Can I use natural oil remedies to calm down my kitten?
Can I use natural oil remedies to calm down my kitten?
I adopted a 4 month old kitten last week and he’s quiet skittish. The foster mother told me that he was skittish. He is very calm when I’m with him. He will knead my arm and tummy, lick me, and purr all the time. Then if I am walking up the stairs or get up really fast he freaks out and runs away. Also when I first get inside my room (safe room) he runs from whatever he’s doing and hides until he notices it’s me. Can I buy those natural remedies at pet stores to help calm him from being so skittish.
p.s. he has been quiet sick with a URI and worms.
Best answer:
Answer by Sarah
You can use artificial hormones to make him feel more comfortable. Feliway is the best choice although it is kind of expensive. Give him time to adjust as well, he will come around and get more used to his surroundings. Hes still quite young so hes still learning about everything in the world, he might just be a little cautious until then, hence the skittishness.
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All or part of his skittishness may pass as he grows up and as he becomes secure with his new surroundings. It could also be how he is wired as an individual. Cats vary as we do.
You could try Feliway, as the other poster suggested. Or you could give him time and see how he develops.
I would be wary of many items sold in pet stores. The pet remedy industry seems to be poorly or haphazardly regulated with regard labeling and ingredients.
Special precaution is needed with cats with products labeled “for pets” as many substances that are safe for dogs are lethally poisonous to cats. You mentioned “oils” in your question and that raised a red flag with me.
If you mean “essential oils” such as those used for aromatherapy in humans virtually all are toxic to cats. A few examples of these are lavendar, cedar, bergamot, spruce, thyme, and eucalyptus. So if you are unsure about an ingredient, don’t know what it is, don’t buy it.
There is one product besides Feliway that I know is safe for cats and helps with stress, physical or emotional, shock and trauma. That is Rescue Remedy. I wouldn’t use it for just a high-strung temperment though.
I recommend waiting at least a couple months before doing anything.