Stress can make our furry felines behave in all sorts of naughty ways. From marking in inappropriate places to unprovoked scratching, even minor situations to us can seem like the end of the world for our cats. Luckily, cat pheromone sprays can help calm our felines down and return them to their old, cuddly self.
We reviewed dozens of cat pheromone sprays to identify the best of the best. We considered effectiveness, cost, customer reviews, vet recommendations, versatility, and safety.
The Ceva Feliway Spray quickly rose to the top of our list as the best spray you can purchase for your feline. It is recommended by vets and has no added medications in it, so you can ensure it’s safe for your feline.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Pheromone Sprays
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Ceva Feliway Spray | 3.9 |
| Best Cat Pheromone Spray for Scratching | Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control | 3.8 |
| Best Budget Buy | Nature's Miracle Just For Cats Calming Spray | 3.7 |
| Best Cat Pheromone Spray for Stress | ThunderEase Cat Calming Pheromone Spray | 3.7 |
| Best Cat Pheromone Spray for Urine Marking | Relxivet Natural Calming Spray for Cats | 4.2 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Cat Pheromone Spray Overall: Ceva Feliway Spray
The Ceva Feliway Spray is one of the best you can purchase for your cat. It is vet recommended for helping your feline adjust to new and stressful situations and curbing unwanted behaviors that stem from stress. It does not contain any added drugs – just pheromones. Because of this, it is safer than many of the formulas that fall back to harsh chemicals.
It is specifically designed to help your feline stop marking and scratching in inappropriate places. However, because it works by reducing your cat’s overall stress, it is also effective at preventing any stress-based behaviors. According to the company, it is clinically proven to stop scratching and other troublesome behaviors in nine out of ten cats.
Of course, you can also use this spray in a variety of potentially stressful situations. It is particularly useful when you introduce a new cat to the household since you can spray it in the area where your two cats will be meeting. The pheromones last for up to 5 hours, and you can re-apply as needed. It isn’t possible to overdose on this spray or anything of that sort. It can also reduce stress during vet visits or other types of travel.
Ceva Feliway Spray Key Features:
- Vet recommended
- No medications included
- Reduces travel anxiety
- Lasts for up to 5 hours
Best Cat Pheromone Spray for Scratching: Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control
If your cat tends to scratch when they become stressed, the Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control spray is a suitable option. It is a veterinarian recommended and designed explicitly for scratching caused by stress. You can spray it in the area where your cat usually scratches to calm them down and prevent their destructive behavior. It is very good at treating spot areas in your house where your cat tends to scratch, like your couch or in doorways.
It is drug-free, unscented, and safe to use on most fabrics. It can also be used on hardwood and doorframes without causing damage. Of course, because it works by calming your cat’s stress, it can also work for other types of behaviors that tend to happen in one area. If your cat always marks in the same spot, this spray can also help prevent that behavior.
Because this spray relies solely on pheromones, the exact effect it has can vary from cat to cat. Many customers reported that it calmed their cat down and sometimes even wholly stopped the behavior. Other times though, this spray might not affect your cat at all. Furthermore, it only prevents scratching that is caused by stress. If your cat is scratching for a different reason, it will likely not be beneficial.
Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control Key Features:
- Vet recommended
- Drug-free
- Unscented
- Safe for fabrics and wood
Best Budget Cat Pheromone Spray: Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Calming Spray
Pheromone sprays can be expensive. It is difficult to re-create pheromones efficiently, which is why many sprays cost quite a bit of money. However, for those looking to save a few dollars, Nature’s Miracle Just For Cats Calming Spray is a solid choice. This spray technically doesn’t contain any pheromones, so it isn’t precisely a pheromone spray. However, it does work by calming your cat and reducing their stress levels, which is very similar to how pheromones sprays work. Because it is only a fraction of the price of most competitive sprays, we decided to include it in our top five list.
Plus, because it doesn’t rely on pheromones, it might work for cats that are still stressed after you used other sprays. The formula is entirely no-sedating, so it won’t make your cats sleepy or groggy. It is long-lasting, allowing you to spray it once and forget about it. It is also safe to use around children and most different kinds of pets. Whenever you’re worried about your cat getting stressed, you just spray the area where they’ll be. If you’re traveling with your cat, for instance, you can spray it on their carrier. If your cat always marks in the same spot, spray it in that area.
Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Calming Spray Key Features:
- Herbal-based
- Safe for use around children
- Long-lasting
- Non-sedative
Best Cat Pheromone Spray for Stress: ThunderEase Cat Calming Pheromone Spray
If your cat is stressed for any reason, they can begin to act out by scratching, marking, and meowing constantly. ThunderEase Cat Calming Pheromone Spray aims to reduce these behaviors by lowering your cat’s stress levels through pheromones. This spray contains Feliway, which is the top-recommended solution for stress by veterinarians. If you’ve already tried a spray with Feliway in it though and discovered that it didn’t work for your cat, you should probably skip on this one, however. Instead, we recommend trying one of the alternative herbal solutions we recommend here.
This solution focuses solely on reducing stress, making it useable for reducing plenty of stress-induced behaviors. You can use it when you’re visiting the vet or boarding your cat. If you’re adopting another cat, you can use it in the area where they’ll first meet your current cat. It is small, so traveling around with it should be no problem. According to the company, it works on 90% of cats. Of course, because it relies on our cat’s hormones, it may or may not work on your cat.
This solution does not contain any drugs or use anything but pheromones.
ThunderEase Cat Calming Pheromone Spray Key Features:
- Reduces stress
- Effective for 90% of cats
- Easy to travel with
- Drug-free
Cat Pheromone Spray for Urine Marking: Relaxivet Natural Calming Spray for Cats
For another herbal alternative that works similarly to pheromones, the Relxivet Natural Calming Spray for Cats is a good option. Not all cats react to pheromone sprays, so this spray provides a different alternative for cats who just don’t respond to other calming sprays. It works fast, and most owners reported seeing effects in only 15 minutes. The effect lasts for up to 6 hours and works on both cats and dogs. This spray works particularly well for inter-species stress, since it works on both canines and felines. If your cat and dog are at each other’s throats, you might want to try this single spray to calm them both down.
It is safe and non-toxic. The solution is entirely herbal based and only includes herbs known to be safe for pets, just as catnip and rosemary. The bottle is quite small, so you can easily take it with you while you’re traveling. You can use it on your pet’s carrier when you’re visiting the vet or spray it on certain areas of your home where your cat seems to be the most stressed. You can also use it only in certain situations that might produce stress, like introducing a new animal into your home.
Relxivet Natural Calming Spray for Cats Key Features:
- Herbal-based
- Non-toxic
- Works in only 15 minutes
- Lasts for 8 hours
Who Should Buy a Cat Pheromone Spray
Cat pheromone sprays are designed to reduce your cat’s stress. They rely on pheromones that cats naturally produce when they’re nursing. The sprays recreate this pheromone in an attempt to calm your cat down. However, each cat reacts to these pheromones differently. If your feline is exhibiting stress-related behaviors, like scratching and urine marking, a pheromone spray can help them calm down. If urine marking is a problem, check out our post on how to get rid of cat urine smell in your home.
You can also use a spray proactively in situations you think your cat might find stressful. The most common example of this is a trip to the vet’s office. By spraying your cat’s carrier with a pheromone spray, you can help keep them calm during the trip and the examination itself. Another stressful situation that pheromone spray can be useful for is the introduction of a new animal. Right before you introduce them, spray the pheromones in the general area they will be meeting.
Cat pheromone sprays work differently for different cats, however. If it doesn’t work for your feline, you might want to try a similar herbal option.
Important Features to Consider
A cat pheromone spray should have a few essential features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a pheromone spray for your feline:
- Safety. Of course, the very first thing you should consider when choosing a spray is the safety of the formula. You should check the exact ingredients of the recipe and ensure that they are all safe for felines. Even if a formula is labeled as having pheromones doesn’t mean that it doesn’t contain other ingredients as well that might be unsafe. If you purchase an herbal spray, this is even more important, since they often have multiple ingredients.
- Effectiveness. Cats are going to react to different pheromone sprays differently. Most sprays use Feliway, which is one of the most effective ingredients out there. However, others might use other formulation that may work to varying degrees. If your cat doesn’t react to one spray, they may react to another. If you’ve already used a pheromone spray and didn’t see significant changes in your feline, you may want to consider a herbal option instead.
- Cost. There is a vast variety of cost between sat calming sprays. Some are only a few dollars, while others can cost over $30. Typically, sprays from long-standing companies are more expensive because they have been proven again and again. Sprays from newer companies are usually cheaper. In most cases, expensive doesn’t necessarily mean the spray works better. Most pheromone sprays contain the same ingredients, so they all work very similarly.
- Fast-acting. Preferably, you want a spray that works very quickly. One that takes a while to work is only going to be helpful in long-term situations. It is going to be challenging to use a spray that takes a while to work in short-term cases, like a vet trip, for example.
- Long-lasting. At the same time, you also want the spray to last a while – preferably at least a few hours. Otherwise, you’re going to have to spray it regularly and will likely run through your bottle quickly. Plus, you might not always be around to spray it in a long-term stress situation, which can lead to a resurgence in naughty behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cat pheromone spray and how does it work?
Cat pheromone spray attempts to re-create the pheromones produced by mother cats when they’re nursing. These pheromones are naturally calming and work on cats of all ages, including adults. Because of this, they can be used to calm down naturally anxious cats or keep your cat calm in a potentially stressful situation, like when you’re introducing a new pet into the household. These sprays are not sedative and don’t have known health effects, so they’re a better choice than medication for minor stress behaviors.
Some herbal sprays work similarly, but don’t contain pheromones. Because pheromones don’t necessarily work on every cat, these herbal sprays may be a better option for cats that haven’t previously been affected by pheromones.
How long does it take for cat pheromones to work?
It depends on the spray you get. Some sprays also include herbs, which makes them start acting faster. Others just include pheromones, which means that it might take up to a week before they begin working all the way. Typically, it begins working gradually.
Can humans smell cat pheromones?
No, but some sprays are scented.
How do you use pheromone spray for cats?
Usually, you spray it in the area where the stress behavior occurs or where you think your cat will be when they get stressed. If they mark on your couch, spray it on the sofa. If you’re taking them to the vet, spray it on their carrying crate. If you’re bringing home a new cat, spray it in the area where they’ll meet your current feline. Most sprays are not designed to be sprayed on the cat themselves.
Other Cat Pheromone Sprays We Reviewed
We looked at 10 other cat pheromone sprays. Even though they didn’t make our five best pheromone sprays for cats list, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still an excellent option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
True Cat Pheromone Sprays
Felisept Home Comfort Calming Spray
This spray is a little larger than most and is mostly designed to be used inside your home. It contains nepetalactone, a cat pheromone that has a calming effect.
Key Features:
- Combat’s stress-related behavioral problems
- Larger spray bottle
- Contains herbal and pheromone ingredients
Cost: $10
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Room Spray
By simulating cat’s normal pheromones, this spray aims to reduce your cat’s stress. It has a pleasant, light fragrance and is safe for cats over 12 weeks of age.
Key Features:
- cGMP compliant
- Not very fragrant
- Simulates pheromones
Cost: $12
Pet Organic No-Stress Spray for Cats
This spray mimics cat pheromones to calm down cats in short-term situations. It has a natural, pleasant scent.
Key Features:
- Slight fragrance
- Calms nervous cats
- Includes cats pheromones
Cost: $6
This scientifically-proven spray includes pheromones that are safe and effective. It is very helpful in stressful situations and does not require multiple sprays to work.
Key Features:
- Helps coupe with short-term stressful situations
- One small spray is all that is necessary
- Scientifically-proven
Cost: $20
Pheromone Similar Cat Sprays
Calming Stress Relief Formula for Dogs and Cats
This spray includes various herbal ingredients to help calm your cat and provide some anxiety relief. It is designed specifically to stop destructive behavior and works for both cats and dogs.
Key Features:
- Packs of multiple sizes available
- Easy to use
- Natural, botanical formula
Cost: $19
Fine Veta Cat Anxiety Calming Aid
This formula works for both cats and dogs. Compared to other options, it works quite quickly and is not a sedative.
Key Features:
- Small, travel-sized bottles
- Includes natural components only
- Safe to use with most medications
Cost: $50
Only Natural Pet Just Relax Botanical Cat Calming Spray
Formulated with natural essential oil, this spray provides a sense of calm and well-being to our felines. It is safe to spray on most materials and safe to use around children and other pets.
Key Features:
- Holistic
- Safe to spray on beds, carriers, and clothes
- Safe to use daily
Cost: $22
This herbal formula is designed to decrease stress-based behavioral problems. There are a few different options, so you should not have a problem finding one for your feline.
Key Features:
- Multiple formulas available
- Decreases stress-induced behaviors
- Small bottle for travel
Cost: $19
Pet Remedy Natural De-Stress & Calming Spray
This spray lasts 2-6 hours at a time and is completely water-based. It is useable and safe for all species.
Key Features:
- Varying sizes available
- Non-sedative
- Mini-sprayer
Cost: $8
This formula is a little stronger than most and is a sedative. It contains various herbal elements to relax your cat and is 100% natural.
Key Features:
- Vet approved
- Several herbal ingredients
- 100% natural
Cost: $24
