Best Cat Calming Treats for Anxious Rescue Cats
—
If you’re a rescuer of feline companions, chances are some of your furry friends might have come from stressful situations. As someone who has adopted three rescue cats myself over the years, I understand firsthand how anxiety can manifest in our kitties, especially those with backgrounds that included abandonment or natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes (my second cat was a survivor of Hurricane Katrina).
When seeking to ease their unease through calming treats, it’s essential to select products endorsed by trustworthy sources. Per the ASPCA, always ensure that any treat or supplement is safe for your pet before introducing them into your cat’s routine. That said, I found several excellent options on the market specifically designed for anxious cats.
Step 1: Choose High-Quality Ingredients
My first step was to look beyond just flavor; it’s crucial that any treat we introduce is made with high-quality ingredients and without unnecessary additives or fillers, which can sometimes exacsify anxiety. Look for treats containing ginger as an aroma enhancer—ginger has calming properties known to soothe anxious minds in cats.
Step 2: Select Treats with Natural Calming Agents
I gravitated towards cat treats that included natural calming agents like L-Theanine, derived from green tea leaves which is often used for its tranquilizing effect on feline brains without drowsiness (a common side effect in humans). These treat options also include CBD oil—another substance gaining popularity as a non-sedative option to calm down anxious cats.
Step 3: Freeze and Store Treats Properly
To maximize the calming effects, I found that freezing treats before giving them to my kitties helped maintain freshness while also providing an extra cooling effect (my three rescue babes absolutely loved this sensation). It’s important not to overdo it as too many can cause digestive issues.
Step 4: Offer Treats During Low-Stress Times
The best time for treating anxiety is when your cat isn’t already stressed, so I introduce the calming treat before any known triggers like visitors or loud noises occur (this proactive approach helps in building a positive association with these stressful situations).
Step 5: Observe and Adjust
Each of my cats responded differently to various brands. As such, it’s essential you observe their behavior closely after introducing the treats and be prepared to swap if they don’t seem at ease or show any adverse reactions (I found a particular brand that worked wonders for one cat but not so much with others).
FAQ:
**What signs indicate my anxious rescue cat is calming down?**
Look out for relaxed posture, slow blinking when eye contact happens—which often signals contentment in cats. Also, observe if they seek physical affection more frequently after eating the treats (my first two kitties became more clingy and snuggly).
Practical Tip:
Consider consulting a feline behaviorist who can provide personalized recommendations based on your cat’s unique needs—they’re experts at understanding anxiety triggers in rescues.
