Over the years people have come to realize the harsh side effects of conventional medicines and are increasingly on the lookout for natural remedies for anxiety. Anxiety in cats can stem from various factors. A change in the cat’s environment, bringing a new pet into your home, relocating to a new place or even loud sounds like thunder can trigger anxious behavior in cats.
Pets that suffer from anxiety and stress, tend to urinate in unusual places, avoid their litter box and often show signs of depression or aggression. Although pets don’t handle change very well, it’s important to find out the cause of your pet’s anxiety as it may also be related to an underlying illness. You will have to then use medication and support to reduce the stress that your pet is going through.
Natural Remedies for Anxiety in Cats
Natural remedies are safe for use in both cats and dogs. Most products contain plant and root extracts. Since they don’t cause any side effects they’re also generally safe for use along with other medicines. While natural and herbal remedies are safe for use in cats, it’s best to buy commercially available natural products, because they’re formulated specifically for use in animals. You must remember that not all plants and herbs are safe for pets. There are several plants that may actually prove toxic. Besides this, although natural remedies are very effective in most pets, they aren’t meant to replace drugs that are prescribed to your pet. You should thus discuss with the vet, the benefits of using natural remedies to treat your cat.
Commercially Available Natural Remedies for Anxiety:
- PetCalm by PetAlive
- Grief & Pining Formula
- Bach Essences Mimulus
- Pet Essences Anxiety/Fear Flower Essences
- HomoeoPet Anxiety
Tips for Pet Owners
It’s important to determine the actual cause of the anxiety and take measures to eliminate factors that lead to stress in your pet. If you know that your cat suffers from separation anxiety, work with the vet to train your pet to become more independent. Avoid leaving your cat in a silent room by turning on the radio and also make sure that the pet has plenty of things to do when you’re away. You could leave several toys around the house and dust them with catnip to lure your pet.
When administering herbal remedies to your cat, make sure you read and follow all instructions listed on the package and consult the vet when in doubt. While these herbal products are safe for use, it’s important to avoid overdosing the pet. If the cat becomes more aggressive even after treating him with natural remedies, you might have to administer prescription drugs to keep the cat under control.
Allopathic drugs are only useful as a short term remedy. For a more long term solution you will have to alter the cat’s behavior by using positive reinforcement techniques and administering herbal remedies in extremely stressful situations.
The best treatment is to eliminate the cause of anxiety but if this is not possible you will have to take other measures to keep your cat both healthy and happy.