Animals can be afraid of many things: loud noises, fireworks, and even a bath! But when it comes to cats, we don’t often hear about anxiety problems.

Just like in humans, anxiety in cats can manifest in many different ways, and it isn’t always as easy to identify as a straightforward illness – there’s no blood test for cat anxiety!

You’d be forgiven for thinking that cat anxiety isn’t common; these independent, sometimes solitary animals can appear fearless – we all know someone with both a cat and dog and the cat wears the trousers! Cat anxiety symptoms often reveal themselves on fireworks night or during the summer firework season.

How can you tell if your cat is scared of fireworks?

• He or she will hide
  Don’t try to coax your cat from their hiding place; rather than providing cat calming this could stress them out further.
• They’ll try to run away
  There’s an increase in cats handed in to pounds after Bonfire Night as people mistake them for strays. When spooked cat’s will bolt, which increases the chances of them going into the road.
• Aggressive behaviour
  Your cat may start to hiss, growl, bite and act differently to their normal behaviour.
• They won’t use litter trays
  When frightened, cats tend to refuse using their litter tray, and may mess somewhere else in the home.

How to calm down a cat

Cats have very sharp hearing, picking up sounds that are too faint for human ears, which is why fireworks, being a series of loud, explosive bangs, can be very unsettling. Follow these cat calming steps to provide cat anxiety relief – and to have your feline friend purring again!

• Cat Calming Products – Valerian for Cats

Scullcap and Valerian Tablets for Cats is a non-sedative for cat anxiety relief. It won’t cause drowsiness, but it will effectively relax your cat and reduce their cat anxiety symptoms. Valerian for cats is popularly used for calming, which is why we see a surge in orders of this cat calming product around fireworks night. The herbs in these tablets are nervines, this means they naturally help to relax the nervous system which reduces anxiety without sedating muscles. Cats also particularly like the smell of Valerian Compound which can be given directly into the mouth, on the food and even on their bedding.

• Desensitise your cat in advance

Play noises of fireworks in short bursts and at a low volume to familiarise your cat with the sounds. It’s something that needs to be tried over time, so if you have an imminent fireworks display happening near you, try the cat calming product mentioned above as this can be given 12 hours and 2 hours before the event. Valerian Compound will help with preparing your cat as the Valerian Compound acts instantly 

• Close all windows and doors

This cat calming method will help to dull the sound and will make your cat feel safer.

• Put them in the room furthest from the noise

If the noise is quieter and they are in a room they feel happy in, this will help your cat to feel more comfortable. Be careful if you have to pick them up to move them into the room as they could be jumpy.

Here at Purrfectlyyappy we have put together a great saving bundle of the Scullcap and Valerian tablets and the Valerian Compound calming liquid for a great price! Check our our bundle here to ensure your cat stays calm during periods of anxiety.

If you want to discuss using Dorwest Herb products, please get in touch on 01276858880 or use our contact form.

Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.

Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets

The only veterinary herbal medicine (classification AVM-GSL) Licensed to relieve anxiety, nervousness and excitability in pets.

Uses: Can be used as a singular dose but more effective when used as part of a phobia desensitisation programme.

Dosing instructions:
Dogs and Cats: 1 tablets for every 5kg bodyweight daily split morning and night. When the stressful situation is at its worst, this dose can be doubled.

For fireworks give the second dose 2 hours before dusk and maintain double dosing for as long as it is necessary.

Dorwest Valerian Compound

Contains pure extracts of three herbs in liquid form, which ensure it acts within just 30 minutes and is best used as a top up or for one off occasions

Uses: Can be given in addition to Scullcap & Valerian Tablets as a top- up for especially frightening or unplanned events.

Dosing instructions:

Cats: A few drops on the bedding and a further ¼ tsp by mouth or in food when fireworks are severe or in other stressful situations.