🎙️ Episode Snapshot

Stress isn’t just a human problem — our cats feel it too, often in ways we don’t recognize. In this episode, I’m joined by Nayana Morag, founder of Essential Animals, Animal Aromatherapist, Herbalist, and author of The Aromatic Cat.

We chat about how to recognize stress in your cat, why reducing stress is the first step to health, and simple ways you can help your feline friend feel more calm and secure.

🐱 Meet Nayana

Nayana lives in Portugal with a bustling crew of animals — 3 cats (Kestra, Amokey, and Joma), 3 dogs, and 9 horses — all living in harmony on her farm. Through decades of study and teaching worldwide, she’s developed Animal PsychAromatica, a holistic wellness system that combines stress reduction with aromatherapy and natural care.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

😼 The Hidden Signs of StressNayana shares how to spot subtle signals—like over-grooming, litter box changes, or sudden mood shifts—that reveal when your cat’s stress bank is running low.

🏦 Building Your Cat’s “Stress Bank”Discover why not all stress is bad, and how topping up your cat’s emotional reserves helps them bounce back from life’s inevitable changes.

🥩 Food as a StressorIt’s not just about nutrition—learn how diet choices can either soothe or strain your cat’s body, and why variety and species-appropriate meals matter.

🤲 Respecting Feline ChoicesWhy honoring your cat’s unique quirks—whether it’s where they sleep, how they’re held, or what they eat—might be the most powerful stress reducer of all.

🌿 The Magic of Aromatics and HydrosolsNayana explains how offering gentle scents like lavender or chamomile allows cats to self-select calming remedies—turning wellness into a two-way conversation.

🧘 A Ritual for CalmTry this simple practice tonight: sit quietly, breathe, and offer your cat the gift of presence. You’ll both feel the stress melt away.

📘 Nayana’s Recommendations for Cat Owners

* Respect your cat’s choices 🐾 — Every cat has a unique personality and comfort zone. Notice what they enjoy, and don’t force what they don’t.

* Offer aromatic choices 🌿 — Hydrosols (like lavender, chamomile, peppermint) are a safe way to let your cat self-select calming support.

* Rethink diet as a stress factor 🍗 — Food that doesn’t suit your cat’s body can create hidden stress. Observe what foods make them thrive.

* Pause and be present 🧘 — Your stress becomes their stress. Taking a breath and simply sitting with your cat is one of the most healing practices.

* Notice individuality 😺 — What stresses one cat may comfort another. Tune in and honor their unique needs.

🌐 Where to Find Nayana

* Website: essentialanimals.com

* Facebook and Instagram

* Book: The Aromatic Cat (available online worldwide; also through her site for Europe & UK)

🐾 Final Thought

One of the easiest — and most powerful — things you can do tonight? Sit quietly with your cat, breathe, and simply say: “I love you, just as you are.”

Stress reduction isn’t always about big interventions. Sometimes it’s about presence, choice, and respect. When we calm ourselves, our cats feel it too.

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