October 06, 2023
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Pheromone diffusers and sprays are marketed as a way to keep cats calm when stress levels soar. But do they actually work? And which type of pheromone product will be best for your own nervous kitty?
Indeed, no one likes to see their cat in distress—especially when bad behavior is the end result. This review will explore the benefits and drawbacks of the top pheromone sprays and diffusers available, with recommendations that speak to specific cat parent needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Pheromone Diffusers and Sprays for Cats To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Feliway Classic 30-Day Starter Kit Calming Diffuser
- Green indicator light
- Rotating prongs
- Veterinarian recommended brand
bSerene Advanced Pheromone Calming Diffuser Kit
- Promotes bonding and peaceful living among cats
- Lasts longer than most diffusers (45 days vs. 30)
- Streamlined design
ThunderEase Calming Diffuser
- Prongs can rotate
- Clinically proven to be effective
- Good for multi-cat tension
Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Two-Room Diffuser Kit
- Affordable option
- Higher pheromone composition
- Nice, sleek design
Sentry Good Behavior Calming Spray for Cats
- Scientifically proven to calm cats in stressful situations
- Lightweight container
- Nice smell
Feliway Classic Cat Calming Pheromone Spray
- Economical choice (contains 60 ml for $16)
- Proven to reduce signs of stress in cats
- Ideal for stress at home or trips to the vet
bSerene Pheromone and Catnip Oil Calming Spray
- Contains catnip oil
- Contains 11.6% feline facial pheromone AND 0.5% Nepeta cataria extract (commonly called catnip oil)
- Every 2 ml bottle should contain about 400 sprays
Comfort Zone Scratch Control Spray
- Contains 15% analogue of feline facial pheromone
- Affordable
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Why Trust Cats.com
All Cats.com reviews are developed through the lens of a shrewd consumer. We do not receive compensation from the brands we choose to feature but rather select products based on real-world testing and thorough research.
To learn more about cat pheromone products and how they work, I looked at a number of scientific studies on the use and efficacy of cat pheromone therapy. I also referenced studies on pheromones in multi-cat households, and pheromones for stress during transport. I researched the range of pheromone products, considering who they might suit and what problems they’re likely to resolve. Positive (and not-so-positive) reviews showed how different calming tools worked for other cat parents. Based on these findings, I selected four sprays and four diffusers for in-person testing with my own two cats.
The products featured here come from reputable brands in the pet space. I prioritized products clinically proven to be effective and those recommended by veterinarians. I also considered product design, the amount of pheromones dispensed, and cost.
What Are Cat Pheromone Products?
Cats have glands on their heads, cheeks, paw pads, and tails that release natural “feel-good” chemicals called pheromones. These odorless signals allow cats to communicate and mark objects as safe and familiar. This is why your kitty likes to head-butt you. It’s their way of saying, “This is my human—they are safe.”
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.
You’ll find two types of pheromones used in these products. The feline facial pheromone is useful for general stress and calms cats on an individual level. And the maternal cat-appeasing pheromone (FAP) helps keep the peace in multi-cat homes where fighting is a problem.
Who Are Pheromone Diffusers and Sprays Good For?
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 products may be helpful for:
- Cats with separation anxiety
- Multi-cat homes with constant fighting
- During travel
- Trips to the vet or groomer
- Introducing new cats to each other
- Cats with situational stress (ie: fireworks, storms, noisy house guests)
- Curbing destructive behavior stemming from nerves (ie: scratching and urine marking)
- Cats experiencing stressful changes to their environment (like moving or remodeling)
Potential downsides of pheromone products include:
- They can be expensive (especially if used long-term)
- Some users report malfunctions like diffusers melting, leaking, or leaving oil stains on walls
- Some sprays may have an off-putting scent
- They may not work for your cat
According to Dr. Melina Grin DVM, “They are not as effective in large open spaces. I use the Feliway spray on towels and blankets during stressful events. It helps with carrier confinement and car rides. I also spray Feliway on my work clothes when I’m meeting anxious cats at the clinic.”
Dr. Melina Grin DVM also noted, “The Feliway diffuser plugged in during cat sitting periods has reduced inappropriate urination for a few of our cat’s clients. It has also dramatically benefited clients who foster kittens and recently was instrumental during kitten-cat introductions.”
Cat parents should have realistic expectations for the effectiveness of these types of products. They often work best alongside other types of calming tools, like calming treats, Thundershirts, calming beds, and help from a professional behaviorist or trainer. It’s also advisable to check in with your vet for ongoing anxiety to rule out an underlying medical condition.
The 8 Best Pheromone Products for Peaceful Cats
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while the Feliway Classic Calming Diffuser Kit is our top choice, it may not be ideal for your unique cat.
To help you choose the right pheromone product for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by cost, fragrance, the circumstances under which they work best, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Feliway Classic 30-Day Starter Kit Calming Diffuser
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
In the world of cat pheromone products, Feliway is by far the most well-known and reputable. I tested the single-cat “Classic” formula, which releases the feline facial pheromone. Feliway also carries a multi-cat version for relieving tensions among feline housemates.
Like most diffusers on this list, each vial lasts approximately 30 days and diffuser heads need to be replaced every six months. However, room temperature and airflow may alter that timeline. Also similar to most pheromone diffusers, the Feliway Classic covers up to 700 square feet. This refers to an open floor plan, meaning diffusers will only be effective in one room. You may need to purchase multiple diffusers if your cat exhibits stressful behaviors in multiple rooms.
To avoid leaking and risk of fire, diffusers must be upright, with the vents facing up. Conveniently, the Feliway’s electrical prongs rotate to accommodate horizontal outlets. Another feature that caught my eye was a green light indicating it was on. Personally, I liked this detail, but some found it too bright.
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.
As a final note, don’t worry if you don’t see anything coming out of the diffuser head: pheromones are invisible and there will be no visible vapor. Feliway reports that you should notice improvements in your pet’s behavior within a week but it could take up to 30 days.
What We Liked:
- Green indicator light
- Rotating prongs
- Veterinarian recommended brand
What We Didn’t Like:
- The diffuser head itself is a bit bulky/ugly
#2 Best For Feline Fighting: bSerene Advanced Pheromone Calming Diffuser Kit
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
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.
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.
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:
- Promotes bonding and peaceful living among cats
- Lasts longer than most diffusers (45 days vs. 30)
- Streamlined design
What We Didn’t Like:
- Refills are on the pricey side
- Plug does not rotate
#3 Best For Separation Anxiety: ThunderEase Calming Diffuser
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Cats may have a reputation for being independent and solitary creatures, but they can still suffer from separation anxiety. Because they offer continuous calm, diffusers tend to have more success relieving separation anxiety than calming sprays, which are only effective for several hours.
From the makers of the calming ThunderShirt, this diffuser is clinically proven to be effective for 90% of cats. Since I have two cats at home, I tested the multi-cat formula. But there’s a single-cat formula too. The diffuser head is designed similarly to the Feliway, with prongs that can rotate for different outlets. The ThunderEase covers 700 square feet.
What We Liked:
- Prongs can rotate
- Clinically proven to be effective
- Good for multi-cat tension
What We Didn’t Like:
- Bulky design
#4 Best Budget Diffuser: Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Two-Room Diffuser Kit
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Pheromone diffusers and sprays aren’t cheap. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to buy multiple diffusers, Comfort Zone offers an affordable option. For $35, you get two diffusers and two refills. This set is economical for those who need diffusers in more than one room or would like to have a replacement on hand.
Comfort Zone had the highest pheromone levels of the four diffusers we tested. Compared with the 2% pheromone composition of the others, Comfort Zone contains 5% pheromones. According to the company, most cats will see improvements in anxiety-related behavior in about two weeks.
What We Liked:
- Affordable option
- Higher pheromone composition
- Nice, sleek design
- Prongs can rotate
- Safety shutoff feature prevents overheating
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviews mention overheating and a burning smell (I did not observe this)
#5 Best For Travel: Sentry Good Behavior Calming Spray for Cats
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
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.
While some of the other sprays we tested smelled pretty strongly of alcohol, this Sentry spray was much more pleasing. The agreeable fragrance makes it a strong contender for confined car travel where strong smells are a concern. Additionally, this was the smallest and lightest weight spray that I tested. It would be easy to stash it in your bag or pocket to bring to the vet.
What We Liked:
- Scientifically proven to calm cats in stressful situations
- Lightweight container
- Nice smell
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains 0.01% pheromones (significantly lower than other sprays)
- Less volume than other sprays (48 ml)
#6 Best For Destructive Kitties: Feliway Classic Cat Calming Pheromone Spray
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Sometimes cats get destructive when they’re stressed. Feliway’s Classic spray is clinically proven to reduce scratching and urine spraying in 9 out of 10 cats. To spare your furniture, cat parents can spray 8-10 pumps directly onto the object your cat is scratching or marking.
It’s also a good choice for taking kitty to the vet. The effects should last about four to five hours. One complaint we had was its fairly strong smell, which is pretty off-putting.
What We Liked:
- Economical choice (contains 60 ml for $16)
- Proven to reduce signs of stress in cats
- Ideal for stress at home or trips to the vet
What We Didn’t Like:
- Strong smell
#7 Best For Situational Stress: bSerene Pheromone and Catnip Oil Calming Spray
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Does your cat panic during fireworks or thunderstorms? Along with calming pheromones, this bSerene spray contains catnip oil, which should attract cats to the spayed area. If you’re anticipating a stressful event, spray a favorite blanket to entice your kitty and soothe their nerves. This is also a good way to keep cats calm during stressful activities like nail trimming or grooming.
I gave this a shot with a cat bed my cat had lost interest in after I washed it. Although the smell initially perked his interest, he dismissed it pretty quickly. This also had the strongest smell, so I don’t recommend it for traveling.
What We Liked:
- Contains catnip oil
- Contains 11.6% feline facial pheromone AND 0.5% Nepeta cataria extract (commonly called catnip oil)
- Every 2 ml bottle should contain about 400 sprays
What We Didn’t Like:
- Most expensive spray
- Strongest smell
#8 Best Fragrance-Free: Comfort Zone Scratch Control Spray
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
A common complaint regarding sprays is their noxious smells. This Comfort Zone spray is made with zero perfumes, and it has virtually no smell. This makes it a smart choice for folks (or cats) with sensitive sniffers. It would also be a good pick for spraying directly on furniture since it won’t leave a lingering smell.
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:
- Contains 15% analogue of feline facial pheromone
- Affordable
- 90-day money-back guarantee
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some users reported leaky or faulty bottles
Types of Cat-Calming Pheromone Products
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.
- 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.
- Diffusers: For cats who need round-the-clock relaxation, diffusers make a better choice. These continually waft calming pheromones across an entire room.
- Collars: Since they go wherever your cat goes, calming collars make sense for kitties who go outside occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pheromone spray work for cats?
For some cats, yes—but not all. Studies have shown that pheromone products can help lower feline anxiety. But difference in environment and individual personalities can lead to varied results.
What are the side effects of pheromone diffusers or sprays?
Pheromones are natural and safe. Cats use them as a way to communicate. These are not a sedative nor a drug of any kind, so they do not have side effects. However, don’t allow cats (or toddlers) to ingest these products.
How long does cat pheromone spray last?
Typically, sprays will have an effect for 4-6 hours. After that time, they’ll need to be reapplied. Pheromone diffusers, on the other hand, work around-the-clock.
