Q&A for How to Calm a Cat

Be patient with the kitten and encourage them to approach you, rather than force your attention on the kitten. Play with toys that are at a distance, such as a wing-on-a-string, which will help the cat to enjoy your company but without them feeling crowded. Also, drop treats as you walk along so the kitten associates you with good things. As the kitten gets used to your company, wait until they rub against you, before touching them briefly. Gradually build up the number of strokes you give the cat but without overwhelming them.

Key to this is making the indoor environment as stimulating and interesting as possible, so the cat can lead a satisfied life indoors. This means providing high perches, plenty of scratch posts, comfortable spots to look out of the window, hiding places, and toys. Also, be sure to actively play with your cat for short periods several times a day. Using puzzle feeders instead of food bowls is also a valuable way to provide mental stimulation.

You are describing a very angry cat. When they're that mad, your best option is to back off and give cats the space and time they need to calm down. Take a look at why the cat got so angry in the first place to see if you can change things so it doesn't happen in the future.

If the cat dislikes car travel, then use a synthetic cat pheromone spray on the bedding in his box, consider giving a natural remedy such as Skullcup and Valerian, or a nutraceutical such as Zylkene. In addition, get the cat used to each part of what it means to travel in a car, such as being happy in the carrier, calm while in the box in the car with the engine off, then try with the engine on, then with the car moving.