From Dog Mum to Cat Mum: How Calm Cat Changed Our Travels

Little did I know that one day, I would be reviewing one of my own creations. But life has a mysterious way of surprising us. After being a devoted dog mum since I was 13, I became a cat mum almost a year ago – and it's been a journey.

To my surprise, it's been easier, funnier, and more comical than I expected. After just a few weeks of socialising the kittens with my terriers, daily life became pretty smooth. Tinker was the only one who initially saw the kittens as potential snacks when I wasn't watching. Adele was never much of a bother, and Richard, sweet but clumsy, just needed supervision to avoid stepping on the kittens.

The real stress began this spring when the kittens started exploring outdoors. Will they come back? Will they get hit by a car? (Like so many in our village...) I had to actively work on managing my fear – False Evidence Appearing Real – and stop myself from visualising worst-case scenarios.

Thankfully, they adjusted beautifully ( and I too lol ). They come and go, and seem to appreciate the freedom. Bebe, the smaller one, prefers to stay close to home, while Elza, the more independent one, somehow always returns by midnight.

Over the past year, we've had a few vet visits. And while the kittens didn't mind the crate (they use it as a bed!), the 30-minute car ride always brought sad little cries. I used lavender hydrosol, but it wasn't effective enough on its own.

Then it hit me: Why wasn't I using Calm Cat? 

Calm Cat was one of the calming sprays I created as part of the Vita Canis aromatherapy range. When I moved to Slovakia, my friend Bea took over and now continues the calming line under The Green Pet brand.

When she visited recently, she brought me a bottle of Calm Cat, knowing I now had two kittens. So thoughtful! And wow, what a difference. Today's vet visit? Not a peep. Calm, quiet kittens in the car. This was a game-changer, especially since we plan to travel with all our pets in the future.

Isn't it funny? I was always a dog person, and yet I created a product for cats. People were asking for it. They couldn't use our Calming Floral Spray because it contains essential oils, which can be toxic to cats unless they self-select them. So, I developed Calm Cat – a hydrosol-based formula.

What Are Hydrosols?

Hydrosols are gentle, water-based solutions created during the steam distillation of essential oils. They carry the plant's therapeutic properties, but are much safer for sensitive pets like cats, rabbits, rats, birds...

Some might ask: How could you make a product for cats if you don't have cats? Or, as they ask Bea now, how can you make dog products if you don't have a dog?

It's not about ownership—it's about knowledge—knowledge of ingredients, animal physiology, and safety. Like my friend, a well-respected UK groomer who helped establish the UK dog grooming qualification—and didn't have a dog during her dog grooming career—that didn't stop her from being on Groom Team England!

Anyway, back to Calm Cat.

It's a synergistic blend of calming hydrosols, non-sedating and safe. It helps prevent symptoms of distress and promotes calm in situations like:

• Vet visits

• Car journeys

• Fireworks

• Thunderstorms

• Grooming appointments

Calm Cat is a vegan, cruelty-free, natural remedy made in the UK—a lovely-smelling, safe alternative to artificial pheromone products.

If you're a cat parent, Calm Cat is a must-have in your feline wellness toolkit. I created it with love, and now I use it with love. 

Want to try Calm Cat? You can find it at The Green Pet. Your cat will thank you for it – and so will your nerves.

Jitka xx