Listening to soothing music is an excellent stress reducer for humans. The same is true with animals. If your dog has anxiety issues when left alone, leaving classical music playing during your absence can reduce your dog's anxiety. Dogs and cats that tend to have hyperactive personalities or noise related fears can often be calmed with soothing music.
On a personal note, I have a CD of meditation music that features the traditional Japanese flute. All of my pets are lulled into a state of relaxation or sleep within a few minutes of listening to this music. They relax with various selections of classical music and CDs designed for pet relaxation, but the reaction time to this CD is much quicker and longer lasting. When you find the music or sounds that your pet responds to, play it often for them, especially whenever you detect anxiety, fear, or stress in your pet. You may discover this music will also relieve your stress and allow you to relax.
By VeronicaHB
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De-stress your pets with music. To calm down your pets' distress, play classical music, preferably from a CD. They have a tendency to love the calm, soothing music and calm right down.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Can anyone recommend a calming spray for cats that works? Or even a recipe so that I can make my own. This would be for spraying rooms, carpeting, etc. - NOT the cats! We adopted a male cat (approx. 6 yrs. old) a little over a month ago. Our two females (11 and 6) are still not totally accepting of him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Have you tried Rescue Remedy? It's safe for humans and animals.
I also recommend Rescue Remedy and I have bought it in spray form.
Most health food stores carry it.
Since cats are very territorial, it will take some time for the established cats to accept the newcomer.
Try placing the cats in different rooms during some part of the day and giving the established kitties more attention.
Some aggression may occur, but don't let it get out of hand.
I highly recommend Feliway (or variations on this). You can't make it yourself because it contains calming pheremones that emit "happy cat" scent to de-stress your cats. The plug in works better than the spray--and it's great. Buy 1 bottle and you may not need to continue use after that.
I know Feliway has worked for some, but my cats considered the plug-in as yet another unfamiliar cat and hissed and growled at it. I think they thought it was a mini-cat in a bottle. They all heaved a sigh of relief when I unplugged it and put it away!
I agree with Utahyogini that it will take time. I have frequently acquired new cats and eventually they all get used to each other, even if the morning greeting is still the "morning hiss". I also agree that giving your established cats lots of attention is important. Mine all have specific places and ways for attention: one of them spends time with me when I'm in the bathroom!-- and one will only be petted when no other cat is in the room, one always gets her attention on a chair when I'm reading the newspaper, etc. My latest addition has finally been accepted after 8 months by all and sundry and the one who hissed and avoided the most is now seen to be sleeping with the kitten pillowed on her back.
Hope they get used to each other soon.
Cantate
Cats, especially females, are VERY territorial. Try some of the ideas we found effective when we brought our new puppy home to our two rather insulted girls:
P.S.
After a another couple of weeks, try laying a towel in some area or other and sprinkling with catnip.
This is sure to be some kind of "ice breaker" for your kitties.
I use catnip when my cat has arthritis pain or is upset because of any reason. She goes to her bed and sleeps after she smells it a little. good luck
Update: I made a spray of my own made by adding lavender and also clary sage essential oil to water and sprayiing it in common areas, which helped a little. I then bought a bottle of Feliway (which I had used before and forgot about trying this time) and it has made a BIG difference in their behavior.
I have found through haveing many pets, if you pet your animals and exchange their sents, I found this helps.
Has anyone used a product called comfort zone? You plug it into a wall socket, it has some kind of oil in it. To help calm down your pets.
Ruthann
I have been using Comfort Zone for the last couple of months. I have one in each end of the house, I also use a phermone spray in "trouble" areas. I am not sure which one is working but I haven't had any problems with my cat spraying since I have started using them.
I have a older cat who urinates on things mostly piles of clothes. The vet recommended this comfort zone and believe me it does not work.
I haven't had any luck with the spray version of this with my sofa/bed/carpet/any-thing-cloth peeing cat. Seems everyone recommended it to me with praise, though.
They're costly, but - if you can afford to give it a try - I'd still say to give it a try since everyone else seemed to have good luck with it.
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Is your new puppy crying and keeping you up at night? Put on some lullaby or calming classical music and you and your puppy will have sweet dreams.
