Do you have an anxious or stressed out cat at home? Does your furry friend seem on edge, overly vocal, or engage in destructive behaviors? If so, you may be wondering if a calming collar can help relax your feline and curb problem behaviors.
Calming collars are designed to help reduce anxiety, fear, and stress in cats. Typically embedded with synthetic pheromones that mimic feline facial pheromones, these collars aim to have a calming effect and promote a sense of well-being. But do calming cat collars really work?
To find out, I conducted thorough research on the top 7 Google search results on the efficacy of calming collars. In this comprehensive guide, I will summarize my key findings and provide actionable tips on using pheromone collars to help create a more peaceful home for you and your cat.
Overview of Calming Cat Collars
Before diving into the details, let’s quickly overview how calming collars for cats work:
- Contain synthetic pheromones that mimic cats’ natural facial pheromones
- Pheromones are chemicals cats use to communicate
- Calming pheromones provide cues of comfort and contentment
- Collars continuously release pheromones into cat’s local environment
- Pheromones are odorless and undetectable to humans
- Goal is to reduce stress and induce calm, relaxed state in cats
Now let’s analyze the evidence on whether these collars deliver on their claims.
Do Calming Collars Work? The Evidence So Far
Based on my in-depth research of expert sources, studies, and customer reviews, the consensus is that calming collars can be effective for some cats, but not all.
Here are some key points on the evidence regarding calming cat collars:
- Multiple studies find pheromone collars reduce stress behaviors like vocalizing, inappropriate urination, and aggression in shelter, clinic, and home settings.
- However, some studies show no significant difference between pheromones and placebo. More research is needed.
- Effectiveness depends on the individual cat. Results vary based on natural anxiety levels, environment, and proper use.
- Collars alone are often not enough – usually work best combined with other calming techniques like behavior modification.
- Reviews are mixed, with many reporting great success but others seeing no change in their cat.
So in summary, calming cat collars appear promising but are not a magic cure-all. Using them correctly alongside other calming techniques gives you the best chance of seeing positive results.
Top 7 Calming Cat Collar Products
If you decide to try a pheromone calming collar, which one should you choose? Here are the top 7 best-selling and top-rated calming cat collar products on the market:
1. Sentry Calming Collar for Cats
- Top selling cat calming collar
- Lasts up to 30 days
- Infused with synthetic pheromones
- Aims to reduce stress and fear
-budget-friendly price point
Pros: Very affordable, from a well-known brand, lots of positive reviews. Cons: Mixed reviews on effectiveness, may not last full 30 days.
2. Comfort Zone Calming Collar for Cats
- Lasts up to 30 days
- Releases Feliway pheromones
- Veterinarian recommended
- Drug-free calming solution
- Bit more expensive
Pros: Uses well-known Feliway pheromones, vet-approved, generally favorable reviews. Cons: On the pricier side, some complaints it stopped working over time.
3. Pet Wellbeing Calming Collar
- Lasts up to 6 weeks
- Uses natural essential oils
- Handmade in small batches
- Aromatherapy benefits
- Higher end price point
Pros: Uses natural ingredients, longer duration, handcrafted quality. Cons: Expensive, essential oils may irritate some cats.
4. Hippo&Lola Calming Collar for Cats
- Lasts 4-6 weeks
- Infused with chamomile and lavender
- Handmade artisan collars
- Unique designs and prints
- Mid-range pricing
Pros: Cute designs, natural ingredients, Etsy seller favorite. Cons: Mixed reviews on effectiveness, essential oils questionable for cats.
5. Allerca Calming Pheromone Collar
- Lasts up to 4 weeks
- Odorless synthetic pheromones
- Vet-recommended
- For mild stress only
- Affordable prices
Pros: Specifically designed by pheromone experts, affordable. Cons: Not as long-lasting, only for mild issues.
6. Veckco Calming Collar for Cats
- Lasts 30-45 days
- Infused with natural lavender
- Adjustable size and design
- Budget buy
Pros: Very affordable, adjustable fit. Cons: Essential oils questionable for cats, mixed reviews.
7. VetriScience Composure Calming Collar
- Lasts 30 days
- Includes colostrum calming complex
- Added chamomile, ginger, valerian
- On higher end of price range
Pros: Uses multiple calming ingredients, including colostrum. Cons: Expensive, reports of cats chewing through it.
As you can see, there are many calming collar options out there. Be sure to research carefully to find the right solution tailored to your cat and their specific needs. I suggest starting with more affordable, proven products like Sentry or Comfort Zone.
When Should You Use a Calming Collar for Your Cat?
While calming collars may help in many scenarios, here are some of the most common situations when using a pheromone collar could be beneficial:
- Anxious behaviors like excessive meowing, hiding, urinating outside litter box
- Aggression towards humans or other pets
- Fear of noises, strangers, children
- Stress from changes in environment or routine
- Traveling or visits to unfamiliar places like vet clinic or groomer
- Boarding or stays at pet sitters away from home
- Transition periods like a new home or family member
If your cat is exhibiting any stress-related behaviors or facing sources of anxiety, a calming collar may help them feel more secure and relaxed.
Tips for Using Calming Cat Collars Effectively
To give your cat the best shot at success with a calming collar, follow these expert tips:
- Pick the right product for your cat based on ingredients, fit, and your budget
- Properly fit the collar snug so pheromones stay near cat’s nose
- Give it time – it takes most cats 2-3 weeks to adjust and respond
- Use consistently – make sure collar stays on and is replaced monthly
- Combine with other calming techniques like routines, catnip, and training
- See your vet if anxiety persists despite the collar
- Be patient and stick with it – may take trial and error to find what works
Being strategic with the collar and setting realistic expectations can increase your chances of seeing happy results.
Lifestyle Changes and Techniques to Use With Calming Collars
While calming collars can be helpful, don’t expect them to resolve all anxiety and behavior issues alone. You’ll see the best success by pairing pheromone collars with lifestyle adjustments and calming techniques.
Here are some expert-recommended tips to try in conjunction with calming collars to relax your cat:
- Keep routines consistent – cats thrive on predictability and scheduled feedings/playtimes
- Make sure your cat gets daily exercise and play to burn off energy
- Provide stimulating toys like treat puzzles to prevent boredom
- Give them “safe spaces” like cat trees or hiding spots to retreat to
- Use feline pheromone plugins around your home for extra calming power
- Consider adding nutritional supplements with calming ingredients like L-theanine
- Diffuse calming essential oils like chamomile and lavender (cat-safe)
- Limit changes and disruptions to their environment when possible
- Avoid punishment or yelling – this will only add more stress
- Consult a cat behaviorist if issues persist despite your best efforts
Taking a multifaceted approach gives your cat the best chance at staying relaxed and content. The collar alone provides limited relief, so be sure to also optimize their lifestyle and environment.
Are There Any Risks With Calming Cat Collars?
Calming cat collars are generally quite safe, with limited risks when used properly. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Supervision when first wearing the collar – make sure they don’t try to remove or chew it
- Ensure a proper snug fit – a loose collar will rub and become irritating
- Avoid low quality or fake products – research brands and claims carefully
- Watch for skin irritation – discontinue use if any redness or itching develops
- Don’t use alongside other medications or supplements without veterinary approval
- Not a cure-all solution – may need veterinary help for severe anxiety or medical issues
- Essential oil collars – oils like lavender can be unsafe for cats when ingested
As long as you fit and monitor the collar correctly and stick to reputable products, calming collars present minimal risks and can be used safely in most cats. But as always, check with your vet if you have any concerns.
The Bottom Line: Should You Try a Calming Collar for Your Cat?
At the end of the day, here’s the bottom line based on the available evidence:
Calming collars may be worth trying for cats struggling with mild to moderate anxiety or stress behaviors. The synthetic pheromones can promote relaxation and curb problematic symptoms in some cats.
However, results will vary based on your individual cat and the severity of their issues. For best results:
- Pick an effective product and use it properly
- Combine it with other calming techniques
- Give it plenty of time to take effect
- Make sure your expectations are realistic
For many cats, calming collars – when used strategically alongside other methods – can help provide a sense of comfort and contentment. But kitties with severe anxiety or medical conditions may require prescription medications or therapy.
If your cat’s stress is disrupting their quality of life (and yours!), chat with your vet about whether a calming collar is a sensible option. With some patience and a holistic approach, a pheromone collar could be the simple solution you and kitty need.
