10 Best Pheromone Collars for Cats in 2024

Everyone has a unique scent. You probably don’t notice your own, but you can tell when you walk into a friend’s home that it smells different from yours. In the animal kingdom, scent is primarily used for identification. It provides information about one animal to another, but it doesn’t have a direct impact.

Pheromones, on the other hand, are secreted by the body and trigger any number of responses in other individuals. Insects use pheromones to communicate and some pheromones play a role in sexual attraction. Mother cats produce pheromones that calm and soothe their kittens after birth.

There is still a great deal to be learned about pheromones and how they work, but there’s evidence to suggest that synthetic pheromones mimic the effects of their natural counterparts. The cat pheromone collar, for example, releases pheromones that mimic those produced by mother cats to help relieve cat anxiety. Read on to learn more and to see our top picks for the best calming collar for cats.

What Are Pheromones, Anyway?

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The body is an organization of systems and chemicals which interact with each other in complex ways. Certain chemicals act as catalysts for specific processes while others regulate or modify those processes. Hormones are chemicals that work internally, directly affecting the individual secreting them, while pheromones are ectohormones.

Pheromones are excreted outside the body and their purpose is to influence the behavior of another individual. Here are the four main types of pheromones: 

• Releaser – This type of pheromone elicits an immediate response that is rapid and reliable – they are typically linked to sexual attraction and arousal.
• Primer – These pheromones take a little longer to get a response and can alter hormone levels in other beings. Primer pheromones influence development and reproduction physiology, such as puberty and the menstrual cycle in females.
• Signaler – This type of pheromone gives out information – an example is a pheromone that enables a mother to recognize her newborn by its individual scent.
• Modulator – These pheromones alter or synchronize bodily functions and are typically found in sweat. They can also affect a female’s monthly menstrual cycle.

What Do Cat Pheromones Do?

Different cat pheromones are produced by different glands and they send different messages. These glands are heavily concentrated around the face and mouth, though they are also present in the paw pads. Female cats have additional glands around the nipples.

Cats release pheromones for a variety of reasons such as: 

• Marking territory
• Signaling to sexual partners
• Identifying other cats
• Enhancing bonding
• Signaling contentment
• Identifying and bonding with kittens
• Signaling stress or fear

Aside from pheromones for marking territory and signaling potential mates, cat pheromones are largely used between a mother cat and her kittens. Pheromones secreted from the mammary area are called feline-appeasing pheromone and they help nursing kittens feel calm and secure. They help the mother cat identify her kittens if they become separated, and they help the kittens get along.

Synthetic versions of this feline-appeasing hormone have been created and utilized in cat calming aids like pheromone diffusers and cat pheromone collars. Read on to learn more.

Do Cat Pheromones Work to Relieve Anxiety?

The key to cat calming aids that utilize pheromones is that they must be made for cats. Dog pheromones will only work on dogs, and cat pheromones only work on cats. Remember as well that different pheromones serve different purposes.

When it comes to cat pheromones for anxiety, there are a number of different options. The best calming collar for cats releases a continuous supply of pheromones to provide behavior support for up to 30 days. Plug-in diffusers offer the same benefit but spread the pheromones around a larger space. You can also find cat calming spray, wipes, and clips for the cat’s collar.

The question “do cat pheromones work,” hasn’t been answered definitively. Some cats respond more significantly to cat calming aids than others and more research needs to be conducted to determine the true efficacy of these products.

The thing to remember is that while calming pheromones might help some cats, they won’t work for every situation and they shouldn’t be a replacement for treating underlying health issues.

The Best Pheromone Collar for Cats

If you’re wondering how to calm a nervous cat, a pheromone collar might be a good place to start. Because pheromones aren’t absorbed into the cat’s bloodstream, there’s little risk of him getting too much of them. You still need to be careful about other active ingredients and the design of the collar itself, but it’s a simple way to find out if your cat reacts to pheromones.

Here are our top picks for the best cat pheromone collar: 

Our 2024 Picks: Best Cat Pheromone Collar
	Sentry Calming Cat Collar Uses pheromone technology Adjusts to fit necks up to 15 inches Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	NurtureCALM 24/7 Feline Calming Pheromone Collar Reduces anxiety and stress Natural and mobile design Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	Comfort Zone On-the-Go Calming Cat Collar Infused with pheromones Helps eliminate anxious habits Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Calm Paws Calming Cat Collar Natural oil extracts Perfect for everyday use Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Feliway Calming Travel Cat Wipes Mimic a cat’s natural pheromones Veterinary recommended Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Comfort Zone 2X Pheromone Formula Multicat Helps reduce tension Calming pheromones Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Feliway Travel Calming Cat Spray Travel and vet visits less stressful Power of natural pheromones Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Feliway 30-Day Starter Kit Plug-In Includes diffuser and one refill Mimics cat’s natural pheromones Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	ThunderEase Cat Calming Diffuser Kit Drug-Free formul Relaxes pets Price:  $$$$	CHECK PRICE
	NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Simulated Pheromones Natural products Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE

Sentry Calming Cat Collar

For less than $20, give your cat a full 30 days of relief from anxiety. The Sentry Calming Cat Collar utilizes patented pheromone technology that mimics the calming pheromone mother cats produce to soothe their kittens. This technology is scientifically proven to modify stress-related behaviors like inappropriate marking, clawing, destruction, and excessive vocalization. The collar has a pleasant lavender chamomile fragrances and fits necks up to 15 inches for cats of all breeds and ages.

Pros: Mimics pheromones that calm cats, works for up to 30 days, soothing chamomile fragrance

Cons: Some cats dislike the fragrances, not a breakaway collar

NurtureCALM 24/7 Feline Calming Pheromone Collar

Help your cat or kitten feel safe in stress-related situations with the NurtureCALM 24/7 Feline Calming Pheromone Collar. This cat collar lasts up to 30 days and has a natural, soothing lavender chamomile fragrance. It reduces anxiety and relieves stress for up to 30 days of continuous use and is adjustable for neck sizes up to 15 inches. Use it daily or only for stressful situations, keeping it sealed in a plastic bag between uses to maximize its efficacy.

Pros: Sustained release pheromones, reduce stress-related behavior, safe for cats and kittens

Cons: May not work for all cats, some found it uncomfortable

Comfort Zone On-the-Go Calming Cat Collar

In shopping for cat collars, it’s important to consider your cat’s safety. Many cat collars offer a breakaway safety feature that releases the collar if it becomes stuck, saving your cat from injury or accidental strangulation. The Comfort Zone On-the-Go Calming Cat Collar is one of the few pheromone cat collars that incorporates this feature and it still offers a full 30 days of continuous release pheromones to help eliminate stress-related behaviors like meowing and marking.

Pros: Continuous pheromone release for 30 days, breakaway safety feature

Cons: Some cats may break out of it too easily

Calm Paws Calming Cat Collar

When bringing home a new kitten or cat, you should expect a period of transition. Your cat may be nervous at first, but you can ease the transition with this Calm Paws Calming Cat Collar. Perfectly sized for kittens and younger cats, this calming collar releases natural oil extracts known for their calming properties. This collar is made with a premium blend of essential oils, formulated to last up to 30 days, and fits neck sizes up to 11 inches – simply cut off the excess. Though this collar doesn’t actually incorporate cat pheromones, it mimics the effects using natural essential oils.

Pros: Provides up to 30 days of behavior support, made with natural essential oils, calming scent

Cons: May not fit larger cats (only up to 11-inch neck size)

Other Cat Calming Aids with Pheromones

A cat pheromone collar is a great option for cats with chronic anxiety because they provide up to 30 days of continuous treatment. If your cat doesn’t like wearing a collar, or if you’re looking for a more short-term solution, you have other options. Here are some other cat calming aids to consider that use the same pheromones as the best cat calming collar:

Feliway Calming Travel Cat Wipes

Some cats don’t struggle with chronic anxiety but unfamiliar situations like going to the vet or traveling on a plane can be stressful. These Feliway Calming Travel Cat Wipes are the perfect solution for short-term anxiety relief. Use them to wipe down hard surfaces like your cat’s carrier or the car dashboard every four to five hours to help induce a sense of calm to ease your cat’s anxiety.

Comfort Zone 2X Pheromone Formula Multicat Diffuser Kit

If you have multiple cats who struggle to get along, this Comfort Zone 2X Pheromone Formula Multicat Diffuser Kit might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This diffuser kit releases a continuous supply of soothing pheromones to help reduce tension and fighting. Made with two times the calming pheromones of other kits on the market, this product helps you create a calm environment for your cats. Plus, it won’t be detectable by other pets in the home.

Feliway Travel Calming Cat Spray

Proven effective in 9 out of 10 cats, this pheromone cat spray helps your cat feel more secure during travel and vet visits. This spray utilizes the calming power of natural pheromones to ease your cat’s anxiety, reducing symptoms like crying, pacing, and shaking. Simply spray it in your cat’s carrier, in the car, or on his favorite plush toy for an added degree of comfort.

Feliway 30-Day Starter Kit Plug-In Diffuser & Refill

If your cat suffers from stress or anxiety, the Feliway 30-Day Starter Kit Plug-In Diffuser & Refill may be just what you need to turn things around. This plug-in diffuser covers up to 700 square feet, filling the room with calming pheromones to make your cat feel safe and secure. The diffuser comes with a refill that lasts up to 30 days – once it runs out, you can simply replace it for uninterrupted coverage.

ThunderEase Cat Calming Diffuser Kit

Reduce your cat’s anxiety with this easy-to-use ThunderEase Cat Calming Diffuser Kit. This kit is a drug-free way to reduce stress-related behaviors like marking, meowing, scratching, and destruction. It is tested to be over 90% effective for reducing stress, all without the unwanted side effects of sedatives. It continuously releases pheromones for up to 30 days and can be refilled quickly and easily.

NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Aid Cat Spray

Some cats become anxious in the car or at the vet, but they are perfectly fine at home. For short-term anxiety, consider a cat calming spray like this NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Aid Cat Spray. This spray is formulated to simulate feline pheromones to induce a sense of calm and it can be applied with a quick spritz 5 minutes before your cat enters the room. The pheromones last for up to 8 to 10 hours, and the product is all-natural and safe for pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all cats respond to cat pheromones? Every cat is different, so you can’t always predict how your cat will react to something. When it comes to cat pheromones, the results are vast and varied. Some cats respond very well to pheromones, though it may take up to 14 days to notice a difference in your cat’s behavior. Other cats may not respond much to the pheromones at all.
2. Are there any alternatives to a cat pheromone collar? Some cats simply don’t like to wear collars but there are some alternative options available. For short-term anxiety relief, you might consider a pheromone spray or wipe. Cat calming spray is easy to use in the areas your cat tends to frequent while calming wipes can be used on hard surfaces like the cat’s carrier to promote calm during stressful car rides. For long-term stress relief at home, a pheromone diffuser might be a good option – these typically last up to 30 days and have refillable inserts.
3. What is the best cat calming collar? There are a few popular options on the market but not all of them are rates positively. We’ve assembled a small collection of products from Chewy to give you an idea what’s out there. The Sentry Calming Collar is the most well-received product on the market, and we recommend it for cat owners looking to try pheromones for their cat’s anxiety.
4. Do cat pheromones affect humans? No, pheromones are species-specific. This means that only cat pheromones will affect cats. For the most part, pheromones are not detectible by scent, so you’re unlikely to be able to detect the pheromones at all yourself. They won’t have any negative impact on you, your family, or other pets.

As independent as your cat may seem, he’s just as sensitive to stress and anxiety as you are. Changes to his environment and interruptions to his routine can be concerning and may trigger unwanted behaviors like urine marking, excessive meowing, and even destruction.

Once you’ve ruled out potential underlying health issues with your veterinarian, consider whether cat pheromones might be a good option. Check out our top picks for the best calming collar for cats above.