How to Calm a Cat's Mind

There are many reasons why you may need to calm your cat's nerves. They might be uncomfortable with traveling or stressed out when visiting the vet or during grooming. To help your cat remain calm in these stressful situations, you can use various methods, both with and without medication. It's important to do some research to determine the best approach for your pet.

Consult with a veterinarian. For most sedative medications, you'll need a prescription from your vet. Even if you find over-the-counter sedatives, it's crucial to have them reviewed by a vet since low-quality products can be harmful to your cat's health. Any animal taking sedative medication should have a health check-up beforehand to ensure they are healthy enough to tolerate it. Provide your vet with information if you plan to fly with your cat in a calm state, as the combination of air pressure, altitude, and extreme stress could lead to adverse, potentially fatal reactions.

Discuss the timeline with your veterinarian. Different medications take varying amounts of time to take effect, so it's important to understand how a specific medication will work. Be sure to ask your vet how much time your cat needs to take sedatives before encountering a stressful situation. Some medications take effect almost immediately, while others may take about an hour to be effective. For medications that need time to work, your cat's stress level could reduce the effectiveness if they're not in a calm environment.

Distinguish between different sedative medications. There are numerous medications used to calm cats' nerves, all of which require a vet's prescription. Discuss your options with your veterinarian to determine the best choice for your pet. Your vet will use their education, training, and experience to recommend medications that minimize side effects and risks. Some examples include: Benzodiazepines, which quickly reduce anxiety but may cause disorientation, insomnia, and increased appetite—especially in cats with liver or kidney issues; SARI, which also reduces anxiety but may cause dizziness or disorientation and should be used cautiously in animals with heart conditions; Clonidine and Gabapentin, which are primarily used to treat high blood pressure and nerve pain in humans but also have sedative and anti-anxiety effects in animals; Chlorpheniramine, which treats allergies and colds, and Phenobarbital, an anesthetic and sedative used to treat seizures.

Don't expect immediate results from medication. Many over-the-counter sedatives for cats require a prescription, and just like with humans, cats can react differently to each medication. What works for one cat may not work for another. Be prepared to adjust your approach and medication if needed. Don’t expect a "magic pill" to work instantly.

Conduct a trial run. Before administering the medication to your cat, you should test it to ensure they respond well. Otherwise, they might react poorly in an already stressful situation. It's recommended to conduct a trial for at least a week to assess the effects, and if the medication is ineffective, consult your vet about alternatives. Wait until both you and your cat are calm and comfortable before testing. After giving the medication, monitor your cat for up to 12 hours to observe any reactions. Your cat should remain relaxed and calm but not dizzy or unconscious. If they appear disoriented or frightened, discontinue the medication.

Prepare your cat for sedative medication. Follow the timeline for calming your cat that you discussed with the vet. Wait for the medication to take effect before the stressful event occurs. Both you and your cat should be as comfortable as possible. Wrap your cat in a small blanket, pillowcase, or towel, leaving only their head exposed. Hold your cat between your legs on the floor, or have someone else hold them for you.

Administer the medication to your cat. Carefully follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. These potent medications can be harmful if not used properly. Place your thumb on the side of your cat's mouth, with your index finger on top. Gently apply pressure until their mouth opens. Use your other hand to press down on their lower jaw to open the mouth wider. Place the pill or liquid medication into the side of their mouth.

Ensure that your cat swallows the pill. While holding your cat securely, slowly remove your hand from their mouth. Lift their chin upwards and gently rub their throat to encourage swallowing. You can also blow gently on their face to prompt them to swallow faster. Hold this position for a few seconds before removing the blanket and returning your cat to their normal position. If your cat licks their nose, it’s a sign they’ve swallowed the medication. Praise your cat for their good behavior, and comfort them if they seem upset by the process.

Use an alternative medication delivery method if necessary. Cats are not accustomed to taking medication and may resist when you're trying to calm them. You can wrap them in a towel, much like swaddling a baby, so they can't escape or struggle. You can also purchase a "pill gun" to help administer the medication directly into their mouth. Try hiding the pill in cheese or another treat that your cat enjoys. If you're having trouble with pills, ask your vet to prescribe liquid medication. Always consult with your vet before mixing liquid medication into your cat's food to ensure the food doesn’t interfere with the medication's effectiveness.

Wait for the sedative to take effect. Different medications and doses require varying amounts of time to be effective. Your vet will inform you of how long it will take for the medication to be absorbed and start working. Generally, your cat may appear slightly dizzy or lethargic but should not become disoriented or confused. They should remain calm without losing consciousness. Some cats may sleep entirely, while others may stay awake but remain quiet and calm. Your cat may return to normal within a few hours, or feel sleepy for a few days. If your cat hasn’t returned to their normal behavior after a few days, contact your vet.

Use synthetic pheromones at home. If your cat is feeling anxious, overly excited, or displaying undesirable behaviors like marking or scratching, synthetic pheromones can be a fitting solution. These chemicals mimic the pheromones that cats naturally produce to communicate with other felines. Some brands even use essential oils or herbal blends to replicate these pheromones. Regular use may help your cat feel calmer and safer at home.

• Synthetic pheromones come in collars, sprays, wipes, or electric diffusers.
• Notable brands include Feliway, Comfort Zone, and Sergeant’s Pet Care, among others.
• You can use pheromones continuously to keep your cat happy and calm. You may also want to use them a few weeks ahead of any stressful events to help your cat stay relaxed.

Consider using a body wrap therapy. This method has proven effective in reducing anxiety in cats. These products wrap around the cat's body and apply gentle pressure to specific points, similar to swaddling an infant. Although originally designed for dogs, these products also work well for cats.

Use a towel to wrap around your cat if you don't have a body wrap. If you haven't purchased a body wrap and your cat is feeling anxious or scared, you can simulate the effect using a large towel. Wrap it snugly around your cat’s body, leaving the head exposed. This technique can be used when you need to administer medicine, trim claws, or perform any task that may cause discomfort to your feline for a short time.

• Always praise your cat after removing the towel.

Consider supplements to alleviate anxiety. Some supplements contain ingredients that support your cat’s natural chemical balance to help them relax. These supplements come in liquid, chewable, or tablet forms. Examples include Anxitane and Zylkene.

• Anxitane is an amino acid derived from green tea (according to the manufacturer) that affects brain receptors to reduce fear and anxiety in cats.
• Zylkene is a supplement derived from milk proteins that helps soothe kittens.
• You can purchase supplements online or from your vet's office.

• In some cases, it's best to combine both medication and non-medication methods for soothing your cat.
• Experiment ahead of time to find the most effective solution for calming your cat before a stressful event.

• Never give your cat human medication unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. You could worsen their condition, or worse, the medication that is safe for humans could be toxic to cats, potentially leading to death.
• Avoid trying to calm your cat before a flight.
• Note that these guidelines are not for taming feral cats that you adopt from a shelter. They must be sedated before any surgery or physical exams. It's best to bring both the feral cat and its carrier to the vet for the appropriate calming procedure.

• Veterinarian
• Adult cats or kittens
• Sedative medication in tablet or liquid form
• Blankets, towels, or pillowcases
• Food