Calming Aids for Stressed Cats: DIY Cat Treats, Scents & More!
Published On: 10/20/2025
Last Updated On:10/20/2025
By Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama and our Hooman Ashley!
FREE CAT HAIR HACKS
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FREE CAT HAIR HACKS ⬇️
Life’s not always sunshine and sardines. 😿
Doorbells, storms, car rides, and that vacuum monster can turn any cat into a nervous noodle.
As four rescue cats with Big Feelings, we’ve tested (and napped on) everything from homemade remedies to store-bought cozy zones.
Here’s what actually works to bring the calm back — naturally, sustainably, and sometimes with 2-day shipping.
1. DIY Calming Cat Treats – “Purrfect Peace Bites”
Ingredients
1 cup oat flour
½ cup canned tuna (in water)
1 egg
1 tsp catnip or valerian root powder
1 tbsp pumpkin purée
Instructions
Mix, roll into bite-sized pieces, and bake at 325°F for 10–12 minutes. Cool before serving.
✅ Why it helps: Protein and pumpkin soothe the tummy, while catnip or valerian reduce stress naturally.
1. DIY Calming Cat Treats – “Purrfect Peace Bites”
2. DIY “Pheromone-Inspired” Natural Scent
Synthetic diffusers work — but we like to keep things green (and non-electric).
Cat-Safe Blend
2 tbsp dried chamomile
1 tbsp valerian root
1 tbsp catnip
Optional: ½ tsp dried lavender buds
1 cup distilled water + a splash of witch hazel
Simmer herbs for 10 minutes, strain, cool, and pour into a spray bottle. Mist near beds or carriers — never directly on cats.
✅ Why it helps: Chamomile and valerian calm nerves; catnip adds familiarity. It mimics the comforting vibe of pheromones — minus the chemicals.
3. Calming Beds & Weighted Blankets from Amazon
Not all cat beds are created equal — and we’ve shed on plenty. These are the purrfect ones for anxious felines who crave softness, warmth, and that “safe den” feeling.
1. Best Overall: The Original Calming Donut Cat Bed
👉 View on Amazon
Ultra-plush faux-fur with raised edges that make cats feel enclosed and protected. Great for multi-cat households and older kitties with joint stiffness.
2. For Senior Snugglers: Balance Anti-Slip Bottom Super Soft Plush Bed
👉 View on Amazon
Higher supportive edge that offers excellent support for your senior cats neck and head. Machine washable and warm enough for winter nights in Pennsylvania.
3. Weighted Option: PetFusion Weighted Cat Blanket
👉 View on Amazon
Light, breathable, and evenly weighted (about 2 lbs). The pressure mimics gentle cuddles — ideal for nervous rescues or thunder-phobic cats.
4. Eco Pick: Meowfia Wool Cat Cave
👉 View on Amazon
Made from natural New Zealand wool — durable, sustainable, and irresistibly cozy. Bonus: it looks gorgeous in any living room.
✅ Why they help:
Raised edges = safety. Soft texture = comfort. Weighted pressure = relaxation. Combine one of these beds with your new scent spray, and you’ve got a feline spa.
A Rescue Cat’s Reminder
Stress isn’t “bad behavior.” It’s communication.
Give your cat a safe space, healthy routine, and sensory comfort — and they’ll give you purrs, not panic.
Whether it’s a warm bed, a homemade treat, or a chamomile-scented cuddle session, calm begins with connection.
🐾 Coming tomorrow on Stray Cat News
Recap: Cozy Kitty Café Terrarium Build with Cats – 10/18 Stroudsburg, PA
Oh… meow… goodness. 🐈☕🌱
The cats have opinions about soil, succulents, and human crafting skills — and we can’t wait to spill the catnip on what went down at Cozy Kitty Café’s Paws & Terrariums event in Stroudsburg, PA!
From latte foam mustaches to purring supervisors “helping” build terrariums, we were there (paws-on) to capture every adorable, chaotic, and heart-melting moment.
In tomorrow’s feature, we’ll share:
✨ Behind-the-scenes cat chaos (aka “creative direction”)
🌿 The Roots & Rivers terrarium-making magic
🐾 The adoptable café cats who totally stole the show
💚 How this local event brought plant lovers, rescue cats, and the community together
It’s the cat café crossover episode we’ve all been waiting for — part botanical bliss, part feline fabulousness. 🌸🐾
👉 Don’t miss tomorrow’s full article:
“Recap: Cozy Kitty Café Terrarium Build with Cats” — right here on Stray Cat News!
