6 Ways to Soothe & Calm Down Your Cat

When cats get stressed, it can sometimes feel like nothing will help calm them down. Fortunately, there are plenty of techniques to promote relaxation and help cats manage normal stress.

We break down six science-backed ways to support your furry friend.

Key Takeaways

Up to one in four cats experiences stress.
Cats might become stressed by seemingly everyday things, like a new pet or unfamiliar people.
One way to support your cat is by sticking to a routine and keeping their environment calm and safe.
Other techniques include desensitization, interactive play, and calming music.
Calming Supplements, like CBD, can also promote relaxation in cats.

See More: 5 Ways to Support Your Dog's Gut Health Naturally

Helping Your Cat Feel Calm

Sean Zyer, founder of Earth Buddy, says:

"Cats get stressed more often than many people think. There are plenty of ways to help them cope with external stresses, including Natural Supplements like CBD."

Cats might have a reputation for being cool, calm, and collected. But stress is actually quite common among our feline friends.

In fact, research suggests that up to one in four cats experiences stress.¹

That might seem strange. After all, your cat probably lives a life of luxury. Indoor cats, especially, might seem not to have much to worry about.

However, stress doesn't work like that. As you might know, stress can be triggered by all kinds of things. Factors that you might dismiss or understand as nothing to worry about might cause significant stress for your cat.

If you think your cat is experiencing stress, don't worry. There are plenty of things you can do to support them.

In fact, not worrying is one of those things. Our furry friends can sense our emotions, so remaining calm yourself is a great way to promote relaxation in your cat. We'll dive into this and other science-backed techniques for helping your cat manage normal stress.

But first, we need to explore a seemingly simple question: How do you actually know if your cat is stressed?

cat hiding under bed cat anxiety anxious cat anti anxiety medication separation anxiety cat stress anxiety in cats relieve stress prescription medications reduce stress natural remedies pet care litter tray

Signs of a Stressed Cat

Cats don't always react to stress in the same ways as us, or other animals. They can be quite good at hiding their stress, which might make it difficult to realize what's going on.

That said, there are some common signs. The main thing to watch out for is changes to your cat's behavior.² Look for the following:

Increased or excessive vocalizations (meowing, hissing, yowling, growling, etc.)
Excessive grooming
Hiding
Pacing or general restlessness
Unexpected aggression (hissing, stalking, scratching, biting)
Urinating outside of their litter box

There are also some physical signs to look out for. These include flattened ears, a tucked or fluffed tail, and fully dilated pupils.³

What Might Cause Stress in Cats

As we mentioned, plenty of things can potentially stress a cat.

Cats thrive on routine.⁴ They usually like a quiet, predictable environment. Disruptions to their routine and their environment in general can cause them stress. Environmental changes might include moving house, introducing a new pet, unfamiliar people, or even rearranging your furniture.

Similarly, many cats form deep bonds with their owners. Your cat might play it cool, but if they've formed this bond, they might get stressed when separated from you. In fact, about 10 to 20% of cats become stressed when separated from their owners.⁵

Another common stressor for cats is loud noises. As you might know, cats have much more sensitive hearing than we humans. Sudden, loud sounds can stress them out a lot more than us.⁶

According to one study, loud noises are the most common cause of stress among cats, affecting more than 60% of them. The next most common stressors were other dogs or cats, strange people, and being left home alone.⁷

That study also identified some rarer stressors. One was particular surfaces. If you've seen videos of cats freaking out when they touch aluminum foil, you might not be surprised by this.⁸

It's also important to try to socialize cats properly when they're young. Improper socialization can lead to adult cats that are far more prone to being stressed.⁹

As you might imagine, sickness or pain can also be quite stressful for cats. So if you're unsure what exactly might be stressing your cat, it's always worth checking with your vet. They'll be able to help you figure out what's worrying your furry friend.

Bonus: Can Stress Lead to Diarrhea in Dogs?

cat sleeping in bed playing music reduce anxiety cosy bed things slowly family member special treat essential part dogs well being showing signs ways to calm white noise

6 Ways to Soothe & Calm Your Furry Friend

Still, there are plenty of ways you can support your cat at home.

#1. Calming Supplement (CBD)

Some supplements may be able to help your cat manage normal stress. Examples include L-Theanine from green tea, valerian root, and CBD.¹⁰

CBD in particular shows promise for helping cats maintain normal emotional balance. Multiple studies have shown it can help promote relaxation and help cats cope with external stresses.

For example, one 2025 study compared how two groups of cats reacted to sounds from a thunderstorm.¹¹ One group was given CBD for two weeks, while the other cats received a placebo.

At first, most of the cats responded to the stressful noises by urinating. The number of cats who did this decreased among the group given CBD. No such decrease occurred in the group given the placebo.

Another study, from 2024, concluded that CBD might help cats cope with external stress from being separated from their owner.¹²

CBD works by interacting with your cat’s endocannabinoid system. That system interacts with many other crucial bodily functions, including stress. Your cat’s body naturally produces signal molecules called endocannabinoids that interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

“The CBD molecule is really powerful at … slowing down the destruction of these endocannabinoids,” explains veterinarian Dr. Casara Andre, in conversation with Earth Buddy founder Sean Zyer. “That's a really lovely way to support what the body's already trying to do."

Recent research suggests that cats absorb and process CBD differently than dogs. In fact, cats respond better to lower doses of CBD, but are able to absorb it better when it’s paired with CBDa. CBDa itself is three to four times better absorbed than CBD in cats.

Unfortunately, many pet supplement brands don’t create formulations that combine both CBD and CBDa. Luckily, Earth Buddy does.

For example, Earth Buddy’s Balance Hemp Extract for Cats has a 1:1 ratio of CBD and CBDa to support calm behavior, joint comfort, and everyday balance. This ideal ratio of CBD to CBDa helps your feline friend better absorb these cannabinoids for maximum benefits.

Another great way to give your cat CBD is with CBD oil. Earth Buddy's CBD Oil for Cats is made from full-spectrum, organic CBD oil and organic MCT oil from coconuts. It's produced in small batches, tested by a third-party lab for potency and purity, and free from GMOs and pesticides.

You can give your cat CBD oil directly, mix it into their food, or even use it to make homemade calming cat treats.

For more rapid delivery, try Earth Buddy's Quick Calm. It's a special formula designed to absorb more quickly than traditional CBD oil, making it a fantastic option for when your cat needs support fast.

We pet owners never want our cats to be stressed. But it can be particularly difficult when our furry friends start freaking out when we're trying to sleep.

One great way to promote relaxation and restful sleep is with Earth Buddy's Sleep Support. It's a carefully tailored 4:1 blend of CBN and CBD, designed for cats experiencing nighttime restlessness.

#2. Remove Stressors

This might sound obvious. But if something is stressing out your cat, one of the best things to do is simply... remove that thing. Or at least minimize it.

For example, a dirty litter box can be a source of frustration for cats. So try to ensure their litter box is clean.

The same goes for other common stressors, like unfamiliar people, sounds, animals, and so on.

Of course, you likely won't be able to completely shelter your cat from potential sources of stress. But your effort should, in theory, reduce the overall mental load on your furry friend.

#3. Behavior Modification

There's also a technique to help your cat cope with external stresses that simply can't be avoided. It's called desensitization.

The idea is to gradually expose your cat to whatever is stressing them, starting at a low enough intensity to not provoke a massive response.

Take loud noises. With this technique, you might start by playing the stressful noise at a very low volume. When your cat becomes used to that, gradually increase the volume, ensuring they remain relaxed.

#4. Create a Calm Environment

As we mentioned, most cats like a calm, predictable environment. Creating and maintaining that is a great way to help your cat manage normal stress.

There are several ways you can help make a calm environment for your furry friend.

One thing to try is creating a safe space where they can retreat when feeling stressed. For example, you might put their bed in a quiet corner of your bedroom.

Some cats prefer vertical spaces, like a cat tree. They can help cats feel safe, secure, and in control.

Believe it or not, research suggests that playing calming music can also promote relaxation. For example, one study found that cats listening to classical music experienced lower breathing rates and heart rates, both signs of relaxation.¹³

Other studies suggest that cat-specific music can be even more helpful in promoting relaxation.¹⁴ Cat-specific or cat-appropriate music might be composed with cat sounds, like purring.¹⁵

#5. Interactive Play

cat playing with feather toy anxious kitty veterinarian kittens symptoms signs of anxiety left untreated behavior aggression feel safe

Playing with your cat isn't just fun. An interactive play session can also promote relaxation and help your cat cope with external stresses.

In part, that's because interactive play often mimics hunting behaviors. That makes playtime a potential positive outlet for nervous energy your cat might have balled up inside.

Playtime doesn't always have to involve you. Try using interactive toys, puzzle toys, and puzzle feeders to help provide your cat mental stimulation.

One tip is to end a play session by giving your cat a treat. That mimics a successful hunt, when your cat would expect to have caught themself a tasty snack.¹⁶

Playtime is also great for your cat's overall quality of life. One study found that more playtime was associated with a higher quality of life and stronger cat-owner bonds. And when that play was absent, cats demonstrated signs of stress.¹⁷

If possible, try to maintain a consistent playtime and feeding routine.

#6. Stay Calm Yourself

Ever felt like your cat truly understood you? Well, research has found that our furry friends can be remarkably attuned to our emotions.¹⁸

If you're stressed, there's a chance your cat could pick up on that. Remember, you are their safe space as much as their environment is. Try to stay calm, speak softly, and move gently when possible.

Conclusion

Cats get stressed more than you might expect. Techniques to help them manage external stresses include natural supplements like CBD, desensitization, providing a safe space, and interactive play.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Calm Down a Hyper Cat?

One technique is to tire them out with structured, interactive play, ending in a meal or treat. Other tricks include calming aids like calming collars and pheromone diffusers, or natural calming supplements like CBD.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule of Cats?

The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for how long you can expect an adopted cat to acclimatize to their new home. It might take a cat three days to decompress, three weeks to become accustomed to their new environment, and three months for that environment to start feeling home.

How Do I Make My Cat Calm Down?

That depends on what is making them antsy. If they have pent-up energy, try tiring them out with interactive play or puzzles for mental stimulation. But if they're stressed, try removing the stressor, giving them calming supplements like CBD, or providing them a safe space where they can retreat.

Keep Reading: L-Glutamine vs Glutathione: What's the Difference?

–

Sources

–

Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our Natural Bovine Colostrum Supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

6 Ways to Soothe & Calm Down Your Cat

Key Takeaways

Helping Your Cat Feel Calm