When your cat gets anxious, there’s plenty that can go wrong in a domino effect. Not only will you feel for your little fur baby, but that anxiety can also cause him to act out in dozens of destructive ways. You don’t want your cat to be uncomfortable and living anxiously is undoubtedly that. If you can give him a treat that gives him comfort, then you’ll want to at least try, right? Look no further, we’ve found 25 excellent options for you to try on your cat to calm him down.
We reviewed dozens of cat calming treats and chews to identify the best of the best. We found the hemp treats, and the chamomile chews that leave have your cat laid-back and the drops that will help them to sleep through the anxious part of their day (travel for example). We found gels and paste treats you can sneak in their food or let them lick off their paws. No matter what your cat prefers, we have the right calming treat or chew for you.
VetriScience Composure Pro Bite Size Chews stood out as a clear winner. They taste great, so your cat will happily gobble them up as if they’re a treat. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the dose so it’s just right for your cat.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Calming Treats and Chews
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cat Calming Treat Overall | VetriScience Composure Pro Bite Size Chews | 4.3 |
| Best Calming Treat for Both Cats and Dogs | Pet Naturals of Vermont - Calming, Behavioral Support Supplement for Dogs and Cats | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Cat Calming Treat | Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Calming Paw Gel for Cats | 4.2 |
| Best Cat Calming Treat Drops | Rescue Remedy Natural Homeopathic Stress Relief Drops For Pets | 4.2 |
| Best Cat Calming Chews with Hemp | K2xLabs Buster's Organic Hemp Oil and Treats for Dogs & Cats | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Cat Calming Treat Overall: VetriScience Composure Pro Bite Size Chews
VetriScience Composure Pro Bite Size Chews is so yummy for cats that you’ll very likely be able to give this to your cat without any struggle. It won’t seem like medicine to her – she’ll think you’re giving treats. The ease with which you can administer this anti-anxiety chew is a huge benefit that you’ll love.
Rather than different products for different weights, you can give your tiny cat the same product as your chunky one, just alter the dosage. The manufacturer’s suggested dosage states you’ll give half of a chew for your cat under 25 pounds, one full shew for a cat from 26-50 pounds, and two chews for cats over 100 pounds. But is your cat really over 100 pounds? We try not to judge but maybe it’s time to check out The Best Diet Cat Foods.
There are over 400 customer reviews for these chews and it has an overall rating of 4.3. That’s good for any product but compare it to its competitors and you’ll see it blows the others out of the water. And for just under $40, they’ll give you excellent value, too.
VetriScience Composure Pro Bite Size Chews Key Features:
- 60 chews included
- Resealable bag
- Liver formula
Best Calming Treat for Both Cats and Dogs: Pet Naturals of Vermont – Calming, Behavioral Support Supplement for Dogs and Cats
The Pet Naturals of Vermont – Calming, Behavioral Support Supplement for Dogs and Cats is made with a specialized formula including a trademarked C3 component that will have a calming effect on your cat that he’ll appreciate – even if he doesn’t ever know that it’s a treatment he’s getting, rather than just a treat.
The convenience of a cat calming supplement when you also have a cat in dire need of some calming is absolutely unparalleled. You can buy one product and, provided it works for both your anxious fur babies, prep them for their periods of stress. That could be an everyday occurrence, but for an even more advantageous example: Imagine if you had to travel and needed your travel anxious pets to calm down and not destroy your car or hotel. If one supplement will smooth the complications and unease of travel, all the better!
Sitting with right around 400 customer reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.1 stars, you have plenty to tempt you. In fact, after perusing those reviews, we think you’ll be convinced.
Pet Naturals of Vermont – Calming, Behavioral Support Supplement for Dogs and Cats Key Features:
- Trademarked calming C3 formula
- 160 chews included
- Subscribe and Save eligible
Best Budget Cat Calming Treat: Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Calming Paw Gel for Cats
The Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Calming Paw Gel for Cats is made with chamomile and passion flower to keep your kitty calm so your cat will be able to better handle the things that normally stress him out. You’ll likely see a difference in your cat’s anxiety shortly after he ingests this cat treat gel. That makes it perfect for an oncoming storm, bathtime, or right before a road trip. If your cat refuses anxiety medications masked as treats, this could be the exact solution you need in your kitty’s life.
You’ll simply place this gel on his paws and the consistency and sticky feeling will make your cat want to get it off as fast as possible – and that “fast as possible” cleaning method is through licking it off. It makes administering this cat calming treat so hands-off you’ll love that you aren’t fighting your cat anymore. It contains no petroleum jelly, wheat, corn, or soy, so it’s ideal for even the kitties with a sensitive stomach.
The numbers don’t lie and that’s nothing but good news for this cat calming paw gel. You’re sure to appreciate that there are over 1,500 customer reviews on Amazon that have given it an overall rating of 4.2 stars. The part you’ll absolutely love though is the cost. You can get this gel for under $5!
Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Calming Paw Gel for Cats Key Features:
- Other formulas also available: Hairball, Hip & Joint, and Uri-Ease
- 3 oz
- Yummy salmon flavor
Best Cat Calming Treat Drops: Rescue Remedy Natural Homeopathic Stress Relief Drops For Pets
The Rescue Remedy Natural Homeopathic Stress Relief Drops For Pets is an excellent alternative to traditional calming chews. It uses natural stress relievers to soothe your cat’s anxiety, whether it’s travel anxiety, separation anxiety, or anything in between. And the beauty of this product is – because it’s homeopathic, you won’t have to worry about how often you’re giving your cat drops.
If your cat is good with drops, then this calming treat is an easy process for her. Let your cat lick the dropper, and if she opens and you can feed her, then you’re job is a stress-free one. After all, it’s a tasty alternative to the calming potential and she may just think you’re giving her a treat of sorts. If, however, your cat doesn’t take well to you hand feeding her, the beauty of the drops is that you can sneak them into her food, water, or other treats.
Over 2,200 customer reviews on Amazon have earned this gel an overall rating of 4.2 stars and that certainly builds our confidence in the accuracy of the rating and the quality of the product.
Rescue Remedy Natural Homeopathic Stress Relief Drops For Pets Key Features:
- 0.7 fl oz
- 4 drops orally as needed
- Also works for other pets
Best Cat Calming Chews with Hemp: K2xLabs Buster’s Organic Hemp Oil and Treats for Dogs & Cats
The K2xLabs Buster’s Organic Hemp Oil and Treats for Dogs & Cats uses the natural, organic hemp oil, blended with omega 3 and omega 6 to calm your cat fast. It contains no carrier oils, so you can be confident that what you’re giving your cat is filler-free. Each serving is 1,000 mg of hemp oil and that’s just about the maximum potency you can get for your pet. Each bottle suggests it has 30 servings, but since the cat’s dosage is only a quarter of the dropper, rather than the full 1 mL, you’ll find there are actually 120 servings in each bottle – which means you’re getting a whole lot of calm in this one bottle!
This hemp cat calming treat will wow you with its stats. On Amazon, there are an impressive 1,200+ customer reviews that have earned it an overall rating of 4.3 stars.
K2xLabs Buster’s Organic Hemp Oil and Treats for Dogs & Cats Key Features:
- Subscribe and Save eligible
- 3 packaging options
- No artificial flavors, GMOs, gluten
Who Should Buy a Cat Calming Treat or Chew
Anxiety is a tricky disorder because there can be so many causes. Just as humans have different causes, so, too, do cats. Your cat can have just general anxiety, where he shows signs of anxiety without any identifiable cause; separation anxiety, when you leave him alone; and travel anxiety, when you try to take him places. There are other more specific anxiety causes – fear of a specific noise or object, but those are the most common and therefore the causes most targeted with cat calming chews and treats. You’ll know he’s anxious by several signs: increased scratching, hiding, excessive meowing, refusal to use the litter box, change in appetite to name a few symptoms. Bottom line? If your cat isn’t quite acting like himself, he may be anxious. And just like with anything you’re going to try with your cat – there will be far fewer fights if you can disguise treatment of that anxiety in the form of a treat.
It’s worth noting that calming treats of any kind are going to be a pretty individual thing. We highly recommend trying more than one if you find it doesn’t work for your cat. – Also because of this, you’ll see the overall ratings on the listings of the treats and chews we reviewed are a bit lower than other products. Personalities aren’t universal so your cat may or may not respond the same as others.
If your cat’s anxiety has led to some destruction in your home, you may want to take a look at The Best Cat Urine Cleaners And Odor Removers, How To Get Rid Of Cat Urine Smell, or even The Best Cat Scat Mats.
Important Features to Consider
A cat calming treat or chew should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a calming treat for your cat:
- Chamomile. Just like in people, chamomile will often include a calming sensation because of the abundant antioxidant within it called apigenin. The apigenin binds to specific brain receptors to relieve anxiety and often initiate sleep. Unlike a lot of other ingredients that people use to reduce anxiety, this one is just as safe for cats as it is for humans.
- Hemp. Hemp included in cat calming treats and chews will not contain any THC to make your cat high, but will still provide the therapeutic effects that your cat will come to appreciate in particularly anxious times. Hemp treats and chews will target the receptors in the endocannabinoid system to soothe fears and anxieties.
- Melatonin. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that makes you sleepy, so it makes sense if you’re trying to calm your cat down, making them sleepy may have that kind of effect. In fact, if you give your cat melatonin right before a trip, he may even sleep through the worst part of the anxiousness entirely.
- Taste. Of course, you can’t call a poor-tasting supplement that promotes calm a “treat” if it tastes horrible. The very act of “treating” your cat will make him more likely to take the calming supplement and therefore, allow it to work. So picking a flavor that appeals to your cat is crucial in finding an effective cat calming treat or chew. Taste is individual, too, so don’t be defeated if you don’t get it right the first try. You’ll find something that helps your cat if you don’t give up!
- Drops and gels. If your cat isn’t big on chews and traditional treats, then you may want to consider other ways to “treat” him to calm. Drops and gels can offer an alternative that even the pickiest cats appreciate. You’ll be able to add drops to wet cat food without your cat even knowing, or if he can tell the difference, it’s likely that it’ll only be for the better. Gels will go on your cat’s paws and the very stickiness on those paws will get him to lick it off. However, if you opt for a pleasing taste, he’s more likely to thoroughly clean it without any resentment towards you for putting it on him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cat calming chews and treats and how do they work?
A cat claiming chew or treat is a singular food item that you’ll give your cat once and be done – it won’t fill your cat up like a full meal, but will likely taste appealing enough that the anxiety-reducing agents contained within remain unknown as your cat gobbles up a yummy treat. The chew or treat is intended to prevent outbursts, avoid the destruction of your home from scratching and inappropriate urination, and make sure your cat is happy in his home. It has specific ingredients, carefully chosen to foster your cat’s relaxation. Your cat may respond incredibly well to each and every ingredient and the chews and treats make a world of difference right away! But that’s not always the case – your cat’s anxiety is as individual as he is, so you may need to try a few different types before you find one to which he responds well.
You can disperse solid treats and chews most easily by giving them as you would any treat – but that’s not the only type of calming treat there is – you can also add yummy calming drops to his meals to ensure he eats them or you can add a gel to his paws to give him a treat when he bathes the sticky substance off. The best part of using a treat or chew to calm your cat is that, unlike a pill, your cat is more likely to actually eat the chew or treat. And anytime you can get something to calm him into his belly without a big fight or passive-aggressive rejections from him is a big win in our book!
What can you do for a cat with anxiety?
It may seem like a no-brainer, but if you know what’s triggering your cat’s anxiety, minimize his exposure to it. If the vacuum sets him off, put him in another room when you’re vacuuming. If he doesn’t like guests, then keep him in another room when you have company. And if the situation is unavoidable, like separation anxiety, for example, then you can try a few de-stressing accessories. Putting a few cat calming treats or chews strategically so he can find them throughout the day may help. If you’re not going to be gone too terribly long, then a generous application of the calming gel for his paws may get him through the worst of his anxiety.
If you’re looking for longer-lasting treatment, then you should take a look at The Best Cat Calming Collars.
What can I give my cat for travel anxiety?
If your cat is anxious traveling, you may not be able to keep dispensing treats when his anxiety peaks. However, for travel-specific purposes, you may be better off trying to do more than just cal your cat – getting him sleeping may be the real ticket to his peaceful travel. In that case, consider the treats with melatonin to make him sleepy and if you’re very, very lucky, he’ll sleep through the transition to the car and never even know he’s in it.
If the treats work but aren’t quite effective enough to ease him to sleep through his panicky state, then you may consider calling your vet to see if there’s something a bit stronger that you can give him for his travel-induced anxiety.
Is CBD good for cats?
Based on the very limited research that’s been done on CBD and cats, there doesn’t appear to be any major risk for your cat to ingest CBD. However, we need to caution that there isn’t enough research to answer this question conclusively. While there has been some anecdotal evidence to suggest CBD can soothe some of a cat’s anxiety, its effectiveness has not been decisively proven, yet. Bear in mind that CBD is not marijuana and it won’t get your cat high. Hemp does contain CBD, so you’ll want to be aware of that prior to giving your cat those types of treats and chews.
As with any medications, you should always talk to your pet’s vet before you give them medications.
Other Cat Calming Treats and Chews We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat calming treats and chews. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cat calming treats and chews list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Calming Treats for Both Cats and Dogs
- Calming Chews for Cats
- Calming Drop Treats for Cats
- Hemp Calming Treats for Cats
- Calming Paw Gel for Cats
Calming Treats for Both Cats and Dogs
Ark Naturals Happy Traveler, Natural Calming Treats for Dogs & Cats
If your cat (and maybe the dog, too) doesn’t handle travel well, then you’ll want to take a look at this anti-anxiety chew.
Key Features:
- 2-pack
- Each bag includes 75 chews
- Made in the USA
Cost: $20
Paws & Pals Calming Treats for Dogs and Cats
By using calming ingredients like chamomile, ginger, and passion flower, your cat may finally be stress-free!
Key Features:
- Includes melatonin
- 180 soft chews
- Made in the USA
Cost: $20
Solliquin Behavior Supplement for Dogs & Cats
This is an ideal chew for your pet under 8 pounds, to ease her troubled mind and anxious heart.
Key Features:
- 60 chews
- Utilizes patented formula
- Best when used with behavior modification conditioning
Cost: $30
Vet Classics Stress Away Calming Aid for Dogs & Cats
This is an excellent option for the cat who has some anxieties and is over the age of twelve weeks.
Key Features:
- Natural, chemical-free
- 2 size options
- Made in the USA
Calming Chews for Cats
NaturVet –Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Cats Plus Melatonin
If you think your kitty will be better off just sleeping through a particularly anxious event, then these treats may be just what you’re looking for.
Key Features:
- 60 soft chews
- Wheat-free
- Made in the USA
Cost: $10
ThunderWunders Cat Calming Chews
If your cat doesn’t like the taste of these chews, you’re protected by the Finicky Feline Flavor guarantee – You’ll simply return them for a full refund!
Key Features:
- 100 chews
- Made with chamomile, L-Tryptophan, and thiamine
- Made in the USA
Cost: $15
VetriScience Laboratories Composure, Calming Formula for Cats
These chews use the trademarked Colostrum Calming Complex to get your cat relaxed and keep her calm.
Key Features:
- Subscribe and Save eligible
- 30 chews
- Give 1-2 chews daily
Cost: $10
These cat calming chews are specially designed with chamomile to keep your fur baby calmer than ever.
Key Features:
- 60 chews
- Chicken flavor
- 2 chews daily (no more than 4 in a 12-hour period)
Calming Drop Treats for Cats
Kinpur Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats
These drops are outstanding for your anxious kitty (and maybe her dog sibling).
Key Features:
- Made in the USA
- Includes hemp, Monega 3, 6, & 9
- No GMP, soy, or gluten
Cost: $15
RESTFUL PET – Anti Anxiety Aid for Cats and Dogs
This cat calming drop treat is organically grown and 100% natural.
Key Features:
- 2 fl oz
- For cats or dogs
- Made in the USA
Cost: $25
If you can anticipate your cat’s anxiety, then giving her these drops prior to the stressful event may help prevent any negative reaction.
Key Features:
- 2 sizes available
- Subscribe and Save eligible
- Made with 100% natural ingredients
Cat Calming Treats and Chews with Hemp
House of Healing Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats
These flavorless drops will provide your cat with a natural anxiety-reliever so you may be able to avoid harsh medications.
Key Features:
- 1,500 mg hemp
- Made in the USA
- 1 fl oz per bottle
Cost: $40
Howlite Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats
These natural hemp drops are ideal for your cat (or dog) who suffered from specific, even-caused anxieties.
Key Features:
- 8,000 mg hemp
- Includes MCT oil and hemp extract
- 1 fl oz per bottle
Cost: $20
NaturVet – Hemp Quiet Moments Calming Aid For Cats
This cat calming treat will use the hemp seed within to make sure you’re getting the quiet moments you’ll both appreciate.
Key Features:
- Use over the age of 12 weeks
- 2 chews every 30 minutes (do not exceed 4 in 12-hours)
- Includes chamomile, melatonin, ginger, and hemp seed
Cost: $15
Only Natural Pet Calming Hemp Soft Chews
This natural hemp calming treat is perfect for your anxious kitty.
Key Features:
- 2 size options
- Made in the USA
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cost: $25
Therabis Calm & Quiet Soft Chews for Cats
You’ll ease your kitty into a quiet and calm state after administering these calming treats.
Key Features:
- 30-day supply
- 1 g per chew
- Hemp sourced from Colorado
Cost: $20
ZPAW MOKAI Hemp Calming Treats for Dogs and Cats
Giving these hemp treats to all your animals before a traveling adventure is sure to keep everyone a bit more san for the trip!
Key Features:
- 2 sizes available
- Includes chamomile, valerian root, and L-tryptophan
- Relieves anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity
Calming Paw Gel for Cats
Licks Zen – Cat Calming – Cat Anxiety Relief
Your cat may not enter a zen-like state, but he’ll probably stop his aggressive anxiety-caused behaviors, and that’s a big win, too!
Key Features:
- 30 servings
- Flavored with rosemary and chicken
- Relaxation without drowsiness
Cost: $30
ThunderWunders Cat Calming Paw Gel
In a yummy salmon flavor, your cat won’t just tolerate this gel, she’ll think you’re spoiling her.
Key Features:
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Salmon flavor
- 3 oz
Cost: $15
Vet Worthy Calming Paw Gel Aid for Cats
Licking this gel off his paws will have your cat calm and relaxed in no time.
Key Features:
- Apply once daily, no more than 7 days in a row
- Made with chamomile and passion flower
- 3 oz
Cost: $5
