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What natural remedies calm my cat for airport travel & security?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Female | spayed | 10 months and 27 days old | 11 lbs

I don’t want to use a tranquilizer, but my cat does not do very well in airports (especially having to carry her through security) are there any over the counter natural remedies to calm her nerves?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on May 9th, 2018

Hi there! You could try Feliway pheromone spray in her carrier before the trip, along with a natural calming supplement such as Zylkene or Composure. All of these can be ordered online or purchased at pet stores without a prescription.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on December 24th, 2016

    I definitely understand your concerns! Unfortunately, cats are quite sensitive to most human medications and there is really nothing you can use that would be likely to be on-hand at your house. Some owners have good luck with a natural calming supplement like Composure, Rescue Remedy, or a Feliway pheromone diffuser for these situations, but you would need to find an open store that carries a good selection of pet supplies and make a quick trip out to try and find these things.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 7th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is nothing over the counter medication you can give her for that purpose safely unfortunately. However, you can consider using a product called Feliway (pheromone diffuser) which can help tremendously to reduce stress in cats and you may get that online or at your local pet store. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 28th, 2018

    Cats are very territorial animals and when there is a stressful event or too many people in a cat's environment, this can lead to behavioral changes. If there were a lot of strangers in the house, this can be over stimulating for any dog or cat. If Max gets this stressed out with large groups of people, I would recommend using a product called NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Chews with Melatonin, which can be found online or at your local PetCo. You can also use any of the Feliway products. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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