Exploring Cat Pheromone Solutions for Calming and Relaxing Cats

It’s hard to see your cat stressed, but cat pheromone products may be able to help. Mimicking the natural calming effects of your cat’s own pheromones, these sprays, diffusers and other products can help your cat to feel safe and secure again. Daily use of pheromone products help your cat feel safe, and relaxed- every day.

Understanding pheromones and their effects on cats

Pheromones are natural chemical signals that cats release to communicate with each other- completely odorless to people but powerful to other cats. Depending on the message your cat wants to send, they will release different cat pheromones from different parts of the body: 

• Urine. Cats can detect pheromones in urine and identify them as belonging to another cat. For that reason, a cat may urinate or spray onto objects or surfaces in their territory to mark it as their own, especially if they feel threatened by other cats, a new arrival, or during a stressful situation. 
• Paws. Cats have glands around the paw area that release pheromones when they scratch. Similar to urine marking, cats will scratch vertical objects or surfaces to mark them with pheromones and signal their territory. 
• Facial. You may have noticed your cat likes to rub their face on furniture, surfaces, other pets, and of course, you! This is your cat marking something, and this behavior leaves behind pheromones from their facial glands; helping your cat feel safe and a sense of security.

Pheromones are often used as a first approach to help manage stress and behavior problems in cats. They work by mimicking the calming effects of natural pheromones to help cats feel safe and secure. 

 

Benefits of using calming pheromones for cats

Cats are very sensitive to their environment, so they can become easily stressed by factors such as: 

• Excessive noise
• Unfamiliar people
• Disruption to their routine
• Vet visits or travel
• Moving homes or renovations
• A new baby
• Other pets/cats in the home 

Stress can lead to disruptive, harmful or undesirable behaviors such as: 

• Overgrooming
• Urine marking around the home  
• Scratching furniture
• Hiding and withdrawal

Pheromones can help to improve their wellbeing, reduce the risk of these stress-related signs, and manage some of these behaviors. Being proactive is always the best approach, and feline pheromones can be used before a potentially stressful event.

 

 Types of cat pheromones

There are various types of cat pheromone products available: 

• Pheromone diffusers (either plugged-in or non-electric) release calming pheromones, dispersed around the room, that only your cat can smell.
• Pheromone sprays come in a bottle that can be sprayed onto walls, carriers and objects, or soft furnishings, blankets, or bedding. 

 

Selecting the right pheromone solution for your cat

The right cat pheromone product will depend on the source of your cat’s stress, as well as their individual habits and needs. 

Diffusers are a great option as part of your cat's daily routine to help them feel consistently calm, confident, and comfortable. In addition, it provides that extra support in times of change like if you’re moving homes, welcoming a new baby or pet, or expecting visitors. 

If your cat gets anxious under specific circumstances, like vet visits or travel, then they may benefit from occasional-use products like a cat pheromone spray. These can be used anywhere and are ideal for taking with you on the go. They can also be used in specific areas in the home to discourage scratching or marking.  

 

How to use pheromone solutions effectively

For best results from a cat pheromone diffuser, choose the area of the house where the cat spends the most time. This should ideally be a quiet, restful and out of reach spot.

Feline pheromone sprays should be used at least 15 minutes before the cat accesses the area or object. If you’re using these products to discourage scratching or marking in the home, use on the target areas once to several times a day.

Complementary methods to enhance the effectiveness of pheromones

While cat pheromones can be helpful in calming a stressed cat, they’re best used as part of a holistic stress management plan that might also include: 

• Environmental management. Give every cat access to plentiful food, fresh water, a clean litter tray, and a quiet resting area.  
• Dietary management. Quality nutrition is essential to help your cat to manage stress, so always feed your cat a complete and balanced food.
• Enrichment. Cats need lots of mental stimulation for their wellbeing. Make time to play and make sure they have access to lots of toys and other enrichment activities, especially when they’re alone.  
• Routine. Cats are creatures of habit, so try to keep routine activities like feeding schedules and locations as consistent as possible. 

 

When to consult a veterinarian

Cat pheromone solutions usually act quickly but it can take a few weeks to see a noticeable difference to your cat’s behavior. If you've tried pheromones alongside all of the above advice, or your cat is showing other unusual or physical signs, then it’s time to visit the veterinarian. 

Your veterinarian can examine your cat and diagnose any underlying problems so that your feline friend can get the right treatment. If there’s no obvious cause of your cat’s stress, or they’re not responding to your efforts at home, your veterinarian may recommend a behavior specialist. 

 

Cat pheromones as part of a holistic stress management plan

Cat pheromones can be tremendously helpful for a cat with stress, making them feel safe and secure once more. However, it’s important to use pheromones as part of a wider treatment plan that involves environmental, nutritional and behavioral management. If in doubt, always consult your veterinarian for advice. 

Veterinarian intervention may be necessary for cats with more serious behavior conditions.