Does your cat become a Nervous Nelly as soon as you leave your home? Maybe there are other changes in the household, such as moving to a new apartment or the addition of a new family member that has upset your kitty’s routine. Whatever the cause, a calming remedy isn’t far away.
Get a clear bill of health
First thing’s first. Take a trip to the vet! You should always take your cat’s anxiety very seriously. If left untreated, anxiety in cats can to lead to serious illnesses such as FLUTD. You’ll want to rule out that your cat’s discomfort isn’t actually caused by an underlying illness, too.
Try pheromone based remedies
While you’re at the vet, ask about calming aids based on pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals that animals release in order to communicate with one another. Calming aids based on them mimic the happier chemicals to help calm your kitty down. Many vets stock these items over the counter.
Some pheromones come in the form of a spray that can be spritzed around your home. The spray is especially useful if you want to target areas of inappropriate urination. Others come in the form of a special collar that slowly releases the “feel good fragrances” throughout the day, staying with your kitty wherever he or she goes.
Ask about calming drops
Calming drops that can be added to water or food are also becoming a popular option. Your vet may prescribe a medicinal sedative to help calm your cat in extreme cases, but there are also herb based drops that can be found over the counter. When it comes to selecting this sort of calming aid, it’s very important to consult your vet. Some drops contain ingredients that are dangerous, such as Valerian root. That goes for chewable calming treats as well.
At the end of the day, nothing can compare to an experienced pet sitter visiting your cat while he or she is home alone. Our sitters make every effort to ensure that your kitty stays relaxed. We even offer hour-long, twice daily, and overnight visits. Don’t wait to book a pet sitter for your next trip! Contact us today!
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Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts.
Photo by e-zara on pixabay.
When my Maine Coon girl was an only cat, she would sit on her perch by the door as I left and was still there, waiting, when I returned. I knew my absence was distressing, and wasn’t sure an herbal or homeopathic approach would solve her loneliness. I decided to foster a cat and see if having a friend would help. At first, it was difficult for both cats, My Maine Coon saw the little Norwegian Forest Cat (rescue) as an intruder, and he saw her as a threat. But over a period of weeks, we broke through their reservations, and by now both cats are reconciled as friends. My boy helps her groom and they share food, even occasionally eat together from the same bowl simultaneously! When I am out, both cats usually run to greet me, but I no longer worry that my girl is sitting alone by the door waiting. More often, I find my cats resting together on a perch or the bed, and they both seem to enjoy each other’s company. I just wanted to suggest an alternative approach. Herbal remedies are wonderful. The solution to any animal issue depends on the individual circumstances. Having two cats works perfectly here,