My cat is suddenly scared of everything after a fright. What can I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 2.2 lbs
Hi, Yesterday my 1 year old cat got scared of an old rag and it scared her pretty bad, tail fluffed up and my partner got scratched pretty bad trying to calm her down but now she is scared of everything and his sitting in the hallway making very small and quiet meows and im getting worried. What is causing this and how can I help?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 7th, 2019
When cats get spooked or frightened by something, it often takes them a few days to completely calm down again - so this is not unusual. The best thing to do is leave her alone and give her space. You can try using a Feliway pheromone diffuser and/or a daily calming supplement like Anxitane to help reduce her anxiety, if you want to.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 19th, 2019
Cats usually do not need to be bathed and are typically extremely stressed by water baths. I recommend stopping the baths and ordering a liquid calming supplement called VetriScience composure which when given daily often relieves anxiety in cats and dogs. Getting Feliway calming pheromone plug ins can be very helpful as well. Both are available on chewy.com or PetCo.com. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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