Anti-anxiety Treatment for Cats: How to Find the Right Option

Anxiety can disrupt your cat’s daily life. Unable to regulate feelings of anxiety, many cats will show behavioral and physical signs of their emotional state. These signs can eventually interfere with your cat’s overall health and quality of life. Anti-anxiety treatment for cats can provide much-needed relief for your furry family member. Understanding your cat’s individual needs is key to choosing their treatment. After all, every cat is unique.

Understanding Your Cat’s Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to fear or stress, but it can become a problem if left unmanaged. Cat anxiety can present itself in many ways—from specific triggers to more generalized fears.

Some forms of anxiety have specific triggers, such as:

• Big Changes: Moving to a new home, introducing new pets or people or changes in the environment—even rearranging the furniture—can make your cat feel unsettled.
• Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, construction work or even loud household appliances can induce stress in noise-sensitive cats.
• Separation Anxiety: Your cat may become anxious when you leave the house for an extended period, or even for short absences in some cases.

In other situations, anxiety might be harder to trace back to a specific cause. Some cats may be prone to anxiety due to:

• Past Trauma or Abuse: Cats who have experienced neglect or mistreatment may carry fear long after their traumatic experiences.
• Medical Issues: When a cat is in pain or uncomfortable from a medical condition, they may become more stressed or anxious as a response.
• Improper Socialization: Cats that weren’t adequately socialized during their earliest developmental years may become more anxious in unfamiliar situations.

How to Identify Anxiety in Your Cat

Recognizing the signs of anxiety early on can help you address it before it worsens.

Keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Excessive Grooming: Licking and grooming is normal. However, when the grooming becomes excessive due to anxiety, it can lead to hair loss or skin irritation.
• Clinginess: Your cat may suddenly become overly needy and less independent.
• Increased Meowing: Vocalizing more than usual is a common anxiety signal.
• Hiding: Your cat may retreat to a safe spot when they’re feeling anxious.
• Aggression: If your cat feels threatened or overwhelmed, they may lash out with biting, scratching or hissing.
• Appetite Changes: Watch for a sudden loss or increase in your cat’s appetite.
• Restlessness: Your cat may pace, struggle to settle down or show signs of hyperactivity.
• Litter Box Problems: Sometimes, anxiety leads to urination or defecation outside your cat’s litter box.
• Sleeping Trouble: Your cat may have trouble sleeping or seem restless at night.
• Shaking: Trembling or shaking are more severe physical responses to anxiety.

An Overview: Anti-anxiety Treatment for Cats

Finding the right anti-anxiety treatment for cats involves observing symptoms, seeking veterinary guidance, and considering various approaches. There are both medication-based and non-medication options available, and the best course of action will depend on your cat’s specific needs.

Medications

There are a few different types of medications that can be prescribed by your veterinarian. Medications can be used for both generalized and trigger-specific anxiety.

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain and can be used for long-term anxiety management. Common options include fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.
• Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitors (SARIs): These medications increase serotonin levels and block receptors that can cause anxiety. Trazodone is a commonly used SARI for treating anxiety in cats.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, TCAs can also help reduce anxiety symptoms. Amitriptyline and imipramine are examples of these medications.

Therapeutic Treatments

Your veterinarian may recommend trying therapeutic remedies for your cat’s anxiety. In some cases, these forms of anti-anxiety treatment for cats may be combined with medication. 

• Desensitization: This involves gradually exposing your cat to the source of their anxiety in a controlled and non-threatening way, helping them build tolerance and reduce their stress response over time.
• Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding your cat with treats, praise or playtime when they exhibit calm behavior in anxiety-inducing situations can help them associate those moments with positive experiences.
• Socialization Techniques: Introducing your cat to new people, pets or environments slowly and in a low-pressure manner can help them become more comfortable and less anxious in unfamiliar situations.
• Massage: Gently massaging or petting your cat can help soothe anxiety.
• Acupuncture: Some veterinarians are trained and certified in acupuncture for cats, inserting small needles into selected points on your cat’s body. This practice can reduce anxiety and release hormones, such as endorphins. There are different types of acupuncture that a veterinarian may recommend, such as dry needle or aquapuncture.
• Music Therapy: Some cats respond well to calming music, which can help reduce stress during particularly anxious moments.

Environmental Improvements

Creating a stable and predictable environment can help manage your cat’s anxiety. Establishing a consistent routine with regular feeding times, play sessions and interactions can help your cat feel more secure. Additionally, providing interactive toys, puzzle feeders, scratching posts and a designated safe space for your cat can reduce their anxiety. Your veterinarian may recommend making environmental adjustments in combination with other treatments or therapies.

Pheromone Diffusers

There are pheromone diffusers that mimic the natural calming scents that cats release to signal relaxation and security. These diffusers can be especially helpful during particularly stressful times. If your cat is afraid of thunderstorms, for example, you could turn on the diffuser when the thunderstorm is approaching and keep it on throughout the duration.

Herbs and Supplements

There are some natural supplements that may help ease anxiety in cats. Always check with your veterinarian before administering any herbs or supplements as an anti-anxiety treatment for cats. Some commonly used supplements include L-Theanine and Zylkene®. Herbal remedies might contain chamomile, valerian root or passionflower.

How to Choose Between Anti-Anxiety Treatment for Cats

With so many options available, it can be challenging to figure out the best approach for treating your cat’s anxiety. Collaborating with your veterinarian is the best way to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for your cat. You should also consider the following factors when evaluating anti-anxiety treatments for cats:

• Is your cat’s anxiety mild, moderate or severe?
• Are there identifiable situations that seem to trigger your cat’s anxiety, such as certain noises or changes in routine?
• Have you tried changes to your cat’s environment or routine, and have they had any impact?
• Some medications may have side effects—have you weighed the benefits against any potential risks with your veterinarian?
• Are there any other considerations specific to you or your cat’s preferences?

Often, the most effective treatment involves combining approaches, such as using medication alongside behavioral therapy for more severe cases.

Anti-anxiety Treatment for Cats, Delivered with Care

We know how important it is to restore your cat’s quality of life. Mixlab is here to help with a wide range of anti-anxiety treatment for cats —including over-the-counter calming supplements, branded and generic medications, along with custom compounding to suit your cat. 

Since cats can be difficult to medicate, we’ve got a variety of options that can help. Try our small MICROmix chews that can be deliciously flavored, or turn to our MINIcaps (size #5) capsules—the smallest in the industry for stress-free administration. If your cat struggles to take medication orally, we also offer transdermal pens. When you submit your order, you’ll receive convenient, next-day delivery. Get in touch to fill your prescription.