Calming Herbs for Felines

Abused or abandoned cats may experience trauma that's expressed as anxiety, fear or behavioral problems, such as biting and hissing. Likewise, a change may also make your formerly good-natured kitty become a nuisance. If you've rescued a cat that shows signs of maladjustment, or if your cat's behavior has suddenly changed, you may help her along by adding herbs and flower essences to her diet. You'll find any of the following at your health food store.

  1. Rescue Remedy

    • This flower remedy helps to heal fear caused by new or unusual situations, such as travel, trips to the vet or moving to a new home.

    Mimulus

    • If you can identify what makes your cat skittish, give her Mimulus. For instance, if you know she's not generally anxious but becomes agitated only when she hears the doorbell ring, this essence will help her calm down.

    Aspen

    • If your cat has a visible fear reaction to something, such as trembling, Aspen should help her. It can be combined with Mimulus.

    Chicory

    • If your cat seems possessive (for example, guards her toys and food) or clingy towards you or another human (often a sign of separation anxiety) give her Chicory.

    Holly

    • If your cat appears angry or irritable, Holly may help. One sign of anger is urinating on you or in front of you (but outside the cat box), unless your cat is sick.

    Honeysuckle

    • If your cat's life has changed (for example, if you have recently been divorced, moved or had a baby) and she seems sad now, give her some Honeysuckle.

    Vervain

    • Is your cat wearing you out with her hyperactivity? Does she also want your constant, undivided attention? Try Vervain to help mellow her out.

    Vine

    • If you suspect your cat has an alpha complex, needing to dominate you or bullying other pets in the household, giver her Vine.

    Calculating Dosage

    • The herbal formulas you buy will have the dosage for adults on the label. Based on it, the Herbs Place (see References) instructs you to divide your pet's weight by 150 to find what fraction of the adult's dosage you should give your cat. For instance, if your cat weighs six pounds, divide six by 150. The result is 0.04. Therefore, you should give your cat 4 percent of the adult's dosage.