For us, these are details. For a cat or a dog, they are sometimes real upheavals. Our pets live in a world of scents, landmarks, and habits. When these landmarks change, they can feel lost, even if nothing seems to have changed to our eyes.
Here are five frequent changes, and how to help your companion get through them.
1. The move, even if partial
Moving is one of the most stressful events for an animal. But a simple rearrangement can also unsettle them: a piece of furniture moved, a new sofa, a freshly painted room.
How to help them: keep their belongings (bed, bowls, scratching post, toys) and don't wash them right away, so they retain their scent. When moving house, set them up first in a single quiet room with all their things, then let them discover the rest at their own pace.
2. A newcomer to the house
A baby, a new partner, a roommate, or another animal: every arrival changes the scents, sounds, and attention they receive.
How to help them: make introductions gradually. For a new animal, start by exchanging scents (a blanket, for example) before any meeting. Preserve their personal time: play, cuddles, and meals at the same times.
3. Your changing schedule
New job, return to the office, vacations: our pets are very sensitive to routine. A change in pace can make them restless, clingy, or conversely, distant.
How to help them: keep fixed routines as much as possible, such as mealtimes, walks, and playtime. If your absences are becoming longer, get them used to it gradually.
4. Unusual noises
Construction work next door, thunderstorms, fireworks, robot vacuums… Sudden or repetitive noises can cause lasting anxiety for some animals.
How to help them: provide a sanctuary, meaning a quiet place where they can hide without being disturbed. Stay calm yourself: your attitude reassures them. Never force them to face what they are afraid of.
5. New scents
A new cleaning product, a scented candle, an air freshener, a different laundry detergent: what smells good to us can be harsh to their sense of smell, which is much sharper than our own.
How to help: opt for fragrance-free products, especially near where they rest, their litter box, or their food bowls. Ventilate regularly.
In summary
You cannot always avoid change, but you can make it gentler. Stable routines, a quiet sanctuary, gradual introductions, and an environment free of harsh odors: these simple steps help your cat or dog navigate transitional periods more serenely.
During these times, a calming diffuser can complement these efforts by contributing to a reassuring atmosphere at home.
Support him through the moments that unsettle him
The Lovanima calming diffuser is available in cat and dog versions. It plugs into the room where the pet lives and diffuses continuously, without fragrance.
Discover the diffuser
