Cats can get very finicky, especially new kittens
The second kitten came from a shop, which was more like a breeding dump. The kitten was scared, and it took years to gain her trust. Calming smells can help ease the
These are helpful when you have scared kittens like mine. Avisitto the vet, or trimming her claws…everything could get very diffcult with the second kitten.
Calming smells for cats can help soothe cats. Some smells like rose, lavender and neroli, calm the nerves. Smells of Calendula, yarrow and
Cats are very sensitive to smells, some smells can even harm cats. Be very careful while using essential oils around cats. I share some oils to avoid below.
Calming Herbs and Smells for your Cat
I have compiled a list of herbs which I found via research. I hope you find these helpful. Various sources have said that these herbs have calming effects. Before exposing your cat to these, please consult with a vet.
Catnip
Catnip or Nepeta cataria is a perennial herb which contains nepetalactone. Receptors called pheromones in cats smell nepetalactone and cause a chemical reaction.
Catnip is also called as Catswort and Catmint.
These are happy herbs for cats, they make cats very happy. When a cat smells catnip, they get happy, and sometimes aggressive. Eventually they calm down ( usually in 10 minutes).
So exposing the cat to catnip before a vet visit can calm your cat down.
When cats ingest catnip they can get sluggish and sleepy. It is important to remember that not all cats react the same way to catnip.
Nepetalactone present in Catnip can have side effects such as vomiting diarrhea.
This is usually when the herb is ingested. It is best to expose cats to herbs enclosed in a small bag or container.
Hence try it out on your cat and note the effects.
Valerian
Valerian is a herb like catnip which has a calming effect on cats. Catnip and
So if your cat is suffering from anxiety, you can try valerian.
Valerian root contains actinidine which acts as a sedative.
Kava Kava
Kava Kava is a herb which can act as a sedative.
This herb also known as Piper
It is important to remember that cats cannot metabolise quickly essential oils and herbs, hence herbs can cause liver damage. Hence use herbs and essential oils in moderation.
Feliway
Feliway is a synthetic pheromone, which mimics the cats facial pheromone.
When the cat rubs its face on furniture, bedding or on you, she is actually marking you with facial pheremones.
Feliway is an artificial version of this. While I am against artificial pheromones, Ihave read that this does help cat owners.
If your cat is suffering from anxiety, scratching, urinating, this product might provide relief.
Rescue Remedy
Rescue Remedy is
This product is a botanical essence of Clematis and other flowers.If your cat is aggressive, tearing down furniture, scratching, this combination of herbs can soothe her down.
This needs to be added to the food and should show its affect in around 10 minutes.
Lavender
Lavendula angustifolia or lavender can soothe nerves of both cats and humans. It can be toxic to cats, hence some people ask to avoid the use of this herb.
Lavender contains Linlool, linalyl acetate, which can cause nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite in cats.
Prior to learning that lavender could be harmful, I was using it at home. I have noticed that using lavender essential oils in a diluted form was okay.
Dried lavender flowers in a sachet are also okay.
The problem is when the cat ingests it. So I stopped using the diffuser as the vapor eventually settles on the kitty.