Any cat owner has seen it – the millisecond pause, that panicked look, and then – zoom! – your cat is off to hide for an hour or more. Sometimes the cat leaves behind a few mementos that really should have been deposited in the litter box. In the worst case, your cat’s panic turns it into a fur-covered Cuisinart that attacks whomever or whatever is closest.

When cats are frightened they will generally run, become aggressive or just freeze in place. Loud noises and strange people or animals are frequent triggers of high-level anxiety in cats, but a high-anxiety reaction may be caused by any number of factors. Male and female cats may deal with lower-level anxiety by marking their territory (sometimes known as your home) with a urine spray. To deal with anxiety, you can eliminate the anxiety-producing factor, get your cat used to it or reduce your cat’s anxious tendencies with play or even chemical solutions.

Some cats will appreciate being confined when company – especially children or other animals – come to call. Keeping your cat in its own, safe place, and instructing guests not to disturb it, may be the simplest way to avoid routine feline fear. If your cat is sensitive to loud noises that are out of your control, a soft musical background can mask these unwanted sounds for your cat’s comfort.


If the source of your cat’s anxiety is a permanent resident of your home, try getting your cat comfortable with food and calm attention, then slowly introducing your cat to the person or animal it fears. Start with the fear-causing thing at such a distance that your cat appears calm, then slowly bring it closer. Stop as soon as your cat shows discomfort, but continue the praise and attention. After several sessions of this, over a few days, your cat may become comfortable with creatures or things that used to drive it under a bed.

For perpetually anxious cats, a bit of regular exercise and play may help. If you haven’t already, provide your cat with a scratching post as an outlet for feline tensions. Also, make sure your cat gets at least 10-20 minutes of play each day – tossing balls around, chasing yarn or a laser pointer, something to get his heart pumping.

If all else fails there are plenty of available supplements designed to calm your kitty. These contain vitamins (such as B-vitamins), amino acids (such as L-Tryptophan), minerals (such as magnesium) or pheromones that claim to create a serene but not sedated cat. They are available in drops and in pill form from a variety of pet shops and online retailers. Be sure to check with your vet before administering any of these.



We’ve tried to find the best sources we can for the information above, but don’t rely on web sites when it comes to your pet’s health. Always consult a veterinarian, professional trainer or other expert.