Last updated Apr 12, 2025
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Is your cat a ball of stress? Cats can experience anxiety due to changes in their environment, boredom, or too much stimulation. Fortunately, there are various tools available to help calm feline jitters and minimize stress-related behaviors like scratching and hiding.
While no single product guarantees results for every cat, experimenting with different types of calming aids can help you find the right fit for your pet. In this article, we’ll explore the best calming aids for cats, including sprays, plug-ins, and treats designed to soothe anxiety.
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Feliway Optimum Enhanced Calming Diffuser
- Mimics natural pheromones to create a calming environment
- Drug-free and safe for pets
- Covers up to 700 square feet
Feliway Classic Calming Spray
- The most well-researched cat pheromone spray on the market
- Clinically proven to reduce scratching and urine spray in 9 out of 10 cats
- Ideal for travel
Bach Rescue Remedy Pet Supplement
- All-natural ingredients with no known side effects
- Alcohol-free and non-habit forming
- Non-drowsy formula
Vetoquinol Zylkene Calming Supplement
- Promotes calm without sedation
- Can be used long-term or during specific stressful events
- Lactose-free and preservative-free
Sentry Calming Chews for Cats
- Formulated specifically for cats
- Carries the NASC quality seal
- Ideal for situational stress, like thunderstorms, vet visits, or travel
ThunderShirt Anxiety Vest for Cats
- Proven effective in over 80% of cats
- Made with durable, breathable, soft fabric
- Machine-washable
Why Trust Cats.com
My 19-year-old cat, Amber, is about as timid as they come. To calm her jittery nerves, we avoid major household changes and respect her need for space. Even so, she certainly stands to benefit from additional calming remedies, so I was eager to explore tools that worked for other cat guardians.
To find products worthy of testing, I read countless customer reviews and visited cat community forums. I then purchased a variety of products for testing, aiming to account for a range of cat personalities (what works for one cat might not work for another). I also considered different cat guardians’ needs, budgets, and preferences.
As always, I aim to equip you with the information necessary to make the best choice for your unique cat.
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. We understand that every cat will have different needs and preferences, so we’ve broken down our recommendations by their method of application and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Feliway Optimum Enhanced Calming Diffuser
There’s evidence—both scientifically analyzed and anecdotal—that cat pheromones can reduce stress-related behaviors by 90% or more. Pheromone diffusers release synthetic versions of pheromones that mimic the calming messages cats naturally produce.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Whereas Feliway’s Classic diffuser helps with general stress and the Multicat diffuser helps cats get along, this newer Optimum diffuser is designed to do both. Feliway diffusers are safe and drug-free, making them a suitable option for pet owners looking for a gentle solution. Many cat owners report seeing improvements in their pets’ behavior within a week of use.
This diffuser is fairly heavy, and I found that it sagged in some of my older, looser outlets. You may also need to purchase several diffusers to cover a larger area.
What We Liked:
- Mimics natural pheromones to create a calming environment
- Drug-free and safe for pets
- Many users report quick results within a week
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires ongoing costs for refills
- Must be placed in a vertical position
- Some users reported issues like leaking or heavy sagging in outlets
#2 Best Spray: Feliway Classic Cat Calming Spray
While the Feliway diffuser is a good choice for ongoing stress, this pheromone spray is ideal for situational stress. It’s easy to spritz in your cat’s carrier or bedding, and it’s a good choice for the home, too, where you can spray the solution on problem areas. Feliway spray is particularly useful during travel, vet visits, or when introducing your cat to a new environment.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This spray is available in 60-ml or 219-ml bottles, offering about 50 or 1,400 applications, respectively. I personally use this product to spray my cat’s carrier before we take her to the vet. The effects last around four to five hours, which may not be suitable for longer-lasting stress situations.
What We Liked:
- The most well-researched cat pheromone spray on the market
- Clinically proven to reduce scratching and urine spray in 9 out of 10 cats
- Ideal for travel
What We Didn’t Like:
- Effects are temporary (lasts about 4-5 hours)
- Strong smell may be off-putting for some users
#3 Best Drops: Bach Rescue Remedy Pet Supplement
These calming drops are a homeopathic blend of flower essences, including Star of Bethlehem, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum, Impatiens, and Clematis. According to the brand, these essences help minimize stress and anxiety in both cats and dogs.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Administering the drops is pretty simple—just add a few drops to your cat’s water or offer them orally. With its alcohol-free and non-habit-forming formulation, Bach’s is a safe option for households with multiple pets.
Customer reviews are mixed, but most say that it’s an effective remedy for stress in cats. One said that their cat transformed “from psychotic to puuurrrrfect!” after taking a few drops of Rescue Remedy on a treat.
What We Liked:
- All-natural ingredients with no known side effects
- No perceptible smell
- Alcohol-free and non-habit-forming
- Non-drowsy formula
- Suitable for various animals (cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits, and even lizards)
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats may resist taking the drops
- Customer reviews are mixed on effectiveness
#4 Best Capsule: Vetoquinol Zylkene Calming Supplement
Alpha-casozepine is the key ingredient in these Zylkene supplements. Derived from cow’s milk, this ingredient is known for its calming properties and provides a sense of comfort without sedating your pet. This non-drowsy formula is designed to help cats feel relaxed and content, making it easier for them to cope with stressful scenarios.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Available in easy-to-administer capsules, Zylkene can be given whole or sprinkled over food. (We recommend breaking them open for cats, as they’re on the large side.) I found these capsules were easy to break apart. However, if you have a larger cat who requires two capsules, it might be harder to get them to tolerate that much powder.
Suitable for all life stages and free from lactose and preservatives, these are an excellent choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. They typically take effect within 1-2 hours.
What We Liked:
- Promotes calm without sedation
- Ideal for sensitive stomachs: lactose-free and preservative-free
- Effective for various stressors (travel, vet visits, etc.).
- Suitable for all life stages
- Can be used long-term or during specific stressful events
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly pricey ($1.29 per capsule for a 14-count pack).
- Larger cats need higher doses, which means more powder mixed with food
#5 Best Calming Treat: Sentry Calming Chews for Cats
Sentry offers a line of scientifically proven calming aids for pets. These calming chews are ideal for situational stress like storms, vet visits, or travel. They’ll appeal to most cats with their crunchy exterior and delicious creamy center. My cat gave them her seal of approval.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Packed with active ingredients like theanine, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and chamomile powder, these treats work to naturally soothe your cat’s nerves. They’re suitable for cats aged 12 weeks and older and can be given about 30 minutes prior to stressful events.
With the NASC quality seal, you can trust that they’re a high-quality product for your pet. Just keep in mind that larger cats will require more chews for optimal effectiveness.
What We Liked:
- Formulated specifically for cats
- Carries the NASC quality seal
- Ideal for situational stress, like thunderstorms, vet visits, or travel
- Low-calorie treat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Larger cats will require quite a few treats
#6 Best Apparel: ThunderShirt Anxiety Vest for Cats
Pressure wraps are designed to reduce stress by applying gentle pressure, similar to the comforting effect of swaddling for infants. The ThunderShirt’s patented design aims to calm nerves during stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks, and travel.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Diabetes is more common in overweight and sedentary cats. Affected kitties are usually middle-aged or older. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Made from durable, breathable fabric, I found this vest easy to put on and adjust. Like many cats, Amber’s initial reaction was to flop over and lie down. However, she didn’t struggle or seem phased by the ThunderShirt. Many cats just need some time to adjust and realize they can still move freely while wearing it.
According to feedback from over two thousand customers, more than 80% of cats experienced a noticeable improvement when using the ThunderShirt. While many cats respond positively, not every cat will tolerate wearing a vest, so it’s important to monitor your cat’s comfort levels.
What We Liked:
- Proven effective in over 80% of cats
- Available in three sizes: small, medium and large
- Machine-washable
- Made with durable, breathable, soft fabric
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not all cats will be willing to wear a vest
- Reviews are mixed as to its effectiveness
- Some customers noted their cats slipped out of it too easily
Types of Cat Calming Aids
Choosing the right calming aid depends on your cat’s personality and specific triggers. Often, combining multiple methods yields the best results. Below, we explain common types of calming aids for cats.
Pheromone Diffusers and Sprays:
The most popular pheromone product on the market, Feliway, replicates your cat’s F3 facial pheromone. Your cat secretes this pheromone in their cheeks and releases them when they feel relaxed in an environment. When you apply a synthetic pheromone product, you’re sending the same chemical message your cat would communicate by rubbing their face against an area.
If your house is a feline stress zone, a pheromone diffuser is your best choice. These devices cover a large area and distribute pheromones 24/7, meaning that they’re working at all hours to minimize your cats’ stress.
While diffusers are a great choice for at-home stress management, pheromone sprays allow you to control your cat’s stress anywhere and anytime. You can spritz the product in your cat’s carrier or bedding when on vacation or headed to the vet.
Drops & Capsules
In liquid or pill form, these contain ingredients like theanine, L-tryptophan, and melatonin to reduce anxiety. They can be useful for long-term use or for situational stress.
Calming Food & Treats
Specially formulated treats and foods that include calming ingredients, like chamomile or L-theanine, can help anxious cats feel more relaxed. They are especially good for cats that are picky eaters but respond well to treats.
Pressure Wraps
These are designed to provide gentle, even pressure to a cat’s body, similar to a swaddling effect. They can be especially helpful for anxiety-prone cats during stressful situations like thunderstorms or fireworks. However, not all cats will be thrilled to wear them.
Calming Collars
Sergeants Pet Care Products introduced pheromone collars in 2009. While they’re a mobile option that goes wherever your cat goes, we don’t recommend them. Most calming collars are uncomfortable for cats, don’t have a quick-release clasp, and they’re not as effective as other options.
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Mills, D. S., Redgate, S. E., & Landsberg, G. M. (2011). A Meta-Analysis of Studies of Treatments for feline urine spraying. PLoS ONE, 6(4), e18448. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0018448