Exploring Cat Pheromone Solutions for Calming and Relaxing Cats

Pheromones are scented chemicals that a cat produces to communicate with other cats. Depending on the message your cat wants to send, they will secrete 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. Urine marking can also be linked to sexual activity, which is why it is more frequent in entire cats. 
• Paws. Cats have glands around the paw area that secrete 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, somewhere or someone as safe by secreting pheromones from their facial glands. When they pick up this familiar scent again, it creates feelings of security. This can also be a territorial behavior.

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

Cats are very sensitive to their environment, so they can become easily stressed by things like: 

• Excessive noise.
• Unfamiliar people. 
• Disruption to their routine. 
• A home move or renovation.
• A new baby. 
• Other pets/cats in the home. 
• Illness. 

Stress can leave cats vulnerable to a host of health problems, and it can also lead to disruptive, harmful or undesirable behaviors like: 

• Overgrooming. 
• Urine marking around the home.  
• Scratching furniture. 
• Hiding and withdrawal. 
• Aggression towards people and other pets, in extreme cases.

Artificial cat pheromones can help to improve their wellbeing, reduce the risk of these stress-related signs, and manage some of these behaviors. And because prevention is always the best approach, cat pheromones can also be used proactively before a potential stressful event.

There are various types of artificial 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, transport cages and objects, or soft furnishings, blankets, bedding or clothing. 
• Pheromone wipes are soaked in pheromone solution and can be wiped over harder objects, such as furniture or cat carriers.
• Pheromone collars are worn by the cat and release pheromones continuously throughout the day. 
   

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

Plug-in or non-electric diffusers, and collars, are a good option for cats with ongoing stress. For example, if you’re moving home, welcoming a new baby or pet, or having lots of visitors, your cat might benefit from the continuous support. 

If your cat gets stressed under specific circumstances, like vet visits or travel, then they may benefit from occasional-use products like cat pheromone spray or wipes instead. 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.  

For best results from a plug-in cat pheromone diffuser or a non-electric 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.

Cat pheromone sprays and wipes should be used at least 15 minutes before the cat is allowed access to 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.

A cat pheromone collar should be loose enough to be comfortable, but snug enough that your cat can’t give it the slip. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your cat’s neck. 

While cat pheromones can be a great help 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 for helping your cat to withstand stress, so always feed your cat a complete and balanced food like Virbac Adult Cat Wet Food with Salmon. 

• Supplements. Dietary supplements like Anxitane™ can help to relax cats naturally. These tasty tablets are known for their calming effects. 
• 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. 

In some conditions, drugs may be necessary to deal with more serious behavioral conditions or aggressiveness.
 

Cat pheromone solutions usually act quickly but it can take a few weeks to make 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 vet. 
Your vet 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 vet may recommend a behavioral specialist. 

Cat pheromones can be wonderfully 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 vet for advice.