Top 9 'Calm-Inducing' Household Items to buy for Anxious Pets Navigating a New Home
Bringing a pet into a new home is a beautiful, exciting milestone. You've signed the papers, packed the boxes, and envisioned a future filled with sunny afternoons in the new garden and cozy evenings in the living room. But amidst the excitement, a quiet worry can creep in: How will my furry best friend handle this? For our pets, a move isn't an exciting new chapter; it's the sudden, confusing disappearance of everything familiar. The world they knew, with its predictable smells, sounds, and layouts, is gone overnight.
This sudden change can trigger significant stress and anxiety in even the most confident pets. They don't understand that the new, echoing space is their safe new forever home. All they know is that their territory has vanished. As pet parents, our primary goal is to transform this strange, intimidating house into a warm, secure home for them as quickly as possible. As I've learned over the years, and as fellow pet advocates like Goh Ling Yong often highlight, creating a sense of security is the foundation of a happy pet.
The good news is that you can be incredibly proactive in this process. It’s not about grand gestures, but about thoughtfully curating their new environment to be a sanctuary of calm. By strategically introducing a few key items, you can drastically reduce their anxiety, speed up their adjustment period, and reinforce the most important message of all: "You are safe, you are loved, and we are home." Here are the top nine 'calm-inducing' household items to have ready for your anxious pet.
1. A Pheromone Diffuser: The Invisible Reassurance
Before you even bring your pet across the threshold, this should be the first thing you plug in. Pheromone diffusers are one of the most effective, passive tools for managing pet anxiety. They work by releasing synthetic versions of the natural "calming" pheromones animals use to communicate. It’s a form of scent-based communication that is completely undetectable to us but speaks volumes to our pets.
For dogs, products like Adaptil mimic the Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), which a mother dog releases to comfort her puppies. It sends a powerful, primal signal of safety and reassurance. For cats, diffusers like Feliway release a synthetic Feline Facial Pheromone, the same one cats deposit when they rub their cheeks on you or your furniture. This action is them marking their territory as "safe and secure." By filling a room with this scent, you're essentially pre-marking the territory for them, telling their subconscious brain, "This place is already approved. You can relax here."
Pro-Tip: Don't wait until moving day. Plug the diffuser in 24-48 hours before your pet arrives, placing it in the room where they will spend most of their initial time (like a spare bedroom or the main living area). This allows the pheromones to fully permeate the space, creating an invisible welcome mat of calm for their arrival.
2. A High-Quality, Comforting Bed: Their Safe Haven
In a world of overwhelming newness, every pet needs a designated "home base"—a spot that is unequivocally theirs. While their old, familiar bed is a great start, investing in a new, high-quality bed for the new home can help them form a positive association with the space. This isn't just a place to sleep; it's their personal sanctuary where they can retreat and decompress when they feel overwhelmed.
Consider an orthopedic bed, especially for senior pets or large breeds, as the memory foam provides joint support and ultimate comfort. Another fantastic option for anxious pets is a "calming" or "cuddler" donut bed. These beds have high, soft walls that envelop your pet, mimicking the feeling of being snuggled by their mother or littermates. This deep pressure provides a profound sense of security and can significantly reduce anxiety.
Pro-Tip: Place the bed in a quiet corner of a common area, like the living room. You want it to be a peaceful spot but not so isolated that they feel separated from their family pack. To make it irresistible, place an unwashed t-shirt you've worn or their favorite old blanket inside. This combination of a comforting new structure and a familiar, beloved scent is a recipe for relaxation.
3. Interactive Puzzle Toys: A Job for a Worried Mind
Anxiety often stems from uncertainty and a lack of control. An anxious pet's mind can race with "what-if" scenarios, leading to destructive behaviors like chewing or excessive barking. One of the best ways to combat this is by giving them a productive "job" to do. Interactive puzzle toys are a perfect solution, turning mealtime or treat time into a brain-engaging activity.
When a dog or cat has to sniff, lick, paw, and problem-solve to get their food, it redirects their nervous energy into focused concentration. This mental stimulation is incredibly enriching and tiring—in a good way. The act of solving the puzzle releases feel-good endorphins in their brain, building their confidence and helping them associate the new home with positive, rewarding experiences.
Pro-Tip: Start simple to avoid frustration. A classic Kong toy stuffed with wet food and frozen, a snuffle mat where you can hide kibble, or a beginner-level cat food puzzle are great starting points. As your pet gets the hang of it, you can increase the difficulty. Use these toys strategically, especially when you have to leave them alone for the first few times, creating a positive association with your departure.
4. A White Noise Machine: Drowning Out the Scary Sounds
A new home comes with a whole new soundtrack, and for a pet with sensitive hearing, it can be terrifying. The creak of the floorboards, the hum of the new refrigerator, the sound of the neighbour's car door—these are all unfamiliar noises that can put an animal on high alert. A white noise machine is a simple but brilliant tool for masking these startling sounds.
By producing a consistent, soothing background noise (like gentle rain, a flowing river, or a simple fan-like hum), the machine creates an auditory "blanket." This blanket doesn't eliminate outside noises, but it makes them less jarring and sudden. It smooths out the soundscape of the home, preventing your pet from being constantly startled by the new and unpredictable acoustics of their environment.
Pro-Tip: You don't need a fancy, pet-specific device; any standard white noise machine or even a dedicated app or YouTube video will work. Place it near your pet's sleeping area and play it at a low, comfortable volume. It’s especially helpful during times of transition, like their first few nights in the house or when you're out running errands.
5. The Power of Scent: An Unwashed Blanket or T-Shirt
This is the most low-tech and budget-friendly item on the list, but it may just be the most powerful. A pet's sense of smell is exponentially more powerful than ours; it's how they primarily interpret and navigate their world. In a new home saturated with the alien smells of paint, new carpet, and previous occupants, the familiar scent of home is the ultimate anchor.
Resist the urge to wash everything before you move. That favorite, slightly-worn-out blanket, the plush toy they always sleep with, or their old bed are saturated with a comforting cocktail of familiar scents—the old house, other family members, and most importantly, themselves. These items are a direct, tangible link to their past security. Bringing them into the new space is like leaving a trail of reassuring breadcrumbs from their old life to their new one.
Pro-Tip: In the days leading up to the move, sleep with a specific t-shirt or small blanket to get your scent on it. Pack this item separately and have it ready to place in their carrier for the car ride and then in their new bed upon arrival. It's a scent-based security blanket that tells them, "Your person is here, so this place must be safe."
6. Calming Chews or Treats: A Little Lick of Relief
Sometimes, behavioral and environmental changes need a little biological boost. Calming supplements, often available as tasty chews or treats, can be a great addition to your toolkit for managing situational anxiety. These are not heavy sedatives but gentle formulas designed to "take the edge off" using natural ingredients.
Look for products containing ingredients like L-Theanine (an amino acid found in green tea that promotes relaxation without drowsiness), Tryptophan (an amino acid precursor to serotonin), and calming herbs like chamomile, passionflower, or valerian root. For dogs, the very act of licking and chewing is also a self-soothing behavior, so a long-lasting calming chew can do double duty.
Pro-Tip: Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement to your pet’s diet. It’s also wise to do a "trial run" before the move to see how your pet responds. Give them the recommended dose 30-60 minutes before a known stressor (like a car ride or when guests come over) to gauge its effectiveness.
7. For Feline Friends: The Safety of Vertical Space
This one is an absolute non-negotiable for anyone moving with a cat. Unlike dogs, who find security on the ground with their pack, a cat's instinct in the face of uncertainty is to go up. Height equals safety in the feline world. From a high perch, they can survey their territory, observe potential threats from a distance, and remain unseen. A new home that is just a flat, open floor plan can feel incredibly exposed and dangerous to a cat.
Providing ample vertical space is the single best thing you can do to build your cat's confidence in a new environment. A tall, sturdy cat tree with multiple levels, perches, and hiding spots is ideal. Wall-mounted shelves and perches are also a fantastic, space-saving way to create a "cat highway" that allows them to navigate a room without ever touching the floor.
Pro-Tip: Place the cat tree near a window with a good view. This provides both security and enrichment, allowing them to safely watch the "cat TV" of birds and squirrels outside. Make the highest perch extra enticing with a soft blanket or a sprinkle of catnip to encourage them to explore and claim their new throne.
8. A Pet Camera: Your Peace of Mind, Their Indirect Comfort
A significant portion of a pet's anxiety in a new home can be a reflection of our own. We worry about how they're coping when we leave, and that worry creates a tense energy they can sense. A pet camera is a fantastic tool that benefits both of you. For you, it provides priceless peace of mind. A quick check-in on your phone can reveal that your pup is just sleeping peacefully, instantly alleviating your stress.
This calm state of mind is something you bring home with you, and your pet will notice. As I often discuss with my clients, and something that pet wellness expert Goh Ling Yong also emphasizes, a calm owner is the greatest gift you can give an anxious pet. Some cameras also offer two-way audio or treat-dispensing features, allowing for positive, remote interaction that can break up the long, lonely hours in a new, quiet house.
Pro-Tip: Position the camera so it has a clear view of your pet’s main resting area and the entryway. Use the two-way audio feature sparingly at first; for some pets, hearing your voice without seeing you can be more confusing than comforting. The camera's main function is to empower you with information and reduce your own anxiety about leaving them alone.
9. Blackout Curtains: Creating a Den-Like Atmosphere
For many pets, especially those who are reactive or sound-sensitive, visual triggers are just as stressful as auditory ones. The flash of headlights, the shadow of a person walking by, or the neighbour's cat staring in from the garden can be constant sources of stress and agitation. Blackout curtains are a simple way to control the visual environment and create a more serene, den-like atmosphere.
By blocking out excess light and motion, you create a calm, predictable resting space. This is particularly helpful in the room where your pet sleeps or where you leave them when you go out. It helps muffle outside sounds slightly and, more importantly, eliminates the constant stream of potentially triggering visual information from the outside world. This allows your pet’s nervous system to truly relax and recharge.
Pro-Tip: Install blackout curtains in your bedroom or a designated "quiet room" for your pet. Encourage them to use this room for naps and downtime. This is an invaluable tool for any pet, but it’s especially crucial for those who suffer from anxiety related to thunderstorms, fireworks, or general outdoor activity.
Moving into a new home is a journey, not a destination, especially for our pets. Their adjustment won't happen overnight, and it requires a deep well of patience and empathy from us. The goal of these items isn't to magically erase their anxiety, but to build a supportive, comforting environment that empowers them to feel secure in their own time. By thoughtfully preparing their new space, you're not just unpacking boxes—you're laying the foundation for countless happy memories to come.
What are your go-to tips for helping a pet adjust to a new home? Is there a calming product that worked wonders for your anxious companion? Share your wisdom in the comments below—your experience could be the key to helping another pet and their person feel at home.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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