How to Calm Your Cat

By Kristin Bailey Murphy

A stressed-out cat is no fun for anyone, especially when it can lead to unwanted behavior like clawing your couch, or worse, spraying it. Here are six feline-friendly ways to calm your cat into the purring fur ball you know and love.

1. Play soothing music "When we brought my son, Max, home for the first time, my cat didn't quite know what to think. All the crying panicked her -- she would pace around and meow incessantly," says Debbie Shapiro, 34, of New York, New York. "I inadvertently discovered that classical music not only calmed down my baby, but me and my cat as well. Mozart has become our best friend." However, according to certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger, cats don't do well around loud music. "Make sure whatever music you play is not erratic or high-pitched," she advises.

2. Serve catnip Denise Martin, 38, of Los Angeles, California, uses catnip to ease her cat's bouts of anxiety. "There are certain times when my cat gets antsy, like when I get out the vacuum cleaner," she says. "She knows what's coming and she hides under the bed. But I sprinkle catnip on the kitchen floor and she rolls around in it like she's a kitten again. It totally takes her mind off the scary vacuum monster." While the effects of catnip are different for each cat, your stressed-out kitty will likely have an immediate and beneficial change of state. "Catnip is stimulating stuff," Krieger says, "but it eventually calms cats down because it helps them release their energy."

3. Treat your cat to a massage According to Maryjane Ballner, animal massage specialist and author of Cat Massage: A Whiskers-to-Tail Guide to Your Cat's Ultimate Petting Experience (St. Martin's Press), stressed-out cats want affection and attention, and massage is the best way to give it to them. "On a physiological level, it's soothing and calming and it releases endorphins," she says. "On another level, it accelerates bonding with your cat."

Balking at the idea of giving your cat a massage? "At first, people think it's frivolous, but when they see the results, they know that it's substantial," says Ballner.

"We're not talking about deep muscle manipulation, we're talking about techniques that promote bonding." Make slow movements and apply gentle pressure so your cat feels the calming effect.  

4. Speak in soothing voices When cats experience something stressful, such as a trip to the vet or groomer, Ballner suggests repeatedly speaking or singing to them in a slow, low-pitched voice because it reminds them of the comforts and consistency of home. "In situations like that, cats are out of their element," she says. "They're scared. When they hear us singing to them, they feel safe." Krieger agrees: "When trying to calm down a cat, it's important to keep your voice level. They will respond much better than if they sense a lot of stress in your voice."

5. Try pheromone spray When your cat rubs its face against you, it is leaving a trace of pheromones on you to show that it feels comfortable and happy. According to Krieger, when cats are exposed to stressful situations, such as the addition of another household pet, "they can exhibit fear and undesirable behavioral issues, like spraying and inappropriate elimination." Pheromone sprays mimic the natural facial pheromones found in cats, and when used, can create a comforting, reassuring feeling that has a calming effect. "It's a great way to encourage relaxation for a distressed cat," Krieger continues.

"I use Feliway [pheromone] spray when I take my cat to the vet," says Martin. "I spray some inside her crate, and it makes the whole experience better for both of us. That stuff works miracles."

6. Provide visual stimulation If your cat is alone for long stretches of time, consider putting a kitty video on the TV before you leave (please see below for resources). Krieger says that turning on a TV network such as Animal Planet or even talk radio will also do wonders for your cat. The sound and visuals simply help to make your kitty feel less alone.

RESOURCES

• "Cat Sitter" DVD available at thecatconnection website.
• Pawbreakers Plentiful Pride Pack catnip is available at the pawbreakers website.
• "Cat Massage" DVD is available at the dogandcatmassage website.
• Comfort Zone Diffuser with Feliway for Cats is available at Petco.
• For information on cat massage, visit  thecatcoach website.