What to Give My Cat to Calm Her for Grooming

Calm cats for grooming with homeopathic herbs, medication or pheromones.

Several ways to calm cats for grooming exist, including natural, homeopathic remedies. In addition to providing a stress free environment for your cat, administer medications or remedies prior to grooming them to keep them calm.

Pheromones

Many over-the-counter products come either as a spray or as a diffuser, which make use of pheromones to calm cats. These products, like Feliway, contain synthetic chemicals that mimic the natural facial pheromones of cats that tell them the environment is safe and secure, according to Feliwaye. Spray cat carriers before grooming sessions or use diffusers.

Homeopathic Remedies

Various natural remedies can calm cats during stressful situations, such as grooming. Place liquid remedies like Bach Rescue Remedy, which contains calming flower essences, directly on a cat's tongue 30 to 60 minutes before grooming sessions or add to food and water. Some natural remedies come in a treat form for cats, like Vetri-Science Composure.

Considerations

Speak to your veterinarian about the use of tranquilizers for cats. Your vet can prescribe these drugs if necessary, or examine your pet for any health issues that could manifest themselves as aggressive behavior during grooming. Arthritis, for example, causes cats pain when touched, according to "The Cat Health Guide."

References

• The Cat Health Guide: Cat Anxiety
• Feliway: What is Feliway?
• Doctors Foster and Smith: Cat Calming Solutions Comparison
• Only Natural Pet Store: Vetri-Science Composure
• The Cat Health Guide: Cat Arthritis