What is a calming spray for cats?
Calming sprays for cats contain pheromones or other natural calming ingredients to help relax anxious or stressed cats. The sprays mimic feline facial pheromones, which cats produce to mark territory and communicate comfort. When a cat smells the pheromone-infused spray in their environment, it can have a soothing, calming effect and helps them feel secure.
These sprays work through a process called the ” appeasing pheromone effect.” By inhaling the pheromone molecules, sensory receptors in the cat’s vomeronasal organ send signals to the amygdala region of their brain, which regulates emotional responses. This triggers a calming neurological reaction that decreases anxiety, fearfulness, and stress in cats.
Common calming spray ingredients include synthetic analogs of feline facial pheromones such as Feliway, or natural ingredients like catnip extract or hemp oil. The spray formulations distribute the calming agents around the cat’s environment. Some sprays are designed for use directly on objects like furniture, while others can be gently misted around the air. The pheromones diffuse into the surroundings and are subtle enough that they don’t overwhelm the cat.
Why cats may need calming
Cats can experience anxiety and stress from various triggers that may make them need some calming assistance. Some common anxiety and stress triggers in cats include:
- Changes in environment or routine – Cats are creatures of habit and can get stressed by things like moving homes, introducing new pets or people, changes to their feeding/play schedule, etc.
- Loud noises – Cats have sensitive hearing so noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction can cause anxiety.
- Travel – Whether it’s a car ride to the vet or airplane travel, motion can trigger stress and nervousness in cats.
- Illness/injury – A sick or injured cat may feel distressed which leads to anxiety.
- Conflict with other pets – Disputes with other household cats or pets can create ongoing tension.
In addition to anxiety, some cats are simply prone to hyperactivity and excitability. A normally playful cat may become overstimulated and unable to calm themselves down. This hyper behavior can become disruptive and stressful for both the cat and the owner.
Traveling in particular is a common source of stress for cats. The motions and sounds of a car ride or plane flight can cause nervousness, nausea, and other travel-related anxiety symptoms. Providing calming assistance for cats before and during travel is recommended to ease the tension.
Popular calming spray brands
There are a few popular brands of calming sprays for cats that pet owners tend to turn to. Here are some of the top options:
Feliway
Feliway is one of the most well-known calming spray brands for cats. Their products contain synthetic pheromones that mimic cats’ natural pheromones to help create a soothing environment. Feliway has sprays designed for multi-cat households as well as travel. Their calming sprays can help reduce stress behaviors like urine marking, scratching furniture, and hiding. One study found the Feliway pheromone helped reduce stress in shelter cats [1].
[1] https://cats.com/best-pheromone-diffusers-and-sprays-for-cats
Comfort Zone
Comfort Zone is another trusted brand when it comes to cat calming sprays. They offer pheromone sprays to help with stress relief, calming, and behavior issues caused by anxiety. Their sprays are veterinarian-recommended and clinically-tested. Comfort Zone claims their calming sprays can curb destructive scratching in 90% of cats within a month [2].
[2] https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/brand/comfort-zone
Pet Remedy
Pet Remedy utilizes natural plant extracts like valerian and vetiver to create calming sprays for cats. Their products are designed to help with stressful situations like thunderstorms, travel, or visits to the vet. Pet Remedy sprays use nanotechnology to amplify the effects of the plant extracts. Reviews suggest the sprays can help relax anxious cats within 30 minutes [3].
[3] https://www.petremedy.co.uk
How to Use Cat Calming Sprays
Cat calming sprays like Feliway are easy to use. The key is knowing where and when to spray them. Here are some tips:
Where to spray:
- Spray 8-10 pumps near your cat’s favored resting spots, like their bed, cat condo, or scratching posts.
- Spray doorways, window sills, and any high-traffic areas in your home.
- Spray the inside of carriers before vet visits or travel.
- Spray in or around the litter box if your cat isn’t using it.
How often to use:
For ongoing issues like marking or aggression, use the spray twice a day for a month. Then maintain with 1-2 sprays per day. For situational stress like vet visits or guests, spray 15-30 mins before the stressor occurs. Reapply as needed.
It’s best to use calming sprays consistently. The pheromones build up over time for maximum impact. With regular use, you should see improvement in your cat’s behavior within 7-30 days.
Benefits of calming sprays
Calming sprays can provide several benefits for anxious or stressed cats. The main benefits include:
- Reduces anxiety – Calming sprays contain pheromones that provide cats with a sense of familiarity and security. This can help anxious cats feel more relaxed and less stressed in situations that normally cause anxiety like travel, vet visits or introductions to new people or pets (1).
- Avoids destructive behaviors – By reducing anxiety, calming sprays can help prevent stressed cats from engaging in destructive behaviors like excessive grooming, scratching furniture or urinating outside the litter box (2).
- Promotes relaxation – The pheromones in calming sprays have a soothing, calming effect that helps cats feel more relaxed and peaceful. Sprays can be used in high stress situations or daily to promote an overall sense of calm (3).
In summary, calming sprays can help create a sense of comfort and security for cats, avoiding anxious or destructive behaviors and encouraging relaxation.
Sources:
(1) https://www.rover.com/blog/cat-calming-pheromones/
(2) https://sentrypetcare.com/product/sentry-behavior-and-calming-spray-for-cats-scientifically-proven-pheromone-technology/
(3) https://www.naturesmiracle.com/products/cat/behavior-and-training-aids/just-for-cats-calming-spray.aspx
Considerations when using sprays
When using calming sprays for cats, it’s important to be aware of some key considerations:
Use as directed – Be sure to carefully read and follow the directions on any calming spray. Pay attention to dosage amounts and frequency of use. Using more than directed likely won’t provide additional benefits and may risk side effects.
Test on small area first – Especially when first trying out a new calming spray, test it out on a small, confined area first to monitor your cat’s reaction. Look for signs of irritation or sensitivity before using it more broadly.
Not a substitute for training – While calming sprays can help soothe anxiety in the short-term, they don’t address underlying behavior issues. For long-term solutions to unwanted behaviors, consult an animal behaviorist about positive reinforcement training techniques.
Sprays are one tool but may need to be used in conjunction with other techniques like pheromone diffusers, toys/scratchers to relieve stress, and counterconditioning with positive rewards. Work with your vet if anxiety persists despite using calming aids.
Other calming options
In addition to calming sprays, there are other options for helping calm anxious cats:
Pheromones
Pheromones are chemicals released by animals that trigger social responses in members of the same species. Synthetic pheromones like Feliway mimic cats’ natural facial pheromones to provide a sense of familiarity and security (https://cats.com/best-pheromone-diffusers-and-sprays-for-cats). Pheromone diffusers and sprays can be an effective calming solution for stressed cats when used consistently.
Herbs and supplements
Some calming herbs and supplements for cats include chamomile, valerian, passionflower, ginger, and L-theanine. These can help relax muscles, reduce anxiety, and promote calmness. They come in various forms like teas, chews, pills, or liquids. Check with your vet before using any herbal supplements for your cat.
Prescription medications
For severe anxiety, vets may prescribe anti-anxiety medications like fluoxetine or benzodiazepines. These drugs directly influence neurotransmitters in the brain to have a calming effect. Prescription meds should be closely monitored by a vet and used with care.
When to call the vet
If your cat’s anxiety is not improving with at-home solutions, it’s important to call your vet. They can provide professional guidance on additional strategies or medications that may help.
According to the ASPCA, you should contact your vet if your cat’s anxious behaviors last more than a week or two. The vet can rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the anxiety. They can also prescribe anti-anxiety medication or recommend behavioral therapy from a veterinary behaviorist (1).
Some signs it’s time to call the vet include (1):
- Ongoing hiding and reclusive behavior
- Not eating or drinking for 12+ hours
- Aggression when approached or handled
- Excessive vocalization or destruction
- Inappropriate urination or defecation
Vets can prescribe medications like anti-anxiety drugs, synthetic pheromones, or anti-depressants that may help in cases of severe anxiety. Work closely with your vet to find the right solutions for your cat’s needs.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions about calming sprays for cats include:
Are they safe?
Calming sprays are generally considered very safe for cats when used as directed. Most contain synthetic pheromones like Feliway1 or Adaptil that mimic cats’ natural pheromones to help them feel calm and secure. Always follow label instructions and check with your vet if you have any concerns.
How long do they last?
Sprays typically provide calming effects for 24-48 hours. However, results can vary between products and individual cats. Sentry’s calming spray2 notes effects can last 30-60 mins, while Feliway states their effects can last up to 24 hours when used daily.
Do they work for all cats?
Most cats can benefit from calming sprays, but they may not work for every cat in every situation. Factors like the cat’s personality and the source of stress can affect results. Monitoring your cat’s response helps determine if a particular spray is effective for your individual cat.
The bottom line
Calming sprays can be an effective tool for mild anxiety in cats. The pheromones and soothing scents in many formulas provide a sense of calm and security. When used as directed per the label, most cats tolerate calming sprays well.
It’s important to carefully follow usage instructions, as overuse can cause increased anxiety in some cats. Only spray the recommended amount and avoid spraying near the face. Monitor your cat’s reaction and adjust usage accordingly. Discontinue use if any negative side effects occur.
While calming sprays can help in the short-term, they don’t address the root cause of anxiety. If your cat exhibits moderate to severe anxiety or the anxiety persists with spray use, consult your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on behavioral training, prescription anti-anxiety medication, or other treatment options to help your cat feel more at ease.