There are plenty of reasons our pets can suffer from anxiety or stress. If you have a very skittish or stressed cat, you can buy supplements to help them alleviate their problem. These supplements don’t require a prescription, so you don’t have to worry about refills, and you can administer them as needed.

We rounded a list of the top 10 home treatments to soothe any negative feelings. Hopefully, these reviews can help you decide what the best remedy is for your nervous kitty.

A Quick Comparison of the Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Cat Calming Supplements for Anxiety & Stress

1. Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement – Best Overall

We think that you will love Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement for your cats. It’s our personal favorite overall because it is natural and effective—plus, it’s vet recommended. it works like a charm to take the edge off any negative emotions your cat might be feeling, making it our top choice for the best cat calming supplement.

There are 5 flower combinations used in the recipe to calm your stressed cat, the Star of Bethlehem, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum, Impatiens, and Clematis. Each one has been linked to soothing properties that help your cat.

These drops are taken orally. You just add 4 drops to water and offer to your kitty. And it also doesn’t end with your cat. You can give this to virtually any household pet, and it’s totally safe. Depending on the severity of your cat’s anxiety, it may not work for all felines.

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2. HomeoPet Anxiety Relief Animal Supplement – Best Value

If you want fast results without paying an arm and a leg, consider HomeoPet Anxiety Relief Dog, Cat, Bird & Small Animal Supplement. It’s the best cat supplement for anxiety you can get for your money. These drops are made in the USA by trusted manufacturers.

You can give your cat this oral homeopathic treatment daily for general anxiety up to 3 times daily. There are 450 drops in all, so that it can get you by a lot longer than some. It really helps to stretch your dollar.

Each ingredient is researched and proven, so you know each ingredient is supposed to alleviate stress and anxiety. This formula is best suited for mild anxiety cases to provide temporary relief. So, if you need something a bit more substantial for your kitty, it might not work as well.

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3. Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Supplement – Premium Choice

If you don’t mind spending a little extra for ultimate effectiveness, Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Capsules Small Dog & Cat Supplement may work wonders. Unlike drops, the capsules give a bigger kick, so it works for a little more complicated anxiety issues.

Thirty tablets come in each bottle, and you can get an auto-ship option, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of reordering. This formula is non-drowsy, so you won’t have to worry about making your pet sleepy or throwing off their schedule.

The bottle’s effective ingredient is alpha-casozepine, which is a stress-relieving component found in cow’s milk, without the lactose. These capsules should be used on an as-needed basis, so you should only give them this medicine if you are trying to calm imminent anxiety.

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4. Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming Chews

These Pet Natural of Vermont Calming Chews are a simple fix to a bigger problem. They are in chewable form, but some cats may not be fooled so easily. You may still have to put them into some wet food or another snack to hide the fact you’re giving them medicine.

These supplements use L-theanine and vitamin B to gently ease your troubled cat without making them drowsy or sedating them. These natural ingredients safely calm your cat without harsh additives that can negatively impact your cat’s system.

These chews also have a calming complex added in the form of colostrum. Colostrum has natural properties to calm your cat without changing their personality, making it ideal for everyday stress. These chews contain brewers yeast, which some cats may be sensitive to, so always make sure to check the label before you decide to give it to them.

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5. Nutramax Solliquin Calming Cat Soft Chews

If you have a large adult cat, you might want to try these Nutramax Solliquin Calming Cat Soft Chews. These chews have quite a few different ingredients in them to promote ultimate stress relief, so always make sure to check the label or ask your vet before administration to make sure they’re the best choice for your feline.

Unlike some other stress relievers, these chews promote sleep—so it does affect their overall schedule. They’re safe enough for daily use and should be perfect for a cat who displays daily anxiety to curb their emotions. This type is best suited for cats who have heavier issues relating to nerves than those who just need momentary relief during vet visits.

These chews are meant to work with an actual behavioral plan to treat anxiety with your vet’s help. They take up to 45 days for ultimate effectiveness, so you shouldn’t give these chews to your cat expecting to see immediate results.

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6. LICKS Pill-Free ZEN Calming Cat Supplement

If your cat says “absolutely not” to pills, LICKS Pill-Free ZEN Calming Cat Supplement is a terrific alternative you can try for your fuzzy buddy. These licks are appetite-inducing and designed to attract your cat with yummy flavors.

These licks come in packs of 10 and have a roasted chicken flavor to woo your cat’s taste buds. They aren’t just flavored like chicken, either. It actually contains real, all-natural chicken-based formula, so it’s healthy for your cat to have.

Since these licks are absorbed through the mouth, they have up to 98% effectiveness. All of these licks are safe for human consumption, so you know it’s okay for your kitty, too. The ingredients are sourced in the USA, so you don’t have to worry about where they came from.

Some cats may have sensitivities to specific protein sources—like chicken. If yours is, you may want to steer clear of this supplement and pick something more compatible.

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7. ThunderWunders Calming Cat Chews

ThunderWunders Calming Cat Chews can be taken on an as-needed basis to alleviate any immediate stress from present situations. They are the perfect bite-size with irresistible chicken flavor, so your cat will be fooled—they’ll think they’re getting a tasty treat instead.

These chews have calming chamomile, and L-tryptophan added so you could give your kitty a sense of calm and ease sleep—if needed. You should never give more than the recommended dose because it can be harmful to your cat if they have too much.

There are 100 chews in all, so one container can last quite a while. This supplement isn’t meant to be used as an everyday anxiety treatment, so if you’re looking for a constant calming agent, you may want to look for another option.

But if you need a quick fix during a vet visit or new pet introduction, these little chews can really go a long way. Plus, they are made right in the USA with ingredients you can trust. These chews aren’t meant for pregnant or nursing cats, so it’s best to consult with your vet for alternatives.

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8. Vet Classics Stress Away Calming, Anxiety Aid

Vet Classics Stress Away Calming, Anxiety Aid might help your anxious kitty by helping them calm down in stressful situations. These chews are intended for as-needed use, making them perfect for trips or momentary troubles.

These chews are especially nice for cats who have sensitive stomachs. This formula uses ginger to soothe any potential upset and chamomile to calm things down. There is also melatonin in this supplement, which is natural chemical brains produce for sleep.

There are 65 chews per container, so you can stretch them out as you need. However, you might find that they dry out a bit over time once you open them up. These chews can be used for all life stages, so they’re also perfectly fine for your pregnant, nursing, and senior cats.

These chews aren’t for everyday anxiety, and they probably won’t help a cat who has an anxiety disorder. Instead, they’re meant to provide relief for temporary situations.

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9. Herbsmith Calm Shen

Herbsmith Calm Shen might not work for every cat, but it’s a good pick if chews, pills, and licks don’t work. This product comes in powder form, making it unique from others. This formula is intended for long-term use and doesn’t give immediate results.

You have to gradually build your cat up using the dosage directions on the label. It’s meant to provide ongoing support rather than momentary relief. You won’t notice the result until roughly 4-6 weeks after you start the process.

If you have a cat that just needs to calm down during a thunderstorm or other temporary stimulation, this product won’t work the way you need. This is meant to work hand-in-hand with a behavioral plan set in-place by your vet.

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10. Paws & Pals Dog Calming Supplement

Paws & Pals Dog Calming Supplements can help with stress in imminent situations. Picky cats may be a little selective on whether or not they enjoy the taste, but it’s worth a go. These chews have chamomile for calming, ginger for soothing the stomach, and melatonin for healthy sleep.

These chews are fast-acting, so if you need a quick fix, they will work to ease your kitty right away. They are especially good for separation anxiety or if your cat just lost a companion.

The texture might be a hit or miss with cats since they might be a little hard to chew. The scent is also a little different, so it might not be appetizing to some. If you have a cat who snubs its nose to most treats or foods, you may want to get another option that is a bit more appealing.

Buyer’s Guide: Select the Best Calming Supplements for Cats

All cats have different personalities and will respond to situations in their own way. If anxiety is a problem, it can present itself as a chronic condition or just a situational reaction. Regardless of the reason, you will want a way to give your cat a means to control or reduce the effects as best as you can.

Here we will discuss possible causes of stress and anxiety so you can determine where your cat falls on the scale and the best course of action to take.

Situational Anxiety in Cats

Some kitties may be fine on an ordinary day until something tips the balance of things around the house. The good news is, environmental factors are sometimes the easiest to treat because you can accommodate your cat to make them most comfortable.

Many times, you can pinpoint the root cause of anxiety or stress. A majority of the time, it spikes from noticeable changes that you are well aware of.

Chronic Anxiety in Cats

Sometimes, anxiety and stress aren’t environmental at all. There is a chance your cat can have an imbalance in their brain that predisposes them to anxious behaviors. If your cat seems on edge all the time or lashes out aggressively, chronic anxiety might be to blame.

This type of anxiety might also stem from preexisting abuse or neglect. If you have a cat who has had a less than favorable past, it’s only expected that some residual emotion can follow them. To calm them down, you might have to put them on a long-term behavioral transition plan with the help of your vet.

Many over-the-counter supplements can help to take the edge off of your cat, so they aren’t so excited all the time. The ability to relax and feel safe in their environment is something every animal should have, no matter what you have to put in place to accommodate them.

Signs of Anxiety

Cats can exhibit a wide spectrum of behaviors that point to anxiety. Some might be extremely apparent, while others may stay under the radar for a while. You might think your cat just has certain quirks or traits that make them act the way they do without realizing the underlying factors at hand.

While these behaviors can no-doubt be a challenge for owners, it’s up to you to implement a plan to reduce the struggle for your cat. If they have any of these unwanted behaviors, the likelihood of an underlying issue is almost definite.

Consult with your veterinarian so you can both select the right plan for your cat. If you proactively handle this situation, you can ease the symptoms and reduce anxiety—and everyone in the home will be a lot happier when you do.

Finding Helpful Supplements

Once you have a plan in place, you’ll want to get ideal supplements that serve the needs of your cat. There are lots of options on the market, and you’ll probably not have much of an issue with selection. Circle back to our reviews if you’re having trouble landing on the right one for your kitty.

Long-Term Treatment

Some medicines are designed for long-term use, meaning that they don’t always work immediately. They have to get into their system and slowly kick in over the course of several weeks before they reach ultimate effectiveness. These treatments are best for cats who have continual anxiety.

Short-Term Treatment

Other supplements are designed to work right away. About a half-hour after you give them the treatment, you’ll start to notice a reduction in anxious behavior. These methods work better with cats who get flustered about outside influences—and not so much an overall sense of anxiety.

Different Forms of Administration

Cats will have varying tastes and preferences. Some cats won’t resist medication while others will fight you tooth and nail. That’s why the market has so many options for cat owners to pick from.

Some may work better than others, and some are easier to give to your cat. It will totally depend on the individual feline.

Active Ingredients in Supplements

You can also make a decision based on natural ingredients versus synthetic ingredients. Ultimately, it will depend on your cat’s sensitivities and the severity of the anxious behavior.

Conclusion

Each cat will have a different reaction to any supplement, and success is never a guarantee, but we think they will love the Rescue Remedy Stress Relief Pet Supplement. It’s all-natural, easy to administer, and not harmful in the slightest. Your cat won’t even know you’re giving it to them, so it works for even the pickiest cats.

If you’re watching your money but want results, you may want to check out HomeoPet Anxiety Relief Animal Supplement. It’s the best supplement we could find for the money—and it really works.

If you have any questions about the safety of a product, always consult with your vet so you both can determine the best course of action to calm your cantankerous kitty.

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Featured Image Credit: Iryna Imago, Shutterstock