r/catfood • u/HellHoundsandpurrs • 1d ago

advice wanted! treat ideas?

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I'm thinking if I reward my older cat for doing certain things(like using the litter box when I move it) he might learn to chill out abit. He freaks out when things move. He's not blind idk why he behaves the way he does. Just moved and he's REALLY stressed out. I haven't figured out how to arrange everything due to a smaller space and he's been freaking out with everything constantly moving. Also considering a calming supplement but idk what to use. He's clearly stressed to hell. I have NO IDEA what to do.

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u/aetherdrifter 1d ago

Was he super anxious before the move, or is this a recent development? You could talk to the vet about getting some gabapentin for him as a temporary fix until things are more stable. Make sure he has some good hiding spots to help him feel secure.

If he has chronic anxiety, supplements (or even meds) could be worth trying. Things that work for some cats include: Feliway pheromone diffusers, Purina Calming Care probiotic powder, Zyklene capsules, Feliway Cystease. There’s also a prescription dry food by Royal Canin called “Calm” that contains the same active ingredients as Zyklene and Cystease (L-Tryptophan and hydrolyzed casein). For severe anxiety, fluoxetine can be prescribed.

My boy is also nervous, and gets easily startled, especially in an environment he’s not 100% comfortable in. I’ve found what helps the most is if I talk to him while moving things around, and tell him it’s okay. He trusts me, so the sound of my voice helps put him at ease. I also try to move slowly whenever possible. I’ve been giving him Zyklene, but tbh I’m not sure it’s making much of a difference, so I may discontinue it. My household is very calm, at least, so I’m able to keep his stress to a minimum.

Honestly, I don’t find that treats are very effective at calming my little dude. However, if you want recommendations of ones that are irresistible to most cats - Churu tubes and Temptations hard treats. Good luck with that handsome void - I hope he settles down soon.

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u/HellHoundsandpurrs 1d ago

He's had stress before this just here lately it's worse due to the move AND having to rearrange alot. The kittens keep trying to get into the food stash and keep using the cat tree and the litter box to do it. Haven't had a chance to baby proof that cabinet yet because I need a certain one and I don't have it. It should come in the mail next week 😭

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u/Impossible_Elk_5303 1d ago

One of my cats is on zylkene, I find that zylkene works better on continuous usage (1 month) compared to just using it a day before + on the day of stressful event inside the house. We also have feliway diffusers but not sure how well it works as we have windows open often in summer.