These studies are all hugely encouraging that the use of pheromones can be beneficial for those cats who are suffering from some form of stress. However, it is worth noting that the causes of stress are many and varied, and pheromones may not be suitable for all circumstances. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian if you are concerned about your kitty. Pheromones are chemicals, released by glands across a cat’s body and used as messages between cats. These pheromones have now been manufactured synthetically and can be bought as a diffuser or as sprays, to be used in situations such as a fireworks fear or for urine marking in the house.

Cats use pheromones—chemical scent signals—to pass messages to themselves and other cats. These pheromones have now been produced synthetically and are available as a diffuser or a spray.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Pheromone Diffusers and Sprays for Cats To Buy

It also offers slightly more coverage—750 square feet vs. the usual 650-700. However, like the other diffusers, this is based on an open floor plan and will only be effective in one room. Another bonus: bSerene vials are said to last longer than most other diffusers. According to the company, each refill should last about 45 days, considerably longer than the typical 30-day use. A 2018 study found that the use of Feliway reduced both inter-cat aggression and stress-related behaviors in cats in multi-cat households. However, the owners who participated in the study also had training about cat behavior and some basic behavior modifications, so it is impossible to tell exactly how much direct effect the pheromones had. Traveling with cats is not for the faint of heart, but calming pheromones may help. Sprays make the most sense for calming nerves during travel because they’re portable. Sprays are also ideal for temporary stressful situations and can be applied directly to the area where your kitty may become distressed. In this case, their kitty carrier. If your cat seems healthy and happy, but you have a potentially stressful event occurring, such as a fireworks show or a trip to the veterinarian, then pheromones may be a useful intervention to minimize anxiety for your cat. PHEROMONE TECHNOLOGY TO PROMOTE FEELINGS OF REASSURANCE AND WELL-BEING: When cats feel relaxed and happy, they mark objects, people, other animals and their territory with Feline Facial Pheromones (FFP). When they return, they identify the area as safe and reassured. Beaphar CatComfort® contains a copy of Feline Facial Pheromone, which is instantly recognisable to all cats helping to comfort them and reduce unwanted behaviour.

using their own pheromones. Gently rub a clean cotton cloth on your cat’s cheek to collect their pheromones, then rub this on cat-height objects (table legs, the edges of sofas and chairs etc.). This will spread around their familiar smell to help them feel safe and happy. You’ll need to do this a couple of times a day

Cat pheromone products are becoming increasingly popular, and are marketed for all sorts of feline unwanted behaviors, from scratching furniture to urine spraying and even aggression. Owners will often use pheromones to help their cat when they are showing signs of stress. You can read more about stress in our guide. This bSerene diffuser is a relative newcomer on the market. What caught my eye was that it contains both types of pheromones: facial and mammary. So, it calms cats on an individual level and helps them to get along. This makes it a good choice for households with constant cat battles. Pheromone diffusers and sprays mimic these natural cat-appeasing pheromones to calm feline nerves. In turn, they should curb stress-induced behaviors like excessive vocalization, scratching, hiding, and fighting among cats. They’re often used in vet clinics or shelters to relax cats. Synthetic pheromones won’t work for every cat, but many cat parents report noticeable differences in their pet’s behavior after using them.

It’s a minor detail, but I appreciated this diffuser’s streamlined design, which looked considerably sleeker than the Feliway. On the downside, it’s the only diffuser we tested that doesn’t have rotating electrical prongs to fit horizontal outlets. What We Liked: Pheromone products are species-specific—meaning they won’t be detectable or useful for dogs, humans, or other pets. But they’re completely safe to use around other animals who share your cat’s space. Pets and small children should be supervised around them though. pheromone sprays. Artificial pheromone sprays are ideal for using on things like blankets, cat carriers for vet visits and your cat’s bedding to help relax them There are also scent glands in the paw pads and around the nipples of female cats, and pheromones are also released into the urine. The pheromones are released when your cat rubs its face and body on you, other pets, or objects; scratches or claws at items; and by urine spraying. But you may be wondering, do they work, and how can they help your cat? Read on to find out! What Are Pheromones?Synthetic cat pheromones can take a few different forms. The type that’s best for you will depend on how you plan to use it. For instance, consider whether your cat needs 24/7 nerve control, or her stress is more situational. Also, consider whether you’re trying to reduce general stress, or if you need to calm inter-cat tensions and fighting. When plugged in, this diffuser is warm to the touch (as were all the tested diffusers on this list). The company notes that some users may notice a slight odor for the first 24–72 hours, although I didn’t notice any smell during use. Another potential watch-out is that wall outlets should have pretty strong plug retention. These things are fairly heavy, and I noticed them sagging down in certain outlets. This could cause them to fall and break.

Sprays: Because they’re portable, sprays make the most sense for stress during travel. Sprays are better for reducing stress in a specific area of the home, like a litter box or feeding station. The feline facial pheromones (f3) are comforting and calming pheromones and help cats feel secure and happy. Synthetic f3 is found in the pheromone product Feliway Classic and is useful for multiple types of stress-related behavior, such as urine spraying outside the litter box, hiding away, and even aggression.

When Should I Use Feline Pheromones?

Comfort Zone says you should notice changes in your pet’s behavior in about 1–2 weeks, although some cats may take up to four weeks. There were some complaints about defective bottles leaking or the nozzle being ineffective, but I found that it worked just fine. What We Liked: Dogs also use pheromones, and an interesting study in 2020 looked at using pheromones in households with both cats and dogs, using both cat and dog pheromones. Both species pheromones led to improved inter-pet relationships and reduced anxiety in both cats and dogs. SCIENTIFICALLY RECOGNISED: Pheromone technology is widely recognised by behavioural experts and vets for its ability to create an instinctive calming response for your cat. They can be helpful in a variety of situations to help your cat feel calmer, more in harmony with other pets, and secure in their own environment. There is some evidence that they are useful in modifying behavior, but are best used as part of a wider behavioral plan for more severe cases of feline stress.