- Home
- Best Products
- Miscellaneous Cat Products
- Best Calming Pheromone Products for Cats 2024
Best Calming Pheromone Products for Cats 2024
Written by Emily Bayne
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 05/17/2024, edited: 05/17/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
If you're looking for a natural, non-medical remedy for anxiety or problem behaviors like meowing, overgrooming, and agitation, a calming pheromone product might be an option. These products contain synthetic cat-appeasing pheromones, which are engineered to imitate the pheromones that mother cats produce when lactating, help soothe kittens, and encourage bonding. Calming pheromone products for cats come in a variety of forms, including diffusers, sprays, and collars—but with the sheer number of pheromone products on the market, it can be tough to figure out where to start.
Luckily, we did the research for you. We've compiled a list of 5 of the best calming pheromone products for cats to help you (and your kitty!) on your search for relaxation.
Overview
Sentry Calming Diffuser for Cats, Diffuser
The Sentry Calming Diffuser is a great, passive way to help your cats feel calmer in their surroundings.
Many parents like to use a diffuser when first adopting a cat or helping established pets deal with anxiety. This diffuser is great because it plugs into any outlet, and Sentry also sells refill kits for when you run out.
What's more, the lavender chamomile fragrance not only lets you know that it's working but also gives off a pleasant smell (unlike some pheromone products!)
Sentry Calming Diffuser for Cats
Why Wag! loves this product
- You can buy refill packs for the diffuser (rather than buying a whole new setup!)
- One plug will work for spaces up to 215 square feet
- Fresh lavender chamomile fragrance
- Can be used with any outlet
Considerations & concerns
- Larger spaces may require multiple plugs to be effective
What pet parents say about this product
"I brought this product about a week or two ago to see if it would help make the moving transition easier on my 13-year-old cat. I have the Sentry calming spray, and that seemed to work, so I figured why not. I can tell you that I'm very impressed with this product, and it definitely seemed to lessen the stress on my boy A LOT. Please do keep in mind some cats may need up to a month to start showing signs of the spray working. I'm very thankful for this diffuser and will definitely be ordering another one when we move again. Thank you so much, Chewy, for the amazing deal and Sentry for the amazing product!"
"We adopted a new kitty from a shelter. He was scared, but I had put the diffuser in 2 areas of our house. He settled in quite easily. Am very happy with Calming Diffuser. I will use it whenever the kitty is upset (by noises, people, car rides to the vet, etc.). Very happy with this product."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright PetIQ, LLC.
Comfort Zone Multicat Control Diffuser Kit
The Comfort Zone Multicat Control Diffuser Kit is another great diffuser plug-in option. According to Comfort Zone, its products are "proven to reduce multicat tension and conflict in 88% of homes." It may also help combat inter-cat aggression, spraying and furniture scratching too!
The kit features a single bottle of calming pheromones and their signature diffuser with a revamped design. Unfortunately, some parents aren't fans of this new design of since it blocks both outlets.
Comfort Zone Multicat Control Diffuser Kit
Why Wag! loves this product
- Comfortzone guarantees their pheromone products. Either you love it, or they will give you your money back!
- Recently revamped diffuser design, which is supposed to improve performance
- Refills are sold separately, so you don't have to buy a whole new kit to replace
- Comfort Zone is a trusted leader in pet brands
Considerations & concerns
- It is supposed to be unscented, but some parents complain that it gives off an unpleasant smell
- Can only cover one room, so it may not be powerful enough for large open-concept spaces.
- Will need to be replaced monthly
- May stain walls with flat paint
What pet parents say about this product
"It does seem to work. My 3 cats do seem calmer. I was skeptical, even after reading reviews. I used in 2 separate rooms as I have 1 cat that prefers not to socialize. Downside, I have a greasy-looking mark on the wall above the diffuser. Maybe flat paint is the issue? Would have liked a big warning on the box!! But, since it is working I will buy another and live with the mark until I re-paint."
"Great product! We have 3 cats that stay in the garage at night. We had the garage door replaced, and it set off some anxiety buttons inside them, i.e., scratching and meowing and trying to get out of the garage. The first night was stressful for all involved. I did a web search, and this product came up. Luckily, it was in stock at my local store. Two plug-ins came in the box, but we only used one near the garage door. It was hard to tell if it was on, but we left it plugged in. My goodness! Night and day difference. The cats were very relaxed and calm. (And one is a calico!) I believe a plug is supposed to last a month. Hopefully, they will adjust by then. But this diffuser saved our bacon!"
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Petco. Copyright Central Garden & Pet.
Sentry Stop That! Noise & Pheromone Cat Spray, 1-oz
This product is one of the most novel pheromone products we've seen. If your kitty has a habit of scratching things they shouldn't or yowling nonstop, Sentry Stop That! might be worth a try.
This spray is different from the rest on this list since it is more targeted for behavior correction, with its unique noise-making feature, which distracts cats and marks negative behavior (sort of like a clicker) while simultaneously releasing cat-appeasing pheromones. This product is a great option for travel or vet visits since it comes in a portable container.
Sentry Stop That! Noise & Pheromone Cat Spray
Why Wag! loves this product
- Comes in a convenient spray bottle, which is great for travel
- Unique noise correction feature
- Appropriate for all life stages
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents complained that there isn't as much as they would expect in the bottle for the price tag
- Some users report a foul smell with this spray
What pet parents say about this product
"Absolutely love this product. Wish I had found it sooner. Our kitten was an out of control maniac when it came to playing with cords behind our 2 televisions and getting in the back of recliner chairs! Nothing I tried would deter him and my husband was livid over his behavior. I was in tears thinking that my "bottle baby" was going to have to be rehomed. But then I got the Stop That spray and he is like a new cat. Only used it twice and he has stopped his bad behavior. Now all I do is show him the bottle and he settles right down. I have ordered a 2nd bottle so that we have one within reach at all times, just in case. My "baby" is finally fitting into our household. Love it so much!!"
"One of my kitties gets bored while we are sleeping, and scratches at the carpet to get attention. Tried this last night when he started up, both kitties jumped and darted away. He tried it again hours later, and quit immediately when I sprayed this. Normally he'll do this several times throughout the night, so I think it's working."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Images sourced from Chewy. Copyright PetIQ, LLC.
bSerene Advanced Cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser Kit
The bSerene Advanced Cat Calming Pheromone kit is a great choice for households with kittens since it is suitable for all life stages.
What sets this diffuser apart is that it emits two different types of pheromones: facial pheromones (which cats secrete when greeting a friend) and maternal pheromones (which mother cats release to help kittens bond) to help soothe anxiety and remedy problem behaviors like aggression, territorial spraying, and vocalizations.
One of our favorite features is it's incredible "throw" radius, which is effective for spaces up to 750 square feet.
bSerene Advanced Cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser Kit
Why Wag! loves this product
- Can be used for kitties of almost every age (including kittens over 8 weeks old)
- Refills are available for purchase when you're running low
- Emits two different types of calming pheromones
- Effective for areas up to 750 square feet
Considerations & concerns
- Should not be used for cats under 8 weeks old
- Will need to replace monthly
What pet parents say about this product
"I have tried another diffuser and spray in the past. Gave the other brand months of use in hopes it would work. Nothing We have our own cats and foster kittens. So there can be some tense moments and fights. Our cat, Maia, is motherly and loves the kittens. However, she hates our cat, Asta. Asta is quiet and stays to herself. You can see she wants to play and socialize, but Maia attacks her. She will attack her in the litter boxes, while she is sleeping, while she is walking. No matter what I have tried, Asta lives in fear.
I recently bought two bSerene diffusers and plugged them in on opposite sides of the main living area. Today is day two of using this. I thought maybe it was too much as all the cats and kittens (9 of them) are calm. So I unplugged one. Maia went and attacked Asta. So I plugged it back in. A few hours later they were close to each other and even eating together. Part of me thought it might be took much. But I am hoping to get them calmed down and, in a week, unplug one again. Perhaps it's because this is winter and the house is closed up. But whatever the reason....it is the first time in over a year we have total peace."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Scientia Pet.
Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Calming Collar for Cats
If your kitty has chronic anxiety or you are working with a space that is too large for a diffuser plug-in, you may want to opt for a calming collar like the Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Cat Calming Collar.
When you put the collar on your cat, the warmth from their body will activate the collar to start emitting the synthetic pheromones. We particularly like this collar for its breakaway feature, which can prevent cats from getting trapped if their collar catches on something around the house.
Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Calming Collar
Why Wag! loves this product
- Natural approach to handling anxiety and problem behaviors in cats
- Is helpful for homes too large for a diffuser
- Works for both indoor and outdoor cats
- Great for travel
Considerations & concerns
- Although this is a breakaway collar, some pet parents complain that their cats break out of this collar way too easily and have a hard time keeping it on their pets.
- Not for use in cats under 10 months old
- Will need to be replaced monthly
What pet parents say about this product
"My two cats love to hate one another. I tried the pheromone oil plug in and that seemed to work for a few years. I looked for something else and I found these. My male hides.. CONSTANTLY! I call him my ninja hider. Since putting this collar on him, he seems more relaxed and actually socializes. My other half and I joked bc he will now sleep on the couch instead of behind it. There's no more hissing between the two. No more pooping behind furniture. The collar has definitely changed my cat."
"I took in an abandoned cat. She has a ton of energy and is very sensitive to touch, and is unafraid of biting and swatting if she doesn't like something. I put this collar on her the first time and, within about 2 days, saw it completely take the edge off. She will come over for petting and isn't apt to try and bite or scratch. She still has plenty of energy, but she isn't as 'out of control'. She also does not do well with other cats (which there is one in the home) this collar helps reduce the aggression significantly. They still need to be separated, but this collar is a lifesaver because there is no way she would be able to co-exist in any form with my other cat.
My other cat is now terrified of the newer cat and growls etc., so I started to put this collar on her. only time will tell if this helps her. I find the more I use the collars and change them out on the instructed frequency the more they help the cat. I also love the fact that they are unscented. I rarely have an issue with these collars coming off. Give them a try, and I highly recommend giving them 2-3 months to see the full effects."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Central Garden & Pet.
FAQ
Do calming collars make cats sleepy?
Do calming pheromone diffusers work?
What is the purpose of pheromones?