Any situation that makes changes to the usual way of life can cause anxiety for a mustachioed pet. Each animal expresses it differently: it experiences fear, shows aggression, cries, asking a person for help, or simply gets mad.
In this state, it risks harming itself and others, as well as damaging furniture or wallpaper. To avoid sad consequences, you need to calm down a hyperactive kitten or an adult pet as soon as possible. The methods below will help you with this.
Signs of aggression in cats
The reaction to stress manifests itself differently in cats; an inexperienced owner may not immediately recognize fear in the animal’s behavior.
When cats behave nervously:
- lick the skin on one side of the body (one paw, one side);
- calm themselves by making loud purring sounds;
- become completely indifferent to their favorite food or become overly gluttonous;
- They begin to gnaw on various objects and chew indoor flowers.
In case of severe fright due to a loud sound or the appearance of a dog, pets:
- they freeze in place, flattening their ears, tucking their paws and tail under them;
- attempt to escape;
- trying to hide in a dark, secluded place.
During an attack of aggression, small predators begin:
- arching the back to look larger, inflating the tail and hair on the body;
- hiss loudly, snort, howl, showing his teeth;
- look closely at the object that causes aggression;
- rhythmically whip the tail over the body, twitch it;
- hit an approaching object with the front paws with claws extended.
If a panic reaction occurs (if the cat was unable to hide or protect itself), the animal experiences:
- copious flow of saliva, similar to foam;
- loud scream, heartbreaking meow;
- involuntary urination.
How to identify the cause of anger in a cat
Domestic cats, unlike dogs, have retained many of the qualities inherent in wild animals. Instinct tells them that danger can come from any object.
Pain inadvertently inflicted on a cat by a person leads to the idea that he poses a danger.
What can cause panic and aggression in an animal:
- moving, unfamiliar surroundings;
- the appearance of new things, other animals in the house;
- strangers (especially if they try to touch or stroke him);
- household appliances that make loud sounds (vacuum cleaner, electric meat grinder, etc.);
- poor health, illness;
- excessive affection from a person;
- games with children if the latter begin to cuddle the pet.
Boredom, loneliness
At night, pets get used to sleeping next to their owner; when separated, they do not fall asleep, ask to go to bed, and become active. During the day, an animal in an apartment may be openly bored, meowing from boredom, asking to be played with, dropping and scratching objects.
Solution
To prevent your pet from getting bored, create a corner for him to play and have fun. There you need to put a scratching post, hammocks, hang bells, balls, teasers. Toys need to be updated periodically; the animal gets used to them. The owners also keep fish in a closed aquarium and small parrots. It’s better to play with the cat with mice and radio-controlled cars yourself, and start training it.
The problem of loneliness can be solved by leaving the doors to the bedroom open and making a hole so that the cat can walk back and forth freely. If you need to wean your pet from sleeping with its owner, first make a bed, train it with mint, and then move it to the right place.
Features of the use of sedatives
Often, taking sedatives is a way to normalize a cat’s condition in the period before castration, a long trip, a visit to a veterinary clinic, or home renovations.
Sedative drugs have two types of action: cumulative and immediate. In the first case, you should start giving them to the animal 10-14 days before the expected event.
Often taking sedatives is a good way to normalize a cat’s condition.
Instant-acting drugs act quickly, but are harmful to the body; such drugs should not be used too often.
Popular herbal preparations:
Chemical sedatives:
Important! Before using any sedatives, consult a veterinarian.
Pills
Calming pills are the most emergency way to calm the heat. In this case, the owner must understand the risk he is taking, because these are hormonal medications and, after taking them, there can be very bad consequences; tumors may begin to form in your pet.
When purchasing such products, seek help from a veterinarian because only an experienced specialist can help you choose the right medicine that will help calm and not harm your pet so much during estrus.
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There are cases when a cat during heat was calmed by classical music. For example, works by Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky. Such cases are quite rare and depend on the character of your pet. Calm music stimulates the cat's desire to sleep and this helps calm the pet's heat.
Is Valerian safe?
Important! The herb valerian has long been considered a mild sedative of plant origin, but not for cats.
Valerian acts on cats as a stimulant that can increase aggression, sexual desire, and hallucinations. In case of overdose, an epileptic seizure may develop.
Catnip is also not a sedative for cats.
Folk recipes
You can choose a sedative for your cat from folk recipes. Infusions give a temporary effect, so you need to give them to your pet regularly. Collecting herbs helps well (parts indicated):
- Baikal skullcap (2);
- motherwort (2);
- catnip (1);
- hops (2).
Herbs are mixed and 1.5 tbsp. l. pour 400 ml of boiling water. The product is infused for 5 hours, then filtered and the liquid is given to the cat after eating (can be added to food) 1 tsp. four times a day. Since the infusion includes catnip, you won’t have to force it to drink the liquid; your pet will start asking for more on its own. When cats get angry, you can calm them down with another infusion.
It includes:
- swamp grass;
- hawthorn flowers;
- motherwort;
- plantain and peppermint leaves;
- liquorice root;
- horsetail.
All plants are taken one part at a time and mixed. Then 2 tbsp. l. collection, pour 300 ml of boiling water and leave for 24 hours. Then the liquid is filtered and given to the cat 4 times a day, 1 tsp, after meals. You can simply add the infusion to your pet’s drinking water.
How else to calm cats? You can simply splash cold water on them. However, this is only a temporary cooling; over time, the attack of aggression may recur.
Source
How to suppress aggression and calm down
You can quickly suppress aggression in an adult animal like this:
- Wear thick clothes and thick gloves, take a blanket and wrap the aggressive cat, holding him in your arms until he is completely calm.
- Spray the cat with water.
- Leave the animal indoors for a while, during which time the anger will gradually subside.
- Don't look the cat in the eye.
- Prepare in advance a place in the room where the pet can hide.
- Do not punish your pet - punishment will only provoke a repeated attack of anger.
What should you do to avoid using medications?
The option when the fluffy one is isolated in a room is controversial. For a pet that is constantly indoors, such an exit will not bring significant inconvenience. In the absence of attention, she begins to behave more calmly. If a cat is used to constant walks outside, this is a rather stressful situation.
Many owners try to help the cat when she wants a cat by involving her in outdoor games. Fluffy beauties are distracted from the problem and spend excess energy. Children take part in such games. The pleasure is mutual.
Don't discount hygiene factors. Cats, being naturally neat animals, during the period of heat become even more demanding of external conditions. Not cleaning the toilet on time can provoke irritation and aggression in pets. She can find a place for the toilet not in the usual place, but where she sees fit. To avoid creating additional problems, you should clean the tray more often.
We recommend reading: Treatment of Enteritis in Dogs
For breeders, the issue of estrus is resolved at a professional level. A cat of the same breed is selected, an acquaintance takes place, and after the allotted time, cute purebred babies are born.
How to calm an active kitten
When a kitten is not sleeping, it always shows increased activity and is full of energy. Every day the little animal grows, learns, and encounters something new. Everything unknown can cause sudden fear or an attack of aggression in the baby.
To calm down an angry kitten or calm a frightened one, you should try using the following methods of influence:
- Relieve excessive activity or stress through games.
- Use interesting toys that can captivate a small pet (a furry mouse, a ball with a bell on a long rope), putting them out of reach the rest of the time.
- Do not stop the game abruptly, wait until the kitten is really tired.
- Offer your baby a favorite food or treat at the end of the game.
- Ignore the kitten if the behavior becomes aggressive, end the game immediately.
- Prepare a comfortable place for your little fidget to sleep (cardboard box, basket, fur house).
What not to do
- Beat the animal.
It's a long-known truth: with cats, physical punishment does more harm than good. And the only benefit lies in the fact that the owner “blows off steam.” Otherwise, if an aggressive cat is spanked or kicked, mental deviations are inevitable, and it is much more difficult to correct behavior in the future.
- Feed.
As soon as the owner treats the cat with delicious canned food a couple of times after it has rushed at her feet, aggressive behavior receives powerful food reinforcement. Kitty will not hesitate to use a new way of getting food, and the owners will find themselves in a vicious circle. It is acceptable to offer a treat only to a scared, not an angry cat, but there is a good chance that the animal will ignore the treat.
Source
How to trim your nails calmly
There is the simplest way to calm a cat before trimming its claws: you need to attach a pair of clothespins (with weak compression force) to the scruff of the neck.
You need to prepare in advance for a long trip by train, car or flight.
This is where psychology comes into play; in childhood, a cat carries a kitten, holding this place with its teeth; if there is compression in the nape area, the animal instinctively calms down and relaxes.
How to calm your pet on the road
For a long trip by train, car or flight, you need to prepare in advance . If the date of the trip is known, it is worth starting taking cumulative sedatives; if the trip was not planned, you can give your furry pupil a medicine that instantly affects the nervous system.
But the most important thing is to get a comfortable carrying bag for your trip. You need to purchase it in advance so that the cat gets used to the new thing. It is necessary to allow the cat not only to examine the bag, but also to sleep in it for several days. Several diapers for the toilet, clean water, dry food - items necessary on a long trip.
Signs of aggression in cats
Before “going berserk,” your pet gives clear signals about an upcoming burst of aggression. How to determine that an animal is preparing to attack:
- angry grin;
- growling and hissing;
- mustaches and ears are pressed down;
- dilated pupils;
- wool standing on end;
- a crooked, awkward pose;
- looking directly at the target or clearly avoiding eye contact.
The cat looks angry, irritated, on edge, as if he is unable to relax, and explodes at the slightest provocation. Almost anything can provoke such a release of negativity - from the fright of an awakened animal to serious changes in the environment or place of residence. For example, it is almost guaranteed that a cat will “go mad” when there are a large number of strangers, the appearance of a new pet, or when moving frequently.
Aggression can be intraspecific (cat-cat) and interspecific (cat-another animal, cat-human). Also, sometimes the pet attacks and tears objects.
Sometimes the pet attacks and tears objects
The condition can appear suddenly and plunge the living object of attack into psychological shock - the same as the one in which the cat itself is.
Animal psychologists say: signs of aggression in cats very often mask fear and severe stress in which the animal itself is. The cat wants to, but cannot find a way out of the situation and understand it. He can be helped by simply understanding what led to the aggression.
Buy an automatic document feeder
If your cat gets hungry at night and can't find food, she will come looking for her human to feed her.
Using an automatic feeder is a great way to give your cat a limited amount of food at night without having to deliver it yourself! Your cat will soon learn to sit and wait for the feeder to give her food instead of coming and waking you up.
You can also purchase slow feeders shaped like small mice. You can fill them with a kibble before bed and place them around the house for your cat to sniff and “hunt” while you sleep.
How to identify the cause of anger in a cat
There may be several reasons why a cat can react so painfully to its surroundings, and they are not always obvious to the owner.
Fear
The main reason for the “brutality” of a cat driven into a corner by a difficult situation and not receiving support. Such an animal has no other choice but to attack. Any non-standard or unpleasant situation can cause fear - from a sharp sound and bright light to procedures in the veterinary office.
Fear makes an animal's behavior unpredictable
Veterinarians often observe classic aggression from fear. It looks like this:
- the cat shrinks into a ball and tucks its tail, trying to become as small as possible;
- the cat may urinate, defecate or mark;
- horror appears in the animal’s eyes, then anger comes.
Fear forces the animal to express the request with its entire body and behavior: “Leave me alone!” However, the stressful situation continues for various reasons, and the pet decides that he has only one way out - an attack.
- If possible, leave the animal alone;
- provide shelter (carrying, dark corner) until calm.
In the future, the cat needs to be gently removed from the state of stress and socialized.
The cat was friendly and calm, and suddenly began to hiss and rush at people and animals? Such behavior can be the cause of illness, even with seemingly convincing external signs of her health.
Aggression in a cat can be one of the signs of pain
There are diseases that occur without external manifestations, for example:
- epilepsy;
- toxoplasmosis;
- encephalopathy;
- hyperthyroidism;
- heavy metal poisoning.
It is necessary to check the pet's health - consult a doctor, do an ultrasound, take blood, feces and urine tests.
If you notice any abnormal manifestations, contact your veterinarian
An aggressive reaction can occur if a person, while caressing a cat, accidentally touches a sore spot. There are also cases of a cat attacking if the owner steps on its paw, or a child causes pain to the animal (pulling the tail, squeezing it). If a cat is over 12 years old, it may develop age-related diseases, for example, arthritis - you should handle an older pet with extreme care.
It is common knowledge that cats sometimes bite their owners' legs. This happens if:
- do not play with the animal;
- the cat survived on the street alone;
- the kitten was taken from the litter too early (before 3 months).
Unpleasant manifestations are “treated” with the help of education (teach the animal that bites and scratches immediately stop fun play and communication) or interactive toys that will keep the cat occupied for a long time.
A cat may bite its owner due to lack of attention
Claims to territory
Most often, this type of aggression occurs between cats, but can be directed at a person or another pet. A territorial war is almost guaranteed to break out if you have a couple or more uncastrated animals of the same sex living in your home.
- take animals to a veterinarian for spaying or neutering;
- place bowls of food in different rooms or corners;
- Buy each animal a separate tray.
To avoid conflict between cats, each has its own bowl
Protection of offspring
If the kittens are in danger (or appear to be), the mother cat may react inappropriately to people and other pets in order to protect her young.
By protecting the cub, the cat becomes a tigress
- do not disturb the cat and kittens unnecessarily;
- arrange a reliable and safe corner for the cat family;
- limit contact with people and other animals as much as possible for 2-3 weeks.
Reaction to affection
Maybe you touched a sore or, from the cat’s point of view, inappropriate place, or the cat has become overexcited and can no longer tolerate physical contact.
Before an act of aggression, a cat usually gives signals:
- meows;
- twitches skin;
- wags or beats its tail;
- stops purring;
- flattens ears or twitches them;
- crouches, trying to avoid touching.
Pay attention to your pet's signals and you will avoid an aggressive attack.
If you weren't careful, you'll get bitten out of turn
Sometimes a cat's aggression can be redirected . The animal heard a sharp sound, experienced pain, noticed an inaccessible stress factor, but does not understand the cause of the discomfort or cannot reach it and eliminate it. A classic case is when a cat sees another cat outside the window, but cannot go out and make territorial claims to it. Then the animal may attack a person or another pet, trying to get rid of discomfort.
When should you go to the vet?
Alarm bells to see a doctor include diarrhea in a kitten and more frequent urination than usual. It is especially dangerous if it is accompanied by vomiting, high body temperature, and signs of blood in the urine and feces. The doctor will determine whether these are symptoms of poisoning, stomach problems (food is poorly digested), or whether the pet has caught some kind of pathogenic infection.
It is clear that without special knowledge it is impossible to make a diagnosis, much less choose a treatment option. There is a danger of missing time and being late with treatment.
As for worms, this nuisance happens, if not to every pet, then to most, for sure, so a course of preventive medications, which is usually prescribed by a veterinarian, will only benefit your kitten.
If the kitten meows in the toilet when he wants to pee, sits in the litter tray for a long time and cannot do anything, be sure to take him to the veterinary clinic for an appointment. Purulent discharge should cause particular concern if you suddenly find it in the tray after your pet’s visit there. This may be due to the presence of dangerous pathogens in the bladder, and this is a problem that can only be dealt with by a doctor.
People also turn to the veterinarian with less serious, but also very important for some people problems: if a kitten annoys its owners too much by crying just because it is capricious and wants to be the center of attention both day and night, the doctor can prescribe safe for health, soothing preparations from medicinal plant materials.
Authors of the articles: Belanta Clinic team
How to calm a cat
The main recommendation is not to hit an animal in response to aggression. First of all, because he’s already feeling bad. In addition, cats are touchy and take a long time to understand the evil and injustice caused to them.
To calm your cat or remove him from a stressful place, you can pick up the animal. Wear protective clothing and throw a blanket or thick blanket over him. This measure is temporary, it can even anger the cat even more, but it is irreplaceable for a number of situations - for example, when you are in a public place.
Video - How to calm a cat
How to calm a cat when he's "mad"
- Spray water from a spray bottle. This will save your hands from scratches if the animal jumps on you. It also works well when a cat is fighting with another pet.
- Step back. Taking a few steps away from your cat will help reduce her stress levels. You can go into another room for 10-30 minutes, or provide this opportunity to the cat.
- Separate conflicting pets into separate rooms. The ideal option is to introduce animals gradually.
- Sit down or lie down on the floor. This will make you seem smaller and less dangerous to the animal.
- Don't make eye contact. Cats perceive direct gaze as a sign of aggression and imminent attack.
This beast really needs peace
When you are on the same plane, you are equal
Your main trump cards are patience and love. It will take a long time to develop trust, but you will achieve a harmonious, friendly relationship with your pet.
How to calm a screaming cat
Does your cat scream often and loudly? This reaction can be caused by several reasons.
- Disease. Age-related changes, psychological disorders, acute diseases - all this can provoke cat screams. Often the animal reacts with screams to helminthiasis and intestinal obstruction.
- Hunger and thirst. Check the animal's bowls - are there food and water in them? Change food and water or refill bowls.
- Lack of attention. A new pet, the birth of a child, or the constant busyness of the owners cause discomfort to the cat, and she tries to attract attention to herself.
- Lack of physical activity. Play with the animal and do not let it rest in the evenings.
- Hormonal surge. Sexual heat in a cat causes many imbalances in behavior. A day or night cry signals that the cat is ready and wants to mate. Castrate the cat, give him a sedative or ensure mating. You can read how to prepare a cat for castration in our article.
So far we have been talking about adult cats, but how to calm a kitten when he is angry? Animal psychologists advise gently holding the animal close, stroking it, and talking soothingly.
Nighttime screaming is especially annoying to owners and neighbors. How to calm a cat at night? There are no quick ways to calm an animal for a long time. A radical restructuring of the daily routine is needed.
Veterinarians' advice on how to calm a cat before bathing
How to calm a cat who wants a cat
A common reason for a cat's screaming and aggression is the desire to mate. It is not difficult to determine when a cat reaches puberty - the pet is “ready for love” between 8 or 10 months of life. How to determine that a cat wants a cat? Instincts become more acute at the end of winter and manifest themselves:
During the rut, a suffering cat can cause a lot of problems.
- aggressive attitude;
- hissing and loud meowing;
- reluctance to contact;
- biting and scratching;
- marking the territory.
How to calm the storm of cat hormones and what means to use for this?
- If possible, release the cat. He will satisfy his natural desire and return home. After returning, give him a bath, worm him, and take him to the vet if necessary.
- Give your animal a sedative or hormonal medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Proven options for tablets and drops for cats against partying: “Gestrenol”, “Stop-stress”, “Contrasex”, “Sex-barrier”, “Fitex”, “Cat Bayun”, “Libidomin”, “Stop-intim”.
- Have your cat castrated at the veterinary clinic. This method is long-term and most reliable.
Table. Sedatives for adult cats
Medicines
Calming tablets are the most radical way to correct the hormonal levels of “walking” cats. Conventionally, they can be divided into two main types:
- Hormonal. They block sexual arousal, interrupting estrus. There are many drugs of domestic and foreign production on sale, the most popular of which are “Stop Intim”, “Gestrenol”, “Sex Barrier”, “Anti Meow”, “Pillkan”.
- Mild sedatives, including homeopathic ones. Tablet drops “Cat Bayun”, “Feliway”, as well as “Suprastin” or regular “Valocordin” help relieve emotional and physical stress.
Ferromones. The synthetic ferromone “Feliway”, produced in the form of a diffuser, shows itself well in practice. The device is connected to an outlet and operates within the entire apartment or a separate room (depending on the area). One package is designed to be used for approximately 4 weeks.
You can now view the current price of sedatives and buy them right here:
Which of the above methods will work can only be determined by trial and error. The main thing is to be patient and understand that the cat is not engaged in “sabotage” on purpose, but at the call of nature.
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How to calm a small and active kitten - basic tips
Having your own pet is a dream that many want to make come true. A pet that you can take care of will become an excellent friend and ally.
When choosing a pet, many people prefer a young cat or dog. If the choice falls on a small kitten, it is desirable that it adapts well and adapts to home conditions.
But most often the kitten turns out to be too active and playful. There is no need to worry about this. If you pay due attention to discipline and education, an obedient and moderately calm pet will grow out of a hyperactive fidget.
Kitten activity
The behavior of a small representative of the cat family is very similar to the behavior of a small child. He also knows how to rage, play pranks, and disobey. An 8-week-old kitten may be more active than its one-year-old counterpart. But, as experts note, there are cat breeds that are hyperactive on their own and this is the norm for their character.
How to calm a kitten when he's mad
If it’s time to sleep, but you can’t calm down the kitten, here are some simple tips that will help your pet become more disciplined:
Play with him
To release some of the kitten's pent-up energy, an excellent solution would be to include him in play. A suitable option is an imitation fishing rod. By changing its direction and speed, you can create the impression of hunting prey. You can also encourage the kitten by making it run after the ball. But you shouldn’t use yarn for the game. This can lead to intestinal diseases in your pet. It is not the most suitable way to calm a kitten by including your hand and fingers in the game. This will provoke him even more.
Reward him with food
You should not leave food for your ward in the public domain. It will be better if you create conditions similar to those in the wild. For every labor there is a reward in the form of food. There are many devices on sale now that are labyrinths. To get to the food, the kitten will first have to locate it. After a good game and satisfaction of hunger, the kitten will definitely want to sleep.
Create conditions
Currently, pet stores offer a huge selection of cat houses. As you know, cats love high spaces from where they can observe. Additionally, tall spaces provide more room for exploration. If the house is equipped with shelves, a scratching post, and a hidden area, the kitten will happily mark its territory and release energy. An ordinary box can be a replacement for a purchased house, because cats like not only high, but also enclosed spaces.
Discipline him
It happens that a kitten is completely out of control and nothing helps to calm it down. In this case, you need to use suitable parenting methods. Growing kittens, like children, need a mentor and respond to strict and consistent discipline. Don't yell at him or hit him for bad behavior. He may remember this and be offended. If the kitten does not understand a calm tone, you should leave him alone in the room for a few minutes. It also helps to sober up a bully if you splash water on him or lightly flick him on the nose. You should not abuse such methods.
Calming a kitten will not be difficult. As in any business, it pays to put in a little diligence and patience. Perhaps the kitten is lonely and is trying to attract attention. In this case, you can get him a companion. In the new company, he will feel responsible and become calmer and more flexible.
Sources:
https://kotikdoma.com/uhod-za-koshkami/sredstva-uhoda-za-koshkami/kak-uspokoit-kota.html https://pets-expert.ru/kak-uspokoit-kota/ https://pristor .ru/kak-uspokoit-malenkogo-i-aktivnogo-kotenka-osnovnye-sovety/
Correcting cat behavior
If the pet is absolutely healthy and is awake at night, the heart-rending meowing is not associated with any diseases or pathologies, using our recommendations and advice you can wean the cat from making noise at night.
If your cat runs around your apartment or house at night, organize a variety of active leisure activities for your cat. Buy toys that imitate the movements of animals and birds. They will help realize the hunting instinct, and the pet will be interested. Games with balls and wind-up mice will provide great entertainment for cats who love to chase prey. You need to play with your pet until you are sure that the animal is tired. Organize a play complex, climbing shelves, vertical supports with a platform, buy interactive toys.
Play with your pet an hour or two before bedtime, then feed him. It is best to give your cat chicken, beef, or any other meat food before a night's rest. After physical activity and a satisfying meal, cats usually go to bed.
If a cat is nervous, behaves restlessly, reacts inadequately to external stimuli, walks around the house at night, meows pitifully not only at night, but also during the day, it is possible that the cat is experiencing discomfort and pain due to an illness or worsened chronic pathology. Carefully observe the condition and behavior of your pet. If you notice symptoms of malaise or a deterioration in general condition, take the cat to the clinic for examination and diagnostic testing.
If your cat meows due to lack of affection or attention, pay him some attention before going to bed. Hygiene procedures can be useful for business
Comb the fur, clean the ears, and inspect the eyes. After a portion of affection and attention, making sure of the strength of the emotional connection, the cat will sleep sweetly until the morning.