7 Calming Tips for Anxious Cats to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
If you’ve ever noticed your cat hiding under the bed during a thunderstorm, pacing the room before a vet visit, or avoiding family guests, you’re not alone. Cat anxiety is more common than many people think, and it can sneak up in subtle ways. The good news? There are plenty of gentle, effective ways to help your feline friend feel more secure and relaxed. Here are our top 7 calming tips for anxious cats — because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.
1. Create a Safe Space Just for Them
Cats love having a spot that’s all theirs. A dedicated space can help reduce external stressors and give your cat a reliable retreat when things feel overwhelming. Consider setting up a quiet nook with their favourite cat bed, soft blankets, and some toys they enjoy. Elevated spots or enclosed beds can provide extra comfort and security.
2. Use Feline Calming Products
Natural calming remedies can work wonders for some cats. Products like pheromone diffusers or calming sprays replicate natural feline signals to help ease anxiety. You can also explore our range of cat calming care essentials, including diffusers, sprays, and treats designed to support relaxation without sedation.
Popular trusted options include Feliway diffusers and spray — both easy to use and suitable for everyday support.
3. Play With Purpose
Interactive play is a great stress reliever for cats. It keeps their bodies active and their minds engaged. Use teaser wands, interactive tech toys, or even simple cardboard boxes to spark their curiosity and release built-up tension through play. Even 10–15 minutes a day can help create a calmer, happier cat.
4. Stick to a Predictable Routine
Cats are creatures of habit. Changes in routine — feeding times, household activity, or even a new piece of furniture — can cause stress. Try to keep feeding, play, and cuddle sessions at roughly the same times each day. For mealtimes, consider investing in a smart feeder to help maintain consistency even when you're not home.
5. Offer Calming Treats and Supplements
There are some tasty options that can double as stress support. Calming treats and supplements are specially formulated with ingredients like L-Tryptophan and hemp seed to help balance your cat's stress levels. Just be sure to introduce new foods or supplements gradually and consult your vet if your cat has existing health concerns.
You can also browse all pet health supplements to see what might support your cat's individual needs.
6. Encourage Gentle Grooming Routines
Regular grooming can be a soothing bonding time—as long as your cat is into it! Using soft brushes and combs can help remove loose hair and build trust. Keep sessions short and sweet, observing their body language. If they enjoy grooming, it can be a great stress-relief activity.
7. Reduce Environmental Triggers
Sometimes anxiety comes from too much stimulation—like loud noises, strong odours, or frequent visitors. Try to manage these as best you can. Air purifiers, soothing background music, and keeping some rooms off-limits during busy times can help.
Also consider giving your cat a sense of control over their environment with smart cat doors that only unlock for their microchip. This lets them come and go as they feel safe, without letting in other neighbourhood cats.
When To Speak With Your Vet
If your cat's anxiety is persistent or seems to be getting worse, it’s a good idea to chat with your vet. Sometimes anxiety can be linked to health conditions or may need a more structured behaviour plan. Keep track of their behaviours and bring any concerns for a professional opinion—because you know your feline friend best!
We Get Pet – And We're Here to Help
Supporting an anxious cat is all about patience, understanding, and using the right tools. Every cat is different, so it may take a little trial and error to find what works best. At Petdirect, we’re passionate about helping Kiwi pet parents feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Explore our full range of cat anxiety and calming care products or browse our calming essentials collection to help your whiskered companion purr in peace.
Plus, don’t forget you can earn Airpoints and exclusive deals through our Pet Perks loyalty programme—just more ways we make pet care that little bit easier.