Awareness of cat anxiety and stress have increased dramatically in recent years, which has led to an explosion of calming aids for cats on the market. But, how do you know which ones are the best?
We scoured the market ourselves and found the 10 best cat calming aids available now to soothe your anxious cat.
How We Choose
If we recommend a product it’s because we have done the research on it and we believe it has the ability to help you and your cat. In our research, some products have been tested directly by us, while others have been researched using other methods, including reviewing comments from users online to ensure we have provided good coverage of what is working well for cats. As a team of qualified veterinarians, animal welfare experts, and cat parents, you can be assured we only choose the best products.
What are calming aids for cats?
Calming aids can be used to reduce the symptoms and feelings of anxiety and stress in your feline companion. Anxiety in cats can arise for a number of reasons from underlying health conditions and pain to environmental changes and past trauma.
It can be upsetting to watch your beloved cat suffering, but if you are able to notice the signs and act swiftly, the best calming aids for cats can be your best friend. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Withdrawal
- Excessive meowing
- Aggression
- Decreased appetite
- Avoiding the litter box
The variety of calming aids for cats can be a little overwhelming but they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. The one you choose will be dependent on your cat’s own individual preferences. Calming aids for cats come in numerous different forms, including:
- Cat calming sprays
- Cat pheromone diffusers
- Cat calming collars
- Cat calming treats
But how do you know which one to go with? Let’s run through the best calming aids for cats on the market today so you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
1. Best Overall: Feliway Classic 30 Day Starter Kit Calming Cat Diffuser
Simply plug the Feliway cat diffuser into a socket and it will cover approximately 700sq feet for up to 30 days. However, you shouldn’t plug this product into a socket behind a cabinet or door because this may hinder the diffusing process.
The Feliway Classic 30-Day Starter Kit Calming Cat Diffuser comes with one diffuser head and one canister that needs replacing once a month. Feliway Refills can be purchased separately.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Re-fillable
- Covers a large area
- Releases natural cat calming pheromones
Cons
- Canister need replacing every month so can get expensive
- The calming effects may take to 7 days to kick in
2. Best Value: Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Calming Spray
Just spray lightly wherever your cat spends most of their time when they are stressed, including bedding and cat trees. You can also spray it onto your cat carrier before you take any trip with your feline companion. The formula is very concentrated so you don’t need to use a lot.
Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Calming Spray contains various calming essential oils and flower extracts that are designed to promote relaxation in cats. However, the smell can be a bit overpowering when first sprayed. For this reason, it’s best to use this product a few hours before exposing your cat. Never spray directly onto your cat and ensure the product doesn’t get into their eyes as it can cause irritation.
Pros
- Long-lasting effect
- Can be sprayed anywhere
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Scent can be overpowering until it has dried
- May not work on all cats
3. Premium Choice: Comfort Zone Cat Calming Collar
The Comfort Zone Cat Calming Collar also comes with a handy breakaway function so it will come off cleanly if your cat gets it stuck on anything. However, some cat owners have stated that the material can be quite flimsy and easily broken.
These cat calming collars come in packs of two, with each one lasting around 30 days. The calming effects may take 1-2 weeks to kick in so it needs to be constantly worn to ensure the pheromones are continuously released.
Pros
- Breakaway clasp
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor cats
- Drug-free
- Each collar works for up to 30 days
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for kittens
- Breaks easily and can slip off your cat’s head
4. Best for Kittens: Bach Rescue Remedy Supplement for Pets
The ingredients are completely safe for cats of all ages and the amount you give is not determined by size or weight. Simply add four drops of the tincture to your cat’s food or water.
The Bach Rescue Remedy Supplement can also be used alongside other calming products for cats, including anxiety medications. However, be aware that some cats may not like the taste.
Pros
- Easy to use
- 100% natural ingredients
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Some cats might not like the taste
- Not as potent as other products so results may vary
5. Sentry Cat Calming Collar
The Sentry Cat Calming Collar is designed for adult cats and the effects of each collar last for 30 days. The collars need to be replaced after this period to ensure their long-term effectiveness. Some owners also state that the collar can fall off easily so they may not be suitable for cats that will constantly try to remove it or for cats that are not used to wearing a collar.
Pros
- Patented Good Behavior technology
- Flexible and comfortable design
- Affordable
Cons
- Falls off easily
- The chemicals in these cat calming collars can cause skin irritation in some cats
6. Vetriscience Laboratories Composure Cat Calming Treats
The Vetriscience Laboratories Composure Cat Calming Treats are approved by veterinarians to treat a wide range of cat anxiety behaviors from hyperactivity to nervousness. They also contain clinically proven ingredients such as L-theanine (also found in green tea), to help the body produce hormones that will promote relaxation.
They are convenient to offer to your cat at any time of day and get to work in 30 minutes. The effects usually last for around four hours and you can safely give a few at a time if you feel like your cat needs more of a boost. They also have an appealing chicken liver flavor that is bound to entice most cats.
Like all treats, Vetriscience Laboratories Composure Cat Calming Treats should only be offered in moderation.
Pros
- Convenient
- Tasty flavor
- Gets to work in 30 minutes
Cons
- Can lead to weight gain
- Expensive
7. Feliway Optimum Enhanced Calming Pheromone Diffuser for Cats
Just like the Feliway Classic Diffuser, Feliway Optimum just needs to be plugged into the wall in a room that your cat spends a lot of time in. It will then release calming pheromones across a range of 700sq feet.
The Feliway Optimum Enhanced Calming Pheromone Diffuser comes with a diffuser head and one vial that will last for 30 days. The pheromones released are also scentless which means they won’t affect humans or other pets.
Pros
- Great for multi-cat households
- Patented feline pheromone technology
- Convenient and easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
- Pheromones only cover one room
8. ThunderWunders Cat Calming Paw Gel
The ThunderWunders Cat Calming Paw Gel is a simple solution to short-term feline stress, which makes it perfect for vet visits or when you have visitors in the home. This product contains all natural ingredients including chamomile and passionflower so it’s safe for both adult cats and kittens.
Apply about one inch of the gel onto your cat’s paws during, or before, times of stress. When they groom themselves, your cat will then distribute the gel over their body to promote relaxation. This product also has a tasty salmon flavor which your kitty will love.
The ThunderWunders Cat Calming Paw Gel comes in a handy small tube which is great to take with you when traveling. However, some cats have a tendency to rub the gel all over your furniture so be selective about when you apply it!
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Appealing salmon flavor
- Contains natural ingredients
Cons
- Can be messy
- The strong salmon smell can linger on your cat and your furniture
9. Feliway Animal Health Wipes
You can easily slip these wipes into your bag when you plan to travel with your cat. Just wipe nearby surfaces, to release pheromones that will last for several hours. You can also wipe down the cat carrier before you leave.
While these wipes are good for short-term stressful situations, they are not the best option for long-term anxiety. They should only be used on hard surfaces as they are not suitable for soft furnishings. You should also never apply Feliway Animal Health Wipes directly to your cat.
Pros
- Convenient size for traveling
- Release a natural calming pheromone
Cons
- Only suitable for use on hard surfaces
- Expensive
10. Calm Paws Purr Calming Essential Oil for Cats
Calm Paws Purr Calming Essential Oil for cats comes with an easy-to-use dropper so you can ensure you give your cat the right amount. Simply, add this essential oil to your cat’s food or water bowl to prevent anxiety-driven behaviors such as excessive meowing and scratching.
Be aware that some cats may be allergic to the essential oils in this product so it’s best to test a small amount first.
Pros
- Contains natural essential oils
- Easy to administer
- Suitable for both adult cats and kittens
Cons
- Some cats may be allergic to the essential oils it contains
- Some cats might not like the lavender scent
Final Thoughts on Choosing The Best Cat Calming Products
It’s important to choose the best calming aid that suits your kitty’s needs. Your choice will depend on your cat’s health status, age, and preferences. You will also need to consider whether your feline companion is suffering from short-term stress or long-term anxiety. Always seek the advice of a vet if you are concerned as some of the symptoms caused by anxiety can also be signs of numerous other medical conditions.
We found that the Feliway Classic 30-Day Starter Kit Calming Cat Diffuser is our top choice when it comes to the most effective calming aid for cats. Its convenient plug-in diffuser method means it can be used in any room that your cat frequents and it has an impressive 700sq feet range.
Author
Carla Shaik, Chief Editor and Writer, BSC Animal Behavior and Welfare
Our resident animal welfare expert, Carla Shaik has always had a passion for writing and educating the public on topics that really matter, especially cat welfare. Since graduating with a BSC in Animal Behavior and Welfare, Carla has written for a national cat magazine for eight years and more recently branched out into becoming a freelance writer full-time...
