Natural Calming Remedies

We will take a long, transatlantic flight from Europe to the USA so metal detectors are an issue. The cats will be on board: one is more nervous than the other. We have read about "Feliway" and "Rescue Remedy" as good, natural calming remedies. We plan to start getting the cats used to getting in the carrier and going for short drives in the car as they will have to go to the airport. Any tips or advice are appreciated! BFG

I've heard good things about Rescue Remedy, and it worked pretty well for my friend's dogs, but it only worked for a short while. If it keeps them calm through airport security though, then it's worth it.

Whatever you do, don't use prescription sedatives. I used those for my cat, and she would up even more nervous because of the effect on her body. She didn't know she was susposed to go to sleep, fought the effects, and would up even more upset than if I hadn't given her anything!

If it's any help, no one will be able to hear your kitties meowing over the roar of the engines. My cat meowed throughout the flight, and even though she was right under my seat, I could barely hear her. Since it's a long flight, your cats may be upset at first, but they should settle down and go to sleep.

Things I learned the hard way: Clip your cats nails right before the flight, or get your vet to do it, because you have to take the cats out of their carriers and walk them through the metal detector in your arms. If you don't clip the claws, you will be shredded!

It really helped me to train my cat to accept a harness and leash. Even though she would not walk on a leash, I felt better knowing that if she bolted, she wouldn't go far, since I was firmly holding my end of the leash. It really did a lot for my peace of mind, and you can find inexpensive figure eight harnesses designed for cats, with a leash already built into the design.

Don't feed or water your cats for a few hours before the flight. They will be less distressed if they don't have to pee or poop.

Don't worry about providing a litter box. They will be too scared to use it. My cat held her bladder and bowels for 20 hours without ill effects.

And, please don't even think about opening the carrier while in mid flight! :)
Once the cat is out of the bag, she's really hard to put back in!

Carry some food and water (and bowls( with you so the cat can have a snack when you land. Soft food in those little pouches is easiest (and less messy) and cats are more willing to eat soft food than hard food, and a meal is important in case their blood sugar dropped.

Make sure you carry all cat related documents (health certificate, immunizations, etc) in one place, so you aren't scrambling to find them at check in.

Good luck with your flight!

2007-01-22 11:45:40 by BFG

Herbal remedies for anxiety utilize chamomile, ashwaganda and lavender, which can all be applied topically in the form of a lotion or toner to ...

My dog just had surgery and I'm trying to keep him calm and confined. Any suggestions?
He had a kidney stone removed and is all stitched around his genital area.

What type of surgery did your dog have? I would suggest crate training if he has to have limited movement. For potty breaks, keep your dog on a leash so he doesn't run around and jump- he does his thing and then comes in the house.
I like using a product called Bach's Rescue Remedy. It is a flower essence so it can't hurt your animal. You can find it in a health food store or the natural foods dept. of your grocery store. know you can also order it online. You add 4 drops to the dogs drinking water and it takes a few hours to kick in. Every time you change his water, you need to add a few more drops.

I use it with my hedgehogs on a regular basis, I've also used it when introducing new animals into my house for stress relief

2007-03-01 03:38:50 by katie-did

Price: $13.79 $11.22

20 Milliliters Liquid
Serving Size:

Any natural remedies to calm someone down?

There are herbal alternatives to depression which is St. Johns Wort. And herbal alternatives to mood disorders in Sam-e. Some people swear by these alternatives and others do not. My theory is Everyone is different and its more or less a trial and error attempt to get what works best for U. Good luck to U.

2008-04-16 10:36:59 by faron_jns

Price: $15.55 $8.96

Natural Stress Relief For PetsFor years, Rescue Remedy has been recommended by veterinarians for animals world wide as an emergency remedy to help calm pets in all kinds of stressful situations
Bach Flower Remedies

Valerian extract is one herb shown to relieve anxiety in numerous scientific studies. When taken in doses of 50-500 mg, Valerian extract can help you feel more relaxed and less worried. It usually works quickly after about 30 minutes, and unlike anti-anxiety drugs, Valerian is not addictive. High-quality natural anxiety remedies contain Valerian extract that's standardized to contain at least 0.8% of valerenic acid, the active constituent.

Research suggests that Passion Flower can also help calm your nerves and reduce worry. Look for a natural anxiety remedy that provides at least a few hundred milligrams of Passion Flower extract. Scientists believe that a compound called vitexin is responsible for Passion Flower's relaxing effects, so extracts with at least 3-4% vitexin are most effective.

L-theanine, an amino acid extracted from Green Tea, is a third natural remedy for anxiety with a pronounced anti-anxiety effect. In fact, many people report that L-theanine works as well as anti-anxiety drugs when taken in doses of 100-300mg. Some products marketed as "L-theanine" actually contain very little pure L-theanine, and thus aren't effective. For this reason, you should make sure to use a natural remedy for anxiety with SunTheanine®, a 99% pure form of L-theanine

2008-04-06 06:24:55 by laura lou

My cat gets upset with change and will pee out of the litter box (he has been to the vet because one time he got so stressed that he got a urinary tract irritation). Other than this, he does really well in the litter box.

What are some of the cheaper remedies that work well?

Flower essences are an inexpensive and effective way to go. Feliway is expensive and most effective for problems AMONG cats.

Go to: http://www.spiritessence.com and read about using the essences. Dr. Jean Hovfe has a number of combination remedies and you can choose one which would seem to fit your cat's needs. The essence combinations are around $22 a bottle shipped to you from CO.

Bach Rescue Remedy is a combination of five of the 38 Bach remedies and it is readily available in health food stores or pharmacies. I think every pet owner should have a bottle in their medicine chest (it will keep indefinitely). It is more appropriate for "acute" situations of injury, trauma, shock, etc.

As you describe your cat's situation I would go with a combination from Dr. Hovfe.

2009-02-25 17:52:28 by kitty