7 Methods to Soothe a Fearful or Anxious Cat

Because each cat is different, they can all be scared of different things. One cat may react to terror differently than another depending on the animal. 

Calming A Panicked Cat

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In this post, we’ll provide you some advice on how to comfort a fearful cat as well as details on potential frighteners, how to distinguish between fear and cat aggression, and more. 

1. Grant the feline power 

Cats prefer to feel in power, so if you try to dominate them physically, even in an effort to soothe them down, they could become hostile. 

Allow your cat to explore the area, hide, or do whatever she pleases 

2. Do Not Interrupt The Cat 

The best course of action in this situation is to give your cat some space. 

Leave your pet alone. 

Purchase a reliable cat carrier for your car and cover it with a towel or blanket to prevent cats from seeing. Visit veterinary offices with cat-friendly waiting areas to avoid delays. Wear an anxiety jacket to manage stress and anxiety in cats, especially lap cats who enjoy constant attention and affection. 

Despite how much you may love your feline companion, there are instances when leaving her alone can help fix the issue much more quickly and easily than if you tried to constantly soothe her down and follow all of her cues. 

Use Valerian 3. 

Although the two are frequently combined in items like powders, toys, and other accessories that most cats appear to enjoy, valerian is frequently confused with catnip. 

A component called Actinidine, which functions as a pheromone and a soothing cat product, is present in cat valerian. 

cat-friendly valerian 

It’s hit or miss since some cats do not possess the gene that makes combinations of valerian root and catnip palatable.

It’s also important to remember that certain cats may enjoy valerian even when they don’t react to catnip alone. 

Even some cats have been known to munch on valerian root. Veterinarians advise providing worried cats up to 1/4 teaspoon every day. 

Utilize cat treats. 

Most cats who are scared after finding themselves in an unfamiliar setting or at the vet won’t want to eat anything. 

Giving your cat her favourite cat treat, however, can help her feel even more at ease if she was little alarmed by anything specific and you were able to partially calm her down. 5. Positive Rewarding 

Some cats grow emotionally attached to their owners to the extent where, for instance, they can recall their voice and the tone they use when touching them. 

If you are aware that your cat responds to the sound of your voice, don’t be afraid to speak to her calmly. 

Even if your cat breaks something, don’t shout at her because that can frighten her even more. 

Calming A Panicked Cat 2

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6. Get ready in advance 

You can get ready in advance if you are aware that your cat experiences severe anxiety or fear whenever you take her to the clinic. 

Before the scheduled vet visit, you can use clicker training to get your feline companion accustomed to her carrier for a few weeks. 

The light pressure that hugs-loving cats require to feel at ease is provided by an anxiety jacket. 

How To Recognize A Scared Cat

Although cats aren’t recognized for having a lot of expressiveness, there are few signs that will let you know when they are terrified. 

Fearful cats may hide, flee, or just freeze in situ. 

Depending on how frightened they are, they might also become uncontrollable with their intestines or bladder, release their anal glands, or temporarily stop using the litter box. 

Many anxious cats show violence in an effort to calm themselves and protect themselves. This can show out in a variety of ways, such as puffing out their tails or ears, hissing, snarling, scratching, or biting. 

Stepping back and allowing your pet to calm down on her own is the best method to handle aggression, especially if you know that she was startled by something. 

What Could Scare A Cat? 

A cat may become frightened by a variety of things, including youngsters, unusual people, or animals. Stressful situations might also make your feline friend anxious, including going to the vet, moving, or taking a vehicle ride. 

No cat will ever be authentically herself in an unfamiliar setting. 

It’s true that some people may adjust to change better than others, but it’s widely accepted that cats are territorial, so they mark their territory and are happiest when they are at home. 

terrified cat in person’s arms 

Some scared actions, such feeling uneasy when one is transported to a new location, are entirely acceptable. After being introduced to a new home, most cats will hide behind the furniture for a few days. 

Cats that have recently experienced trauma—whether through an incident, a trip to the veterinarian, or a procedure like an operation—tend to hide and avoid interaction with people and other animals.

There is a great possibility that a cat may experience anxiety every day if there is something in its living environment that causes fear constantly. 

Calming A Panicked Cat 3

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Cats with constant anxiety are also more prone to end up acting aggressively toward people and other animals.