June 13, 2024
The best calming treats for cats
The best calming treats for cats.
Thinking about taking your furry feline on a holiday, but you know they’re not exactly thrilled about hitting the road? Or maybe your cat’s feeling a bit frazzled because of some changes at home? Don’t worry, cats can get anxious just like us and other critters. Lots of things can stress them out, from routine changes to loud noises to those dreaded vet visits.
So, we went on a little taste test adventure, trying out all sorts of calming treats from near and far, to find out which ones our finicky felines loved the most, which actually did the trick, and which ones didn’t break the bank.
How to recognise anxiety in cats
It’s essential to recognise the signs of anxiety in cats, which can include hiding, excessive grooming, aggression, avoidance behaviours, and changes in appetite or litter box habits. If you suspect that your cat is experiencing anxiety, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviourist for guidance and support in addressing your cat’s specific needs.
Australian brands
There are several calming treats available in Australia for cats that are designed to help reduce stress and anxiety. While the effectiveness of these treats can vary depending on the individual cat, here are some popular options that we have found helpful.
Blackmores Paw Wellness & Vitality for Cats
These treats pack a punch with ingredients like tryptophan, B vitamins, and antioxidants, all geared towards giving your cat that zen vibe and calming their nerves. They come in a chickpea and fish flavor combo, promising to be the ultimate stress-buster for your feline friend. But, here’s the downside: both of my cats turned up their noses at them, as they a little on the large side, so I had to resort to crumbling them up and sneaking them into their food.
Price
$18.99 for 75g
Drool By Dr Chris Brown Calm + Collected Cat Treat 60g
These “Calm and Collected” treats sound like a spa day wrapped up in a snack for your cat, boasting chamomile, tryptophan, colostrum, and L-theanine. Sounds like the ultimate relaxation package, right? Well, I was crossing my fingers, but both of my finicky felines gave them a hard pass. They’re not crazy expensive though, so, might be worth a shot to see if your cat’s more into them!
Price
$11.99 for 60g
Vetalogica Hemp Clinicals Calming Cat Treats
While these treats might cost a tad more than some others out there, they are worth it! Like my Grandma always said, you only get what you pay for, right? And let me tell you, these goodies are totally worth the splurge! They’re about the same size as VitaRapid Tranquil Daily Treats, making them super easy for even the pickiest kitties to gobble up. Plus, they come in this handy little resealable bag, perfect for on-the-go adventures with your furball.
Both of my cats were all over these treats at first although the craving did wear of in time. These goodies are packed with some seriously special ingredients like organic hemp, chamomile, and L-tryptophan, all geared towards calming those kitty nerves. And they’re full of goodness like Australian fish and sweet potato, with no grains, glutens, GMOs, or artificial stuff to muck things up.
And the best part: they’ve got super low levels of THC and CBD, so you can rest easy knowing your cat’s in good hands.
Definitely a thumbs up from us!
Price
$17.58 for 100g bag
Vetalogica VitaRapid Tranquil Daily Treats for Cat
Perfect for jet-setting kitties with this handy little resealable bag, but they didn’t quite steal the show like the Vetalogica Hemp Clinicals Calming Cat Treats did for our furballs. While they’ve got this fancy Calmaphan technology, boasting a special blend of chamomile, ginger, and B-group vitamins, the cats weren’t clambering over me to get at them constantly.
While my cats did initially give these treats a paw of approval, but they gradually went out of favour, when it comes to the ultimate winner, the Hemp version took the crown.
Price
$12.99 for 100g
Vetalogica Feline Tranquil Formula
Packed with all sorts of good stuff like tryptophan, chamomile, and ginger root powder, all famous for their chill-out vibes. But when I tried to hand them over as a treat, both of my little rebels turned up their noses! So, I had to get sneaky and crumble them up, slipping them into their dry food incognito. They did the trick though, even if they didn’t quite pass the taste test on their own!
Price
$27.00 for 120 chews
International Brands
Beaphar Herbal Calming Treats for Cats
Plus, they come in this handy resealable bag, so you can keep them fresh for your kitty’s next trip. They’re chicken-flavoured, so you know they’re gonna be a hit with your feline friend.
The label advises not to go overboard, maxing out at six treats a day. But a little goes a long way, and they are affordable too.
Easy to find f you’re in the UK or Europe.
Price
3.99 GBP 35g
Scrumbles Chillz for Cats
These UK-made soft calming treats were like winning the kitty lottery for Ryō, and they won’t break the bank either! Packed with added prebiotics, chamomile, and valerian root – perfect for those cats who need to chill out. They come in small easy to eat treats that the cat loved.
If you can get your paws on these, do it! We’re talking top-notch quality and results that speak for themselves. Plus, we love the super cute branding. These treats are a total win-win!
Price
2.00 GBP for 60g bag
Trueleaf Petcare INC. Calming Support
This relaxing Canadian formula combines the power of hemp and active plant-based ingredients that promote a calming behaviour. This brand was probably the most preferred choice out of all the brands by the cats that we’d sampled, but also the most difficult to find. If we could buy them more easily, we’d be repeat purchasers.
Ingredients include Omega-3 (Flaxseed, salmon, hemp seed), Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Powder, Lemon Balm Extract, and Green Tea.
Price
CAD 6.99 for 50g
Next to try
Petz Park Stress + Anxiety
We are yet to try this incredibly popular and easy-to-use calming powder for cats, used by experts and pet owners all across Australia – it’s next on our list. This powerful formula is said to take effect in as little as 30 minutes!
Final thoughts
It’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new treats or supplements to your cat’s diet, especially if your cat has any underlying health conditions or is taking medications. Your vet can provide personalised recommendations based on your cat’s individual needs and help you choose the best calming treats for them.