Introduction
Cats can experience anxiety and stress for various reasons, whether it’s adjusting to a new environment, traveling, or introducing a new family member. This can lead to undesirable behaviors like inappropriate urination, aggression, excessive vocalization or hiding. Cat calming pheromones provide a natural solution to help relieve anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Pheromones are chemicals released by animals that trigger a response in members of the same species. Scientists first identified pheromones in the 1950s. Research into synthetic pheromones for cats began in the 1990s by Ceva Animal Health. This led to the development of Feliway, the first feline synthetic pheromone product, which was released in 1996.
What Are Cat Calming Pheromones?
Pheromones are chemicals that animals naturally produce to communicate with each other. Cats have pheromone-secreting glands on their chin, cheeks, forehead, and between their paw pads (1). These facial pheromones convey emotional information to other cats about marking territory, sexual attraction, mother-infant bonding, and social status.
Synthetic pheromones, like Feliway, mimic cat facial pheromones to trigger specific responses in cats, creating a comforting, familiar environment. The synthetic pheromones are artificially formulated to replicate natural appeasing pheromones that provide cues of safety and contentment. While natural pheromones from cats are only detected by other cats, manufactured pheromones can be sensed and processed by cats but are odorless to humans (2).
Cat calming pheromone products are available in various diffuser plugins, sprays, or collars. When inhaled by cats, the pheromones travel to the vomeronasal organ located in the cat’s nasal cavity and send signals to the amygdala region of the brain that control emotion and behavior. This helps induce calmness by alleviating stress and anxiety in cats.
(1) https://petfriendlybox.com/resource-center/cat-pheromones
(2) https://catsandcoffee.me/cat-mom-life-keeping-cats-calm-with-feliway-pheromone-products/
Benefits of Using Pheromones
Cat calming pheromones provide several benefits for cats by mimicking natural pheromones. The main benefits of using cat pheromones include:
Reduces anxiety and stress – Pheromones can help relax cats and reduce anxiety caused by stressful events like moving, vet visits, travel, or introducing a new pet. The pheromones have a calming effect that makes cats feel more comfortable and secure.
Curbs unwanted behaviors – Using pheromones may curb problematic behaviors that stem from stress or anxiety, such as urine marking, aggression, excessive vocalization, or destructive scratching. The pheromones promote calmness and can help discourage unwanted cat behaviors.
Promotes relaxation – Cat pheromones create a general sense of relaxation and wellbeing for cats. They support a mellow, tranquil environment that is comforting for cats when they feel on edge or uneasy.
Types of Cat Calming Pheromones
There are a few main types of cat calming pheromone products on the market:
Feliway
Feliway is one of the most popular and widely used cat pheromone products. It contains a synthetic version of the feline facial pheromone that cats use to mark territory. Feliway comes in various forms including a spray, diffuser, and wipes.
Pros of Feliway:
- Available in different forms (spray, diffuser, wipes) for different needs
- Can be used in multiple locations including carriers, new environments, etc.
- Known to effectively reduce stress behaviors in many cats
Cons of Feliway:
- More expensive than some other pheromone options
- Spray and wipes versions provide shorter duration of effect
- May take days or weeks to see full effects
Comfort Zone
Comfort Zone also contains feline facial pheromones. It comes in both a spray and diffuser form. The pheromones used are very similar to Feliway.
Pros of Comfort Zone:
- Typically more affordable than Feliway
- Easy to use spray or plug-in diffuser
- Helps reduce urinary marking and other anxiety behaviors
Cons of Comfort Zone:
- Less flexibility – only comes in spray and diffuser form
- Some cats may respond better to Feliway
- Diffuser may not cover as large an area as Feliway
Pet Remedy
Pet Remedy contains a blend of pheromones from multiple species including cats, dogs, and humans. It comes in a plug-in diffuser form.
Pros of Pet Remedy:
- All-natural formula with no drugs or chemicals
- Can be effective for mild stress and anxiety
- Affordable compared to many pheromone options
Cons of Pet Remedy:
- Doesn’t contain cat-specific pheromones like Feliway/Comfort Zone
- May not be as effective for moderate/severe feline anxiety
- Only available as a diffuser, lacks flexibility of sprays/wipes
How to Use Cat Calming Pheromones
There are a few different ways to administer cat calming pheromones, including diffusers, sprays, and collars:
Diffusers: Diffusers are plugins that steadily emit pheromones into the air over a period of weeks or months. They are ideal for providing a constant calming effect in rooms your cat spends a lot of time in, like the living room or bedroom. Plug the diffuser into an outlet near your cat’s favorite resting places according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Refill diffuser cartridges as needed. See (https://be.chewy.com/how-to-calm-a-cat-using-pheromones/) for tips on optimal diffuser placement.
Sprays: Pheromone sprays can be applied to objects like cat carriers, blankets, beds, and furniture. The pheromones provide an immediate calming effect when the cat is near. Spray a light mist onto soft surfaces and allow to dry before allowing your cat access. Reapply as the manufacturer directs, usually every few hours. Do not spray directly onto your cat. See (https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/how-do-calming-dog-and-cat-pheromones-work) for instructions on using sprays.
Collars: Collars infused with pheromones provide a constant calming presence as the pheromone slowly releases near your cat’s face/nose where scent receptors are located. Make sure to properly size and fasten a pheromone collar safely around your cat’s neck. Replace collars every 1-2 months as pheromone depletes. Do not attach leashes or other collars along with a pheromone collar.
When to Use Cat Calming Pheromones
Cat calming pheromones can be very beneficial in certain stressful situations for your cat including:
– New environments – When moving homes or introducing your cat to a new space like a cat carrier, using pheromones can help them adjust and feel more comfortable.
– Travel – Diffusing pheromones in the car or applying a spray to their carrier can make vet visits, car rides, or other travel less stressful.
– Vet visits – Spraying a pheromone product on their carrier and blanket from home creates a familiar scent to make vet visits less scary. According to Dr. Werber, “The most common ways to administer pheromones are through a spray or diffuser, which provide a constant calming effect.”
– Guests coming over – Having new people in your home can be unsettling for cats. Using pheromones helps them feel more at ease.
– Fireworks – Loud noises from fireworks often distress cats. Pheromones can reduce their anxiety and fearfulness.
Dosage and Duration
When using cat calming pheromones, it is important to carefully read and follow the label directions for dosage and duration of use. Pheromone products like Feliway come in different forms (sprays, diffusers, collars) that have varying directions.
For Feliway sprays, the recommendation is to spray 8-10 pumps per spot, 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks when first introducing the cat to a new environment. For ongoing use, 1-2 sprays once or twice a week is recommended. With diffusers, 1 diffuser should be used per room and diffusers should run continuously, being replaced every 4-6 weeks.
It’s important to note that the calming effects of Feliway can take days or weeks to reach full effect. Cats are very sensitive to pheromones and it takes time for the product to build up in the cat’s system and environment. Therefore, Feliway products should be used continuously, especially in predictably stressful situations like visits to the vet clinic or boarding facility.
Consistent, long-term use is key to seeing the benefits of Feliway for cats. Following the label instructions carefully allows the pheromone to work optimally.
Safety and Side Effects
Cat calming pheromones are generally very safe for both cats and humans when used as directed. The pheromones mimic natural pheromones produced by cats and are not harmful.
There is a small potential for skin irritation from direct contact with the pheromone diffusers, especially for people with sensitivities. Any irritation experienced is typically mild. To avoid irritation, the diffusers should not be directly handled or touched, and good hand washing after handling is recommended.
Very rarely, some cats may experience a paradoxical reaction and become more anxious or stressed when exposed to synthetic pheromones. This is an uncommon occurrence, but if your cat exhibits signs of increased anxiety such as hiding, aggression, restlessness or vocalization, discontinue use of the pheromone product.
Cost Comparison
When comparing different cat calming pheromone products, cost is an important factor to consider. Here is a breakdown of costs for the main delivery methods:
Diffusers: Diffusers typically range from $15-$45 depending on the brand and size. They usually last 4-6 weeks before needing to be refilled or replaced, which works out to around $7.50-$22.50 per month on average. Popular diffuser brands include Feliway and Comfort Zone.
Sprays: Spray bottles cost $15-$25 and contain around 60-100 sprays. If used daily, they can last 1-2 months before needing to be repurchased, averaging $7.50-$25 per month. Top brands are Feliway and Pet Remedy.
Collars: Collars range from $10-$20 and work for about 1 month before replacement, making the monthly cost around $10-$20. Popular options are Sentry Calming Collar and Comfort Zone Calming Collar.
In summary, diffusers tend to be the most cost effective for ongoing daily use at $7.50-$22.50 per month. Sprays are a slightly cheaper option at $7.50-$25 monthly if not used as frequently. Collars are the most basic pheromone delivery method at $10-$20 per month.
The Best Cat Calming Pheromone
After comparing the various types of cat calming pheromones on the market, Feliway Classic emerges as the best option for most cat owners.
Feliway Classic contains a synthetic version of the facial pheromones cats use to mark places and objects as safe and secure. Multiple studies have shown Feliway can significantly reduce anxious behaviors in cats in a variety of stressful situations.
Feliway Classic can be purchased as a spray or diffuser, allowing cat owners to use it in different applications based on their needs. The diffuser covers a larger area and provides constant pheromone output, while the spray targets specific objects or localized areas.
In double-blind placebo-controlled studies, Feliway Classic has proven effective at reducing urine spraying by up to 90%, curbing scratching of furniture by up to 50%, and decreasing stressful behaviors like hiding and agitation during events like vet visits, boarding, or introductions to new cats.
Other pheromone products like Comfort Zone and Pet Remedy are decent alternatives, but lack the extensive research and testing behind Feliway. While they may help some cats, Feliway remains the gold standard based on clinical evidence.
With its reliability, versatility, and veterinary backing, Feliway Classic stands out as the best and most effective cat calming pheromone product currently available.