Calming herbs for stressed cats – How natural forces can help your cat
Cats are sensitive creatures, and many cat owners are familiar with the problem: Their beloved companion appears stressed, withdrawn, or restless. Changes in their environment, strangers, noise, moving, or even new furniture can trigger stress, restlessness, or withdrawal . Instead of immediately resorting to medication, many cat owners rely on a gentle, natural solution: calming herbs .
Nature offers a variety of plants that can stimulate or calm cats in different ways. In this article, you'll learn which herbs have a calming effect on cats , which combinations are particularly beneficial, and why not every cat reacts the same .
🌿 Why do herbs work for cats?
Cats have a highly developed sense of smell with around 200 million olfactory cells—more than twice as many as humans. Some herbs contain essential oils or plant-based active ingredients (e.g., iridoids, sclareol, flavonoids) that can have either a stimulating or calming effect on the cat's central nervous system.
They influence, among other things:
- behavior (e.g. playing, purring, rolling)
- the stress level (e.g. relaxation, withdrawal)
- well-being (e.g. curiosity, security)
Important: These reactions are instinctive , but not equally strong in every cat – because every cat is an individual with its own taste in smell.
💜 Lavender – Gentle serenity from Provence
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is known for its calming, anxiolytic, and harmonizing properties —even in cats. The essential oils in lavender have the following effects:
- relaxing effect on the nervous system
- balancing in cases of restlessness or irritability
- slightly sleep-inducing for nervous cats
Combined with valerian, a well-rounded relaxation profile is created: lavender gently calms, valerian brings deep relaxation.
⚠️ Note : Use only in small quantities and not as an oil – cats are sensitive to concentrated essential oils!
🧡 Valerian – The classic among cat herbs
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) contains actinidin , a substance that elicits a euphoric, playful response in many cats. This is usually followed by a period of deep relaxation. Typical reactions:
- Rolling, rubbing, drooling, meowing
- Afterwards: dozing, cleaning, lying quietly
Valerian is particularly helpful in cases of inner tension or understimulation – for example in indoor cats.
🌿 Anise Hyssop (Agastache) – Gently brightens the mood
Anise hyssop is a lesser-known but very exciting plant. It has a slightly sweet and spicy note and is often used as a mood enhancer for humans and animals. In cats, anise hyssop can:
- have a slightly activating effect
- Arouse interest and curiosity
- while at the same time conveying a gentle feeling of well-being
In combination with valerian, an exciting interplay of activation and relaxation is created.
🌱 Rosemary – The invigorating clear thinker
Rosemary isn't intended for cats to eat, but its scent can have a focusing and revitalizing effect in small amounts. The terpenes it contains promote:
- blood circulation
- spiritual “wakefulness”
- a clear olfactory impression
Rosemary combined with mint has a stimulating and clarifying effect – particularly suitable for cats that appear stressed or listless.
🍃 Mint – freshness for body and senses
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the star among cat herbs – almost every second cat responds to it with a true rush of happiness. Other mint varieties, such as peppermint and corn mint, also have beneficial effects when combined with other herbs:
- invigorating, soothing fragrances
- a short activation phase
- followed by a phase of balance
Mint is ideal as a combination herb because it harmonizes with almost all other herbs.
🎋 Matatabi – The Asian Wake-Up
Matatabi (Actinidia polygama), also known as silver vine , is native to Japan and China and contains the iridoid actinidin —similar to valerian. The effect:
- stimulating and euphoric
- often more intense than catnip
- can give new impulses to older or disinterested cats
Mint creates a varied stimulation that often leads to a relaxed resting phase.
🌼 Chamomile – The gentle healer
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. For cats, chamomile:
- anxiolytic and relaxing
- especially gentle for sensitive animals
- harmonizing in case of overstimulation
In combination with mint, a gentle scented carpet is created, which is ideal for resting places or transport boxes, for example.
🌸 Clary Sage – Deep relaxation for advanced users
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) contains the active ingredient sclareol , which is valued in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing effects . In cats, this scent can:
- evoke deep calm
- Relieve tensions
- especially helpful for frequently stressed cats
Combined with mint, clary sage does not have a tiring but rather a balancing effect.
🌿 Catnip – The underestimated helper
Catnip (Teucrium marum) is still relatively unknown in Germany, but it is a valuable alternative to valerian . It works:
- activating, but less “wild”
- slightly euphoric
- harmonizing in combination with mint
Ideal for cats that overreact to or dislike valerian.
⚠️ Important: Not every cat reacts the same!
As with humans, herbs don't work equally well for every cat . Some love valerian, others ignore it completely. The response depends on:
- Genetics (e.g. “catnip gene”)
- Age and hormone status
- Character and daily form
We therefore recommend: Test different combinations in small doses , observe your cat and respect its decision – cats often know best what is good for them.
💚 SNOOZYCAT® – Cat cushions and refill pads with brains
Our handmade cat pillows and refill pads combine the best plant powers in thoughtful blends – ideal for:
- Play
- Sniff
- Relax
- Transport
👉 Discover our varieties with lavender, valerian, mint, matatabi & Co. – only at SNOOZYCAT®
💡 Tip: Each mix is also available as a refill pad – sustainable, reusable and tailored to your cat's needs.
