One of a range of items that claim to calm cats, a calming collar needs to be strong without being restricting. Most use pheromones or calming oils, and all have a maximum time that they will remain functional. Different style collars will work for different cats. If your cat doesn’t like the essential oil smells used on a collar, for example, it will not effectively calm them.
We have reviewed pheromone and essential oil-based calming collars for cats and considered whether they included features like a breakaway mechanism, as well as their costs. Without further ado, here are the reviews of the nine best calming collars for cats.
The Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar is a pheromone-based calming collar. With a lavender and chamomile fragrance, the collar has no-long term side effects and can be used during thunderstorms, fireworks, and other stressful situations.
It replicates the pheromone given off by mothers to calm their kittens and reduces anxiety and stress. The Sentry collar can alleviate problem behavior like scenting, nervous urination, clawing, and destructive and antisocial behavior. The collar fits necks of up to 15 inches, so it may not be suitable for large breeds. It has a life of 30 days.
This model is advertised as a breakaway collar but, following problems with the breakaway mechanism, Sentry has made them easier to slip off, which unfortunately means that adventurous cats will lose their collar frequently.
The pheromone-based design of the Sentry has proven effective and works quickly. It is suitable for cats that don’t adventure too much and are unlikely to try slipping the collar off. Combined with its competitive price, effectiveness, and safety, we believe these components make it the best overall calming collar for cats. But if your cat is an adventurer or chews at collars, or if it is a big breed, you will be better off with an alternative.
The CPFK Cat Calming Collar also uses pheromones to reduce anxiety and stress. It is claimed that the collar starts to work within one hour of first putting it on, and it can be used for hyperactive cats, as well as those suffering from anxiety and stress. The collar replicates the pheromones that a kitten’s mother gives off to reduce anxiety. Pheromones are considered safe and sympathetic to the cat because they are not harsh chemicals.
This collar, like several on the list, combines pheromones with some essential oils. The CPFK collar uses lavender and chamomile, which are known relaxants. While lavender is known to be safe for cats, chamomile oil is not recommended. Only small amounts are used in collars, and they are not diffused, but you should still keep an eye out for signs of irritation and skin complaints.
This collar, which has a breakaway design, is a maximum of 15 inches and has a life of 30 days. A three-pack provides coverage for up to 3 months, and the price means that this is the best calming collar for cats for the money.
Pros
Cheap
Breakaway collar design
Contains three collars
Cons
15” maximum size
Includes controversial chamomile essential oil
3. Comfort Zone Breakaway Calming Collar for Cats – Premium Choice
The Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Calming Collar for Cats is designed for those cats that like to adventure and get out of the house. As such, it has a breakaway design. This means that if the collar gets caught on the branch of a tree, your cat will be able to break away from the collar and prevent strangulation. Not all pheromone collars like the Comfort Zone include this feature, and it is difficult for manufacturers to get the balance between safety and retention just right.
The Comfort Zone is not so easily breakable that it falls off but will break off if your cat gets into trouble. It uses pheromones to reduce anxiety and has a 30-day life. It is designed for 24/7 use, so is ideal for generally nervous cats as well as those that suffer anxiety at specific times. The manufacturer claims that the collar will work on cats of all sizes, but the snap tab fixings are difficult to lock into place.
Pros
Breakaway design
One size fits all
Designed for continuous use
Cons
Expensive
Snap tabs don’t always work
4. Relaxivet Calming Collar for Cats and Small Dogs
The Relaxivet Calming Collar can, according to the manufacturers, help reduce the stress associated with activities like moving house, visiting the vets, or having to be transported in the car. It combines the mimicry of maternal pheromones with the use of mild essential oils.
Specifically, it uses the same combination of lavender and chamomile that a lot of collars use. The collar is 16 inches in length, which means that it will be suitable for cats with a neck of up to 15 inches. The use of pheromones and essential oils means that there are no harmful chemicals so the cat should not suffer reactions or allergies as a result, although there is some concern over the use of chamomile essential oils.
The plastic collar is not described as breakaway, however, and there have been some reports of cats chewing their collar. It is moderately priced and claims the same 30-day life that most of these collars offer.
The Fedciory Calming Collar pack contains three collars that combine the use of pheromones and essential oils to relax and de-stress your cat. They work within an hour of being put on and have a life of 30 days, which is standard with this type of product.
The collar is very reasonably priced, especially when bought as a multipack, and it has a one-size-fits-all design, up to a maximum of 15 inches. Put the collar on, adjust it to the appropriate size, and then cut away the excess collar material. It is important that you cut the excess off, to ensure that your cat does not chew it and that it doesn’t get caught up in anything. The breakaway design releases if it gets caught on branches or other obstructions, ensuring safety for the wearer.
The use of pheromones and lavender and chamomile means that this is a mild collar that contains no harsh chemicals and nothing harmful to the cat or its humans. As with all of these types of collars, you should watch for any kind of reaction in your cat, and find an alternative if it does occur.
The Molanu Cat Calming Collar for Cats is a 15-inch collar that contains pheromones and the manufacturer claims that these are active by body temperature so start working within 2 hours of the collar being put on your cat. Unusually, this collar claims a 60-day life. Most alternatives will only work for a period of up to 30 days before they need replacing.
The collar has a one-size-fits-all snapping system so you fit it to your cat, ensure that it is snug without being tight, and then cut off any excess material to give a collar that is the perfect size for your cat. It is water-resistant, which means that it can be worn by outdoor as well as indoor cats.
Although the company claims it is an odorless pheromone system, there are some reports of a strong smell, and the collar is quite a thick one that may not be comfortable for all cats.
Sobaken sells several different cat collars, including the Sobaken Calming Collar for Cats. It combines natural pheromones with essential oils: a combination that ensures that the collar works quickly and so that it soothes the cat while also reducing anxiety and stress.
It is moderately priced and fits necks up to 15 inches around, so should be suitable for all but the largest of cat breeds. It is waterproof and uses natural ingredients, which reduces the likelihood of allergic and other reactions to the collar.
The effects of the pheromones and oils can help reduce scratching, excessive vocalization, and unwanted urination. The collar has an obvious aroma of lavender, which will put some owners off and will deter cats that don’t like the scent.
It fits necks up to 15 inches in size but it does not have a breakaway design, which means that it could get caught in branches or on other obstacles and cause a major hazard for your cat, although the collars do not lock well so do tend to slide off during regular use.
The collar may remain on an indoor cat that is used to wearing something around its neck, but if your cat does outside and catches the collar on anything, or if it fights with another household cat or even tries to chew the collar itself, it is likely to slip off. If the collar slips it is prevented from working effectively.
If you haven’t had any luck with pheromone-based collars, the Calm Paws Behavior Support Calming Collar for Cats offers an alternative solution. It uses a blend of essential oils that are designed to reduce anxiety and stress and to reduce instances of marking, restless behavior, vocalization, and furniture and item scratching.
The collar is expensive compared to most, however, and with an 11-inch maximum size, it will only fit kittens and small breeds. It has a very strong smell, which will not only deter some cats but may also put some human owners off using it. Because it uses essential oils, rather than pheromones, there is a greater risk of an allergic reaction to the collar, too, so do be aware when you put this collar on.
Pros
Can reduce anxiety
Cons
Strong smell
Expensive
Risk of an allergic reaction
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Calming Collars for Cats
The purpose of calming collars for cats is to reduce anxiety or stress in cats. This can help reduce antisocial and poor behavior that has been caused by anxiety, including marking territory, the bullying of other cats, over vocalization, and destructive scratching. Calming collars are one possible solution of several, and you should ensure that you choose the one that best meets your needs and that your cat is most comfortable with.
Causes of Anxiety
There are many potential causes of anxiety in your cat, but the first thing to consider is a change in circumstances because cats prefer routine and consistency. If you have introduced a new cat to the family, have moved house, or even if you have changed your cat’s diet in recent weeks and you are starting to witness feline anxiety symptoms, this could be the most likely cause.
Certain events or activities could be triggering anxiety. For example, thunderstorms and fireworks are common stressors.
Separation anxiety occurs when you leave your cat alone for an extended period. This can be a major problem in rescue cats that have been abandoned in the past. Your cat worries that you will not return and that they will be left alone again.
Cats can even suffer feline obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and this condition can be triggered or exacerbate by stress.
Predatory behavior from another cat or another animal in the household can lead to anxiety. As well as an increase in fighting as well as activities like marking and scratching furniture.
Some illnesses can cause anxiety in your cat. This is especially true if they are suffering any physical symptoms of the illness.
In an ideal world, you would be able to identify the specific root of your cat’s anxiety and then remove this trigger. And, also in an ideal world, this would prevent the affected cat from suffering from anxiety in the future. However, it can be difficult to realize, let alone remedy, the cause of anxiety, and some cats suffer anxiety more often and more readily than other cats.
The following products aim to offer respite from anxiety and stress in your cat:
Diffusers
Feline pheromone diffusers work the same way as air fresheners and perfume diffusers. They use vibrations to create microscopic particles that are then dispersed into the air. Some products that are sold as diffusers just create a mist of the liquid and then spray this into the local atmosphere. Diffusers can be useful in multi-cat households to prevent fighting and other competitive actions.
Sprays
Sprays, or spritzers, are simple spray bottles that contain a pheromone or essential oil-based liquid that soothes and calms cats. Simply spray the bottle near the cat, on their bed, or their collar, and the liquid will work while they are in its presence. These products are simple to use, but some cats distrust the squirting noise of a spray, and you can’t get a full dispersal from a pump bottle.
Chews
Chews contain supplements and ingredients that work to reduce anxiety and worry. Thiamine and L-theanine, for example, are commonly found in calming cat chews.
Capsules
Similar to chews, capsules usually contain some supplement or ingredient that reduces stress-related hormones and improves relaxation in the cat.
Wipes
Wipes can be effective for occasional use. For example, they can be sprayed inside the cat carrier to calm your cat when they are being carried to the vet. The calming atmosphere that they create will not only stop your cat from dreading the carrier but may turn it into a place of respite and comfort.
Vests
Vests wrap firmly around the cat’s body. The theory is that this firm envelopment is akin to being held firmly by a mother, and it activates pressure points that help your cat feel more relaxed and comforted.
Cat Collar Features
Certain cat collars offer another method of reducing anxiety and stress. The collars usually contain essential oils or pheromones that either soothe or reduce stress levels. The collar is always around the cat’s neck, which makes this product suitable for cats that spend time outdoors as well as indoor cats. Below are some of the features to look for when buying a calming cat collar.
Pheromones vs. Essential Oils
Calming cat collars use pheromones, essential oils, or a combination of the two, to reduce stress in cats.
Pheromones are hormones, and in the case of calming cat collars, they attempt to mimic the pheromones that would be given off by a kitten or cat’s mother when they were younger. These pheromones would have reduced anxiety. Pheromones do not smell.
Essential oils are derived from plants and have been proven to have a relaxing and soothing effect on those around them. Common examples include lavender and chamomile, although many owners prefer to avoid chamomile for cats, except where it is in very low doses. Essential oils can be strong smelling and this may put some cats off, as well as their owners. You must also be extremely careful about choosing between which ones are safe for cats and which ones are toxic.
Collar Size
Most of the cat collars on the market have a maximum size, with 15 inches being the most common. This size should be suitable for kittens and most adult cats, but you will need something larger for large breed cats.
The collars tend to be a one-size-fits-all design. You adjust them to the right size and then cut off any excess collar to ensure a proper fit.
Collar Life
Both pheromone and essential oil collars are considered viable for a certain number of days. After this time, you will need to replace the collar to ensure that it continues to offer effective anxiety-reducing results. While most collars are proven effective for 30 days, you can find some that are active for between 6 weeks and up to 60 days.
Breakaway Mechanism
A breakaway mechanism is especially important for cats that wear a collar outdoors but can also be important for indoor cats. It means that if your cat gets its collar caught on a branch or a fence column, for example, the collar will break away, therefore preventing your cat from being caught and having the collar tighten around their necks.
Conclusion
Calming collars for cats are one possible solution to help reduce anxiety and stress caused by one-off incidents, illness, or a change in circumstances in your cat. They should be easy to use, effective for about 30 days, and they should be safe and secure for use.
In our reviews, we found the Sentry offered reliable anxiety reduction combined with a decent price and an effective breakaway design. The three-pack of CPFK calming cat collars offered the best value for money and provided pheromone-based anxiety relief for felines.
