromone diffusers, sprays, treats, collars, and drops.

One popular option is the Feliway Classic Starter Kit, which includes a plug-in diffuser and a 30-day supply of synthetic feline facial pheromone liquid. This product is designed to reduce stress-related behaviours, such as inappropriate scratching and spraying, and is recommended by veterinarians. For a portable option, the Feliway Classic Calming Spray comes in a 60ml or 219ml bottle, making it convenient for travel.

If you're looking for a treat to help calm your cat, VetriScience Laboratories Composure is a vet-formulated product that contains a mixture of soothing ingredients, including C3 colostrum, L-Theanine, and Thiamine. These treats have a chicken liver flavour and are designed to support cognitive function and encourage dopamine production.

Another option is a calming collar, such as the one offered by Sentry. This collar uses patented Good Behaviour pheromone technology and is designed to provide constant comfort for your cat. It lasts for 30 days before needing to be replaced.

Finally, for a natural option, Bach Rescue Remedy Pet is a homeopathic blend of flower essences that is designed to minimise stress and anxiety in cats. This product can be administered directly into your cat's mouth or added to their food.

Calming collars

When choosing a calming collar, it is important to ensure a proper fit. The collar should be adjusted to leave approximately 1/4" of space between your cat's neck and the collar, with any excess portion cut off, leaving 1-2 inches for extra adjustment. For growing kittens, it is important to regularly adjust the fit of the collar to ensure it is not too tight. Additionally, if your cat has never worn a collar before, it is recommended to introduce it gradually by first applying the collar loosely and supervising them for 10 minutes. If they tolerate it, you can then tighten it enough to fit two fingers between the collar and their neck and supervise them for another 30 minutes. If they continue to tolerate the collar, you can leave it on your cat unsupervised.

There are several calming collars available on the market, such as the SENTRY® Calming Collar for Cats, which is scientifically proven to reduce fear and stress-related behaviours. This collar features a slip-away buckle that loosens when unexpected pressure is applied and is designed to release pheromones for 30 days. Other options include the Comfort Zone Calming Pheromone Breakaway Cat Collar, which comes in a pack of 4, and the TriOak Calming Collar for Cats, which comes in a pack of 4 and features a lavender scent.

In addition to calming collars, there are other calming aids available for cats, including sprays, plug-ins, treats, supplements, and diffusers. When choosing a calming aid, it is important to consider the delivery method and ingredients. Some popular ingredients in calming aids include pheromones, rosemary, chamomile, and tryptophan. It may be necessary to try several different calming aids to find the one that works best for your cat.

Calming sprays

The Feliway Classic Calming Spray has received mostly positive reviews from cat owners. Many people have found that it helps to calm their cats during travel, vet visits, and when introducing a new pet or baby into the home. It has also been effective in reducing fighting and aggression between cats. However, some people have found that the spray is only temporarily effective, with their cats returning to marking their territory after a few months. It's important to note that the spray has a strong scent that may be irritating to some people and cats.

Another popular calming spray is the Comfort Zone Cat Calming Spray, which comes in a convenient travel size. This spray is designed to help reduce stress, fighting, hiding, and scratching in cats. It has received mixed reviews, with some people finding it effective in calming their cats during travel, while others have found it less effective than other brands.

Overall, calming sprays can be a helpful tool in reducing your cat's stress and anxiety during travel or other stressful situations. However, it's important to note that not all cats will respond to calming sprays, and it may take some trial and error to find the right product for your cat.

Calming treats

One option is VetriScience Composure Calming Treats for Cats, which combine three active ingredients: colostrum, L-theanine, and thiamine (a B vitamin). L-theanine, derived from tea leaves, has been demonstrated to reduce cat behaviours associated with stress. These treats can calm your cat down in just 20-30 minutes and are safe for all ages and weights. The dosage depends on your cat's weight, but you can double the amount with no adverse effects if you're not getting the results you want. You can also break a treat into pieces if a smaller dose is more appealing to your cat.

Another option is Purina Calming Care Veterinary Supplements, which use cutting-edge probiotics to reduce the effects of cortisol, a hormone connected to stress. These supplements are available in 30- and 90-count packages and can be used long-term for especially anxious cats or for a few weeks or months after a major change, such as moving to a new home. They are delivered in a powdered form that tastes like liver and can be sprinkled over your cat's food or mixed into wet food.

For road trips, NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Plus Melatonin can be a good option. These chews combine the sleep-inducing effects of melatonin with tryptophan, an amino acid that the brain uses to produce serotonin. They also include chamomile and ginger, which has been used as an anti-nausea herbal supplement for thousands of years. These chews are salmon-flavoured and recommended for cats over the age of 12 weeks. It's suggested that your cat take two chews approximately 30 minutes before a stressful event, with a maximum of four chews in 12 hours.

Other calming treat options include Pet Honesty Calming Chews for Cats, Pet Naturals Calming Chews for Cats, and Zesty Paws Calming Bites.

Calming wipes

One popular option is the Pet Remedy Natural De-Stress & Calming Wipes. These wipes contain a clinically proven blend of valerian, vetiver, and other calming essential oils. The formula is pH-neutral, making it safe for use on your cat's skin, coat, bedding, and other surfaces. It enhances the production of neurotransmitters that help calm your cat's nerves. These wipes are ideal for travel or everyday use and can be used for various animals, including dogs, rabbits, rodents, and horses.

Another option is the Petkin Hemp Pet Wipes, which contain hemp oil and calming lavender. These wipes are designed to soothe, calm, and condition your cat's face, eyes, and body. They are perfect for home or travel, providing convenience and effectiveness in calming your cat.

Calming gels

One popular calming gel is the ThunderWunders Calming Cat Paw Gel, which is available in a 3-ounce bottle. This gel is designed to help reduce problem meowing and promote calmer behaviour in cats. It can be used for veterinary visits, road trips, and nail trimming.

Another option is the NaturVet Hemp Quiet Moments Calming Drops, which contain hemp oil and are safe for both dogs and cats. These drops can be applied directly to your cat's food or treats, making it easy to administer.

The PetAlive PetCalm Oral Spray is another natural option that combines homeopathic ingredients to balance your pet's nervous system and reduce stress. It is easy to use and can be sprayed directly into your cat's mouth or onto their food.

Frequently asked questions