Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Do cat sleep aids really work? Here’s what pet parents have to say

Paige Cerulli
By

If your cat wakes you up at night, runs around the house, and meows enthusiastically, then it’s time to find a solution that lets you both get a good night’s sleep. A sleep aid for cats can help encourage your cat to sleep and promote relaxation. Pairing a sleep aid with some other techniques may get your cat to sleep at night, so you can both get some rest. But which cat calming treats, gels, and oils work best? We’ve highlighted some of the best products available, and each is backed by reviews by cat owners who have purchased and used the products.

A black and white cat takes a nap on a kitchen table.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid

The NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid includes melatonin, which is known for its ability to promote sleep. These soft chews help reduce stress and promote rest and relaxation.

Recommended Videos

Kat M. writes, “This stuff is great! My cats put me on a 4 am weekend wake up and feed me schedule. I started giving them one at bedtime and they leave me alone til 6.” C. Wilson also had good results: “These work well for the purpose I purchased them. I give my cat one treat at night (half of the serving suggestions), and he mellows out and I can sleep.”

VetriScience Laboratories Composure, Calming Formula for Cats

VetriScience Laboratories Composure includes colostrum, L-theanine, and thiamine to help encourage your cat to relax. It starts to work in 20 to 30 minutes and is delivered in a soft chew with a chicken liver flavor.

Related

Siamic, a certified cat behaviorist and registered veterinary technician, praises this product. “I have been using this product lately in the shelter setting for cats who are stressed out by the change in the environment and in their life. It helps them navigate the tough waters of transitioning until they are confident enough that they do not need a supplement. I even use it in cats prior to a tough veterinary visit or transport which helps to calm them down prior to the veterinarian drawing blood or administering anesthetics/analgesics.”

Restful Pet

Restful Pet is a combination of hemp, chamomile, and valerian oil for both cats and dogs. It promotes relaxation and encourages your pet to rest comfortably. The drops are easy to administer.

Kate Williams finds this product significantly helped her cat: “I have a cat who has major anxiety, fur puller, and skin biter. He’s been on several medications but nothing works consistently. I decided to try this and although it took a little time I noticed a great improvement in my kitty.”

ThunderWunders Cat Calming Paw Gel

The ThunderWunders Cat Calming Paw Gel helps reduce stress caused by vet visits, fireworks, and other stressful situations. It’s easy to administer, and you just need to apply the gel to the top of your cat’s paw.

Sydney writes, “Tried it for our older cat to help with the transition. Moved and he is staying inside until we know the neighborhood better. Easy to apply on his paw at bedtime. Keeps him busy and then settles in for the night.”

Zesty Paws Calming Bites

The Zesty Paws Calming Bites promote calmness and composure in your cat. They include melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, and L-tryptophan and chamomile. They’re easy to feed and feature a tasty salmon flavor.

Goldie171 recommends the chews. “I was so happy to find a product that helps my older rescue cat calm and took her nervousness away. I gave her half the salmon treat mixed in with others and I noticed her behavior was much more relaxed. Great product and would definitely recommend,” she wrote.

These products can promote a calm, relaxed outlook in your cat and encourage him to sleep through the night, and they’re particularly helpful when you pair them with other strategies to encourage your cat to sleep when you do. Try playing with your cat throughout the day and right before you go to bed to help tire him out. You might also want to break up your cat’s meals into multiple small feedings, and feed him just before it’s time for bed so his grumbling tummy doesn’t wake him up. A few adjustments to your lifestyle may help encourage your cat to sleep each night — and to let you sleep, too.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more
If cats had New Year’s resolutions, here’s what they would be
Here are the funniest New Year's resolutions for cats
An orange tabby sitting on a green chair. a woman with a white sweater is looking on

Cats: We can't live with them, and we definitely can't live without them. Although we could do without the early morning yowling for food, the shedding, and the occasional hairball, our fur babies bring us a sense of joy and wonder that makes every day feel like a holiday.

But we can't help but wonder, "What would my cat's New Year's resolutions be?" While our cats are perfect as they are and most likely have no desire to change, that doesn't mean we can't have a bit of fun imagining what resolutions they might make if they weren't already the flawless and fabulous companions they are today.

Read more
Do cats get cold outside and what temperature is too low for outdoor kitties? Veterinarians weigh in
Here's how you can tell if you cat needs to come in from the cold
Black cat covered with snow

If your cat is an indoor/outdoor pet, he likely loves to pop outside even when the temperatures drop. There are plenty of cold-weather cats who have thick coats and seem to do well outdoors in the winter, but it's important to consider your cat's comfort and safety, too.
Cold temperatures affect cats and threaten their health, and extreme temperatures can even lead to a cat's death. That doesn't mean you can't let your cat out in the frigid temps, though. Instead, it's important to understand how cold is too cold and what extra care your cat may need to stay comfy in chilly weather.

Do cats get cold easily?
Do cats get cold outside? Absolutely, and it can happen easily, depending on the temperatures. According to Texas A&M University, the temperature that's too cold for your feline will depend on several factors, including the thickness of your cat's fur and his body mass. If your cat isn't acclimated to the outdoors, you shouldn't leave him outside if the temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also important to never keep kittens, older cats, or sick cats out when the temps dip below that.

Read more