There are plenty of reasons our pets can suffer from anxiety or stress. If you have a very skittish or stressed cat, you can buy supplements to help them alleviate their problem. These supplements don’t require a prescription, so you don’t have to worry about refills, and you can administer them as needed, but you should always contact your vet before you start giving them to your cat.
We rounded a list of the top 7 home supplements to soothe any negative feelings. Hopefully, these reviews can help you decide what the best remedy is for your nervous kitty.
The information about the following products has been fact-checked by one of our licensed veterinarians. However, the views and opinions expressed are not necessarily their own. We highly recommend contacting your pet’s veterinarian if you think your cat is suffering from stress or anxiety and before purchasing any product from this list.
A Quick Comparison of the Favorites in 2024
The 7 Best Cat Calming Supplements for Anxiety & Stress
1. Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement – Best Overall
We think that you will love Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement for your cats. It’s our personal favorite overall because it is natural and effective—plus, it’s vet recommended.
There are five flower combinations, called bach flowers, used in the recipe to calm your stressed cat: the star of Bethlehem, rock rose, cherry plum, impatiens, and clematis. Each one has been linked to soothing properties that can help your cat.
These drops are taken orally but should not be given directly into their mouth. You just add four drops to water or food and offer it to your kitty. And it also doesn’t end with your cat. You can give this to virtually any household pet, and it’s safe. Depending on the severity of your cat’s anxiety, it may not work for all felines.
Pros
- Vet recommended
- Natural
- Easy to administer
Cons
- Might not work for all cats
2. Nutramax Solliquin Calming Cat Soft Chews
Nutramax Solliquin Calming Cat Soft Chews are a great option for their calming effect and the fact that they come in a 75-count bag. This bag can last over two months for an average-sized cat. These chews contain l-theanine, magnolia, and Phellodendron extract to promote ultimate stress relief, so always make sure to check the label or ask your vet before administration to make sure they’re the best choice for your feline.
Unlike some other stress relievers, these chews promote sleep—so it does affect their overall schedule. They’re safe enough for daily use and should ideally be used in combination with behavior modification in consultation with your veterinarian.
These chews are meant to work with an actual behavioral plan to treat anxiety with your vet’s help. They take up to 45 days for ultimate effectiveness, so you shouldn’t give these chews to your cat expecting to see immediate results.
Pros
- Long-term care
- Helps with sleep
- Promotes overall behavioral changes
3. Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Supplement – Premium Choice
If you don’t mind spending a little extra for ultimate effectiveness, Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Capsules Small Dog & Cat Supplement may work wonders. Zylkene’s active ingredient, alpha casozepine, has proven efficacy in cats to deal with stressful events.
Thirty tablets come in each bottle, and you can get an auto-ship option, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of reordering. This formula is non-drowsy, so you won’t have to worry about making your pet sleepy or throwing off their schedule.
The product’s effective ingredient is a stress-relieving component found in cow’s milk, without the lactose. These capsules can be helpful for short and long-term use under your vet’s guidance.
Pros
- Proven efficacy
- Non-drowsy
- Easy to administer
4. Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Chews
These Pet Natural of Vermont Calming Chews are a simple fix to a bigger problem. They are in chewable form, but some cats may not be fooled so easily. You may still have to put them into some wet food or another snack to hide the fact you’re giving them medicine.
These supplements use L-theanine and vitamin B to gently ease your troubled cat without making them drowsy or sedating them.
These chews also have a calming complex added in the form of colostrum. Colostrum has natural properties to calm your cat without changing their personality, making it ideal for everyday stress. These chews contain brewer’s yeast, which some cats may be sensitive to, so always check the label before giving it to them.
Pros
- Chewable form
- Non-drowsy
- Added colostrum complex
Cons
- Some cats may be sensitive to ingredients
5. LICKS Pill-Free ZEN Calming Cat Supplement
If your cat says “absolutely not” to pills, LICKS Pill-Free ZEN Calming Cat Supplement is a terrific alternative you can try for your fuzzy buddy. These licks are appetite-inducing and designed to attract your cat with yummy flavors.
These licks come in packs of 10 and have a roasted chicken flavor to woo your cat’s taste buds. They aren’t just flavored like chicken, either. It actually contains real, all-natural chicken-based formula.
Since these licks are absorbed through the mouth, they have up to 98% effectiveness. These licks are made with ingredients that are safe for human consumption, so you know it’s okay for your kitty, too. The ingredients are sourced in the USA, so you don’t have to worry about where they came from.
Some cats may have sensitivities to specific protein sources—like chicken. If yours is, you may want to steer clear of this supplement and pick something more compatible.
Pros
- Great pill alternative
- Chicken flavored
- Sourced in the USA
Cons
- Not for chicken-allergic cats
6. ThunderWunders Calming Cat Chews
ThunderWunders Calming Cat Chews can be taken on an as-needed basis to alleviate any immediate stress from present situations. They are the perfect bite-size with irresistible chicken flavor, so your cat will be fooled—they’ll think they’re getting a tasty treat instead.
These chews have calming chamomile and L-tryptophan added so you could give your kitty a sense of calm and ease sleep—if needed. You should never give more than the recommended dose because it can be harmful to your cat if they have too much.
There are 100 chews in all, so one container can last quite a while. This supplement isn’t meant to be used as an everyday anxiety treatment, so if you’re looking for a constant calming agent, you may want to look for another option.
But if you need quick help during a vet visit or a new pet introduction, these little chews can really go a long way. Plus, they are made right in the USA with ingredients you can trust. These chews aren’t meant for pregnant or nursing cats, so it’s best to consult with your vet for alternatives.
Pros
- Large container
- Easy to administer
- Dose can be tailored to size
Cons
- Not for pregnant or nursing cats
- Not for long-term use
7. Vet Classics Stress Away Calming, Anxiety Aid
Vet Classics Stress Away Calming, Anxiety Aid might help your anxious kitty by helping them calm down in stressful situations. These chews are intended for as-needed use to be given 30 minutes before the stressful event, making them perfect for trips or momentary troubles.
These chews contain chamomile and passion flower, thiamine, ginger, and tryptophan. There is also melatonin in this supplement, which is a natural chemical produced in the brain that helps cats to to sleep.
There are 65 chews per container, so you can stretch them out as you need. However, you might find that they dry out a bit over time once you open them up.
These chews aren’t for everyday anxiety, and they probably won’t help a cat who has an anxiety disorder. Instead, they’re meant to provide relief for temporary situations.
Pros
- Can be given 30 minutes before the stressful event
- Naturally flavored
- Easy to administer
Cons
- May dry out over time
- Not for everyday use
Buyer’s Guide: Select the Best Calming Supplements for Cats
All cats have different personalities and will respond to situations in their own way. If anxiety is a problem, it can present itself as a chronic condition or just a situational reaction. Regardless of the reason, you will want to book an appointment with your vet if you suspect your cat is suffering from any form of anxiety or stress to reduce its effects as best as you can.
Here we will discuss possible causes of stress and anxiety so you can determine where your cat falls on the scale and the best course of action to take.
Situational Anxiety in Cats
Some kitties may be fine on an ordinary day until something tips the balance of things around the house. The good news is, environmental factors are sometimes the easiest to treat because you can accommodate your cat to make them most comfortable.
Many times, you can pinpoint the root cause of anxiety or stress. A majority of the time, it spikes from noticeable changes that you are well aware of.
Your cat may be particularly sensitive to loud noises, which can be perfectly normal. Your cat may dart under the bed when they hear a thunderstorm, fireworks, alarms, or other obnoxious noises that they can’t place.
Cats are often creatures of habit. They might get bent out of shape if you move to a new home or even bring home a new appliance or piece of furniture. These changes are temporary and your cat can certainly adapt, but they might need a little help while they’re in transition.
Let’s face it—vet visits are rightfully scary for a lot of pets. It’s full of unfamiliar animals, smells, and people. Plus, your cat may correlate the vet with bad experiences involving surgery, shots, and other not-so-good memories. It’s natural for them to be apprehensive about the whole situation.
Not all cats like being handled by strangers. Cats can be very particular about who they allow to pet them, let alone comb, cut, and bathe them. Like the vet’s office, seeing all the new stimuli can also take a toll on them because everything is totally unfamiliar.
Many cats don’t care for car trips. Not only is there movement happening that is a weird sensation—they also might not like being crated or trapped while it’s happening. Though perfectly understandable, giving your cat a supplement during car trips can help to take the edge off.
If you bring home a new baby or add new members to your household, it could definitely take a toll on your cat. They won’t understand much at first—they only know their safe space is being invaded by new people, which can be an emotional time for them.
It’s not unusual at all for your cat to be totally unsure about a new pet in the house. Whether it’s a hyper new puppy, an invasive new kitten, or another unfamiliar critter, your cat may not be happy at all that you brought them home. To help your pet adjust, supplements can be very beneficial to them.
Anxiety Caused by Past Events
Sometimes, anxiety and stress aren’t environmental at all. There is a chance your cat can have anxiety that stems from preexisting abuse or neglect. If you have a cat who has had a less than favorable past, it’s only expected that some residual emotion can follow them. To calm them down, you might have to put them on a long-term behavioral transition plan with the help of your vet.
Many over-the-counter supplements can help to take the edge off of your cat, so they aren’t so excited all the time. The ability to relax and feel safe in their environment is something every animal should have, no matter what you have to put in place to accommodate them.
Signs of Anxiety
Cats can exhibit a wide spectrum of behaviors that point to anxiety. Some might be extremely apparent, while others may stay under the radar for a while. You might think your cat just has certain quirks or traits that make them act the way they do without realizing the underlying factors at hand.
Some cues of anxiety are:
- Toileting outside their litter box
- Frequently meowing
- Acting skittish or apprehensive
- Hiding from any sudden movements, noise, or people
- Overgrooming, which may or may not involve hair loss
- Decreased appetite
- Destructive tendencies like clawing or shredding belongings
While these behaviors can no-doubt be a challenge for owners, it’s up to you to implement a plan to reduce the struggle for your cat. If they have any of these unwanted behaviors, the likelihood of an underlying issue is almost definite.
Consult with your veterinarian so you can select the right plan for your cat. If you proactively handle this situation, you can ease the symptoms and reduce anxiety—and everyone in the home will be a lot happier when you do.
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Finding Helpful Supplements
Once you have a plan in place, you’ll want to get ideal supplements that serve the needs of your cat. There are lots of options on the market, and you’ll probably not have much of an issue with selection. Circle back to our reviews if you’re having trouble landing on the right one for your kitty.
Long-Term Treatment
Some medicines are designed for long-term use, meaning that they don’t always work immediately. They have to get into their system and slowly kick in over the course of several weeks before they reach ultimate effectiveness. These treatments are best for cats who have continual anxiety.
Short-Term Treatment
Other supplements are designed to work right away. About a half-hour after you give them the treatment, you’ll start to notice a reduction in anxious behavior. These methods work better with cats who get flustered about outside influences—and not so much an overall sense of anxiety.
Different Forms of Administration
Cats will have varying tastes and preferences. Some cats won’t resist medication, while others will fight you tooth and nail. That’s why the market has so many options for cat owners to pick from.
The most common types of formulas are:
Some may work better than others, and some are easier to give to your cat. It will totally depend on the individual feline.
Active Ingredients in Supplements
You can also make a decision based on natural ingredients versus synthetic ingredients. Ultimately, it will depend on your cat’s sensitivities and the severity of the anxious behavior.
Effective Ingredients
- Herbs—plants like chamomile, clematis, and cherry plum are shown to improve anxiety
- Melatonin—this naturally produced chemical promotes healthy sleep and relaxation
- Colostrum—found in mother’s milk, this substance has soothing effects
- L-theanine—this is a sleep aid and relaxing agent
- Alpha-casozepine—naturally occurring in cow’s milk, this has calming properties
How We Selected Our List of Cat Calming Supplements for Anxiety & Stress
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat calming supplements. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat calming supplements. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!
Conclusion
Each cat will have a different reaction to any supplement, and success is never a guarantee, but it is worth speaking to your vet and trying one of the ones we’ve listed. You may love the Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement. It’s all-natural and easy to administer. Your cat won’t even know you’re giving it to them, so it works for even the pickiest cats.
If you are watching your money but want results, you may want to check out Nutramax Solliquin Calming Cat Soft Chews. It’s the best supplement we could find for the money—and it can be a great help.
If you have any questions about the safety of a product, always consult your vet to determine the best course of action to calm your anxious kitty.
Featured Image Credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock