Mar 26, 2025

How to Calm Down a Crazy Cat: Natural Remedies for Hyper Kitties

Hey there, fellow cat lovers! If your feline friend has been tearing through the house at 3 AM, bouncing off the walls like they just drank a double-shot espresso, or zooming like a tiny furry tornado, you’re not alone. Some kitties just have endless energy, but if your cat’s antics are leaving you exhausted, it’s time to find some paws-itively chill solutions.

The good news? There are natural, safe, and totally groovy ways to help your cat relax and find their inner Zen—without dulling their personality. Two of the best far-out feline chill pills? Valerian root and catnip tea! Let’s break it down.

Why Is My Cat So Hyper?

Before we talk about calming solutions, let’s dig into why some cats seem to have more energy than a disco dance floor on a Saturday night:

🐾 Pent-up Energy – Indoor cats, especially younger ones, need structured playtime to burn off their zoomies.
🐾 Hunting Instincts – Cats are natural hunters, and if they don’t get to "stalk and pounce," they’ll find their own trouble to get into.
🐾 Overstimulation – Too much excitement, loud noises, or too many people can rev them up instead of settling them down.
🐾 Late-Night Madness – Cats are naturally most active at dawn and dusk, which is why they often start racing around when you're trying to sleep.
🐾 Too Much Alone Time – Some cats act out due to boredom and lack of mental stimulation.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry—we’ve got the cure for the crazies!

1. Valerian Root – The Sleepy-Time Super Herb

If catnip tea isn’t quite cutting it, valerian root might just be your secret weapon. This funky-smelling herb is known for its powerful calming effects, and it’s been used for centuries to help both humans and cats catch some serious Z’s.

🌀 How it works:

Valerian root contains actinidine, a compound that has a similar effect to catnip—but stronger and longer-lasting.
Unlike catnip, which excites cats before calming them, valerian root goes straight to relaxation mode.
It’s great for super high-energy cats, those prone to stress or anxiety, or kitties who just won’t settle down at night.

🛠️ How to Use Valerian Root for Cats:
✔ Catnip blends with added Valerian root powder – Sprinkle a tiny bit on their bedding, favorite sleeping spot, or a scratching post.
✔ Valerian root tea – Similar to catnip tea, you can brew a mild valerian infusion (but check with your vet first for dosage).

💡 Pro Tip: Valerian root has a strong smell that some humans find funky, but cats love it! Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

2. Catnip Tea – A Chill Drink for a Wired Cat

Most people think of catnip as a crazy-maker, but when ingested (instead of sniffed), it actually has the opposite effect—it chills your kitty out! This makes catnip tea one of the best natural ways to calm a hyperactive or anxious cat.

🌀 How it works:

Catnip contains nepetalactone, which triggers excitement when sniffed—but when ingested, it acts as a mild sedative.
Drinking catnip tea can help your cat relax, ease stress, and even improve digestion.
It’s especially great for cats who get nighttime zoomies or need help winding down after playtime.

🛠️ How to Make Catnip Tea for Your Cat:

Steep 1 teaspoon of dried catnip (or 2-3 fresh leaves) in 1 cup of hot water for 5 minutes.
Let it cool completely to room temperature.
Serve in a shallow dish, mix it into food, or even freeze it into catnip ice cubes for a fun treat!

💡 Pro Tip: Try giving your cat catnip tea before bedtime to encourage relaxation and restful sleep.

3. Play Hard, Chill Harder – The Right Routine for a Calmer Cat

Herbs like catnip and valerian are totally outta sight, but they work best when combined with a proper routine. Here’s how to set your cat up for relaxation success:

🎯 Play Before Bedtime – A high-energy play session (think wand toys, laser pointers, or interactive chasers) mimics hunting and tires them out.
🍽️ Feed Them After Playtime – Cats in the wild hunt, eat, and then sleep—so give them a meal after play to encourage a natural wind-down cycle.
🌿 Use Herbal Helpers – Give them catnip tea or valerian root after their meal for an extra relaxation boost.
🛏️ Create a Chill Sleep Space – Set up a cozy, quiet area with a comfy bed and maybe a little valerian-infused toy nearby.
🌅 Keep a Routine – Cats thrive on consistency, so stick to a nightly schedule to help them adjust.

Final Thoughts: From Hyper to Harmonious

If your cat is constantly bouncing off the walls, you don’t have to just ride the crazy train forever! With a little structured playtime, a calming routine, and natural chill-out helpers like catnip tea and valerian root, you can help your kitty find their Zen—without losing that fun-loving personality.

✨ Ready to help your cat chill out? Check out Whisker Trip’s premium valerian root and catnip blend: Vision Quest, or read this blog post on how to make catnip tea.