6 Best Cat Calming Sprays 2025
- Rachel
- Mar 10
- 9 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
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Recommendations are based on extensive research into products, brands, customer feedback and my own reviews wherever applicable.
Best Calming Sprays:
Overview
You've probably noticed a variety of cat calming sprays on the market, which suggests there are a lot of stressed out kitties at home. You might even recognise some of these brands, particularly if you've already tried plug-in diffusers, collars or herbal treats.
Some products are better suited to short-term anxiety, while others - such as diffusers - can be used on a longer-term basis to tackle problem behaviours. The portable option of a spray makes it convenient and more suited to a wider range of scenarios, but it can get expensive for continuous use.
Whichever you choose, it's important to remember that what humans consider as "inappropriate" behaviour is completely normal for your kitty. Urine marking, scratching and aggression towards other cats are part of their innate survival instincts; however, in a domestic setting, it can indicate an underlying issue.
As always, it's crucial to get cats checked over by a vet to rule out health concerns, as stress can also be a response to pain. Other signs that your cat might be suffering from anxiety include excessive meowing, hiding, overgrooming and loss of appetite.
Related post: How to Prepare Cats for a Vet Visit and Reduce Stress
Resources are important for ensuring a feline-friendly, stress-free home. If you don't provide enough litter trays, scratching posts or stimulation, no matter how many calming products you use, cats are still going to claw your furniture, wee on the carpets and run around howling at 3 a.m.
Related post: Where to Put a Cat's Food and Water Bowls, Litter Tray, Bedding and Other Essential Resources
Whether you're wondering which calming method is best for your kitty, what makes sprays a good option or have no idea where to begin, this article explores six different sprays that you can use in the home and on the go. Some situations and scenarios that might benefit from calming sprays include:
Using on carriers prior to travelling.
Vet visits.
Moving house.
Renovations.
Fireworks and thunder.
Settling or introducing new cats.
Bedding and safe places.
Targeting problem areas of the home (where cats scratch, urinate, etc).
Multi-cat conflict.
To learn more about the effects of stress on our feline friends, why it happens and how to manage it, this post is essential reading: Signs of Stress in Cats, Causes and Treatment
Feliway has been developed with over 25 years of science and research into pet welfare and is trusted by vets, animal charities and behaviourists. Just like Feliway Classic Diffuser, the spray version contains a copy of the feline facial pheromone (FFP) that cats release when rubbing their cheeks, lips, chin and forehead against objects in the home. This marking behaviour allows them to feel safe and content, as well as creating a "group scent" with other animals and their owners.
The main advantage of a spray is that it can be used to help reduce stress on the go, as well as providing support at home for up to five hours. Simply spray in an area approximately 15 minutes before introducing cats to new environments or situations. The synthetic pheromones mark areas as safe and secure, reducing the need for scratching, urine spraying, crying and other stress-related behaviours.
As mentioned, the portable option is something you don't get with a diffuser that has to be plugged in for continuous use. This is one of two sprays that I've tried, and it allowed me to target specific areas of the home where my cats kept getting into spats - namely doorway jams that allowed for those dreaded stand-off opportunities.
They weren't always like this, as you may know by now, but it's taken twelve months of trial and error to bring peace back to the home. I didn't expect that sprays would make much of a difference, but I can say with a certain amount of confidence that spritzing the doorways has made a significant improvement.
Related post: 3 Reasons Why Your Bonded Cats Are Fighting
Feliway Classic Spray comes in two sizes: 20ml lasts for approximately 16 sprays, while 60ml has around 50 sprays. This sounds like a decent amount, but the instructions advise using 8-9 sprays per application - which means a 20ml bottle only lasts for two separate occasions.
On the plus side, I've never used that many sprays in one go as there's a generous amount of vapour. Feliway is known for its high price tags, and with the spray being effective for a maximum of five hours, it can get rather extortionate for long-term use. If this timeframe isn't enough or you want to cover a larger area, you'll save money by using a Feliway diffuser and reserving the spray for an extra boost when needed.
According to Feliway studies, it has a 92% satisfaction rate with 9 out of 10 cats showing improvements in scratching and urine spraying. Customer reviews are also positive, with many finding the product beneficial for travel and vet visits; settling rescue cats and new additions. Opinions aren't so favourable regarding the smell, even though it's supposed to be odourless, the spray is ethanol based so needs a few minutes to settle.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3
Based on 5,400+ Amazon reviews.
✓ 10% feline facial pheromone. | ✕ Takes 15 minutes to work. |
✓ Choice of sizes. | ✕ Expensive. |
✓ Lasts up to 5 hours. | |
✓ Veterinary recommended. |
Pet Remedy is clinically proven to work with pets' natural calming systems by mimicking GABA, a natural calming agent present in mammals, birds and reptiles. This means it can be used in multi-pet homes and the effects are immediate.
The spray contains a low concentration of valerian, a herb that's known for its relaxing properties; along with vetiver, basil and clary sage essential oils. It's designed to help animals feel safe in unpredictable situations, both in the home and on journeys. Just a couple of squirts is all you need for bedding, cat trees, problem areas and carriers prior to travelling.
While you should avoid spraying directly onto pets so they don't associate the spray with stressful situations, its water-based, pH-neutral formula is safe on fur and skin. It can be used to aid bonding by spraying a little onto your fingers and gently rubbing around muzzles, under the chin and top of the chest to help with scent swapping. You can also spray harnesses and leads when walking a nervous cat or dog.
Effects can be seen immediately and last for 2-6 hours depending on the individual pet. I've used Pet Remedy many times during fireworks and thunder, as well as calming my cats down after fighting. Similarly, customers report positive experiences when settling anxious pets and making stressful situations less.... well, stressful!
It also works well with the Pet Remedy Diffuser, but some people don't like the herbal aroma.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1
Based on 5,200+ Amazon reviews.
✓ Suitable for all pets. | ✕ Harmful to aquatic life. |
✓ Contains valerian. | ✕ Strong smell. |
✓ Large 200ml bottle. | |
✓ Effective immediately. |
Catly is a German brand that focuses on plant-based formulas and recycled packaging to protect animals, humans and the planet! What makes this product a little different is that it's described as a "rescue remedy" that provides relief from stress by creating a relaxing home environment. The soothing blend of ingredients helps to calm agitated nerves and promote lasting relaxation.
It contains calming chamomile and catnip, which is believed to stimulate a cat's pheromone receptors to induce feelings of euphoria. Other ingredients include sage and vitamin E, which act as antioxidants to protect cells from damage; support the immune system and promote cognitive clarity. This can help to improve mood and overall mental health.
Owners find that the product helps with multi-cat conflict, nervous adoptees and excessive meowing. Many enjoy the pleasant aroma but it isn't effective on all cats. The cruelty-free, vegan formula is an alternative to traditional sprays and diffusers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.6
Based on 1,300+ Amazon reviews.
✓ Natural ingredients. | ✕ Less effective than other products. |
✓ Vegan. | ✕ Can cause allergic reactions. |
✓ Pleasant smell. | |
✓ Contains catnip. |
WEALLIN Cat Calming Spray mimics the feline facial pheromone to help cats adapt to new environments, soothe anxiety and address certain behavioural issues. It can be used for fearfulness, hiding, separation anxiety, vet visits and conflict in multi-cat households.
Spray should be applied to surfaces where cats regularly scratch or urinate to prevent damage to furniture and carpets. It lasts for up to five hours, with improvements to behaviour seen within 7-14 days. One bottle contains approximately 50 sprays and, while it's a little pricey, you can save money by purchasing a double pack.
Customer reviews are positive for use during fireworks, travelling, soothing nervous cats and aiding sleep. However, some mention that the spray smells of lavender which pets (and owners!) may not appreciate.
For an odourless option, you might want to try the WEALLIN Plug-in Diffuser.
⭐⭐⭐ 3.9
Based on 280+ Amazon reviews.
✓ Feline facial pheromone. | ✕ Takes 7-14 days to see the full effects. |
✓ Veterinary recommended. | ✕ Scented. |
✓ Single or double pack. |
Beaphar CatComfort Calming Spray is clinically proven to calm and reduce unwanted behaviours by replicating the feline facial pheromone. It's recommended for cat flaps to encourage use, which is a neat trick for training outdoor cats; window ledges in the event of peeping Toms; vet visits and areas of the home where cats need extra reassurance.
A small 30ml bottle produces around 214 sprays, making it a cheaper alternative to other pheromone-based products. Directions advise 9 sprays per application which lasts up to five hours. Customer reviews mention that you don't need much to see the effects and there's no odour. It's said to reduce excessive crying during vet trips and travelling, but it doesn't work on all cats.
Beaphar's calming spray can be used in conjunction with other products in the Beaphar CatComfort range, including a diffuser and spot-on.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4
Based on 3,100+ Amazon reviews.
✓ 10% feline facial pheromone. | ✕ Not effective on all cats. |
✓ Lasts up to 5 hours. | |
✓ Clinically proven. | |
✓ Value for money. |
Another product from Beaphar, the Calming Home Spray contains valerian, renowned for its ability to promote feelings of relaxation and calm. It's designed for cat and dog households to reduce symptoms of stress including scratching, spraying, constant meowing or barking and destructive behaviour.
The 125ml bottle is generous compared to similar sprays but doesn't contain any other ingredients. It can be sprayed onto blankets, bedding, toys and other items used by pets; as well as carriers prior to a car journey. It's recommended for use during fearful situations such as renovations, fireworks and thunderstorms.
Despite a negative opinion on the smell, owners find the product to be helpful during fireworks, travelling and spraying over bedding to help nervous pets sleep.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4
Based on 700+ Amazon reviews.
✓ Suitable for cats and dogs. | ✕ Strong odour. |
✓ Contains valerian. | ✕ Harmful to aquatic life. |
✓ Effective immediately. |
Summary
As I always say when recommending or reviewing calming products, all cats will respond differently and some won't respond at all. Herbal options like Pet Remedy are generally better suited to stressful situations, and pheromone products help to tackle more deep-rooted behavioural problems.
To find out what works best for your cat, I suggest trying one of each (herbal and pheromones) to see if either one makes a difference, then you can narrow it down to a couple of brands. If you're looking for a longer-term solution, it may be cheaper and more effective to use a plug-in diffuser.
Information accurate from March 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating.
Have you tried any of the calming sprays mentioned or did these reviews help you to make a decision? Share your experiences and feedback in the comments to help out fellow cat parents.
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