The crying, clawing, and inappropriate urination can take its toll on your furniture and other possessions. Something that many people swear by, however, is a calming spray. This easy-to-use solution is an excellent option for keeping your furball calm and collected during an otherwise stressful situation.
These sprays will never work as well as behavior modification training or medication like sedatives or antidepressants, but they are worth a try as part of a comprehensive strategy or for milder stressful events.
Though using one is easy, finding the right calming spray for cats is difficult. That is why we have compiled a list of the nine best calming sprays for cats. We have reviewed the ingredients, scent, effectiveness, time frame, and much more. After the reviews, we have a buyer’s guide with more helpful tips.
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A Quick Comparison of Our Favourites (Updated 2025)
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Best Overall
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Comfort Zone |
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Best Value
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Nature's Miracle |
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Premium Choice
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Feliway Classic Calming Spray for Cats |
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CHECK PRICE |
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bSerene Calming Spray |
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Zen Kitty |
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The 7 Best Cat Calming Sprays
1. Comfort Zone Cat Calming Spray – Best Overall
The Comfort Zone Cat Calming Spray is ideal if you prefer a scentless spray. Although the formula is more expensive, it is drug-free and backed up by science and veterinarians. It is safe for most surfaces although the manufacturers recommend spot testing.
The Comfort Zone replicates natural pheromones to calm your kitty. When used consistently it also works to change your cat’s behavior in general over time. For example, you will see a calmer cat in a week and a change in their anxiety within 4 weeks.
As far as the short term, the Comfort Zone will help relax your cat in as little as 15 minutes, plus it will last up to 24 hours as the carrier monoethyl ether evaporates slowly. What’s more, it will help with urine marking. The only drawback is that it’s more expensive than other brands.
Otherwise, it’s perfect for those with fragrance sensitivities.
- Effective
- Acts to change behavior
- Unscented
- Safe
- Works quickly
- Pricier option
2. Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Calming Spray – Best Value
If you are looking for a more affordable option for your stressed-out feline, Nature’s Miracle Just For Cats Calming Spray is a good option. This non-sedating formula will reduce your pet’s anxiety during car rides, vet appointments, and much more.
Nature’s Miracle is long-lasting and works within 20 minutes. The formula is made of herb, flower, and plant extracts and essential oils. You can spray it on all surfaces, such as your cat carrier, couch, and rugs, to keep your little one comfortable.
One drawback of this product, however, is it is not all-natural. It contains parabens and a few other artificial ingredients. Most people were happy with the results, but it may not always have the desired effects, nevertheless Nature’s Miracle is the best cat calming spray on a tight budget.
- Most people happy with results
- Works quickly
- Safe on surfaces
- Long-lasting
- Pleasant scent
- Contains parabens/not all-natural
- Possibly not as effective as other options
3. Feliway Classic Calming Spray for Cats – Premium Choice
Feliway is an effective product that is a trusted brand and has been scientifically proven to reduce stress. Feliway contains synthetic replicas of Feline Facial Pheromone which has a calming effect on cats. One study showed that it reduced the stress of cats during veterinary consultations. Another study showed that it reduced undesirable scratching.
This product is also available as a diffuser. If the 4–5 hour timeframe the spray lasts for isn’t enough you can purchase the plug-in version that will release the pheromone all the time. You won’t smell it yourself but your cat will. The main downside to this product is the higher price tag. As an alcohol-based product, you never want to use it near fire or directly on your cat.
- Effective
- Studies proving efficacy
- Available as a diffuser
- Scentless
- Expensive
- Flammable
4. bSerene Pheromone & Catnip Oil Calming Spray for Cats
Featuring calming pheromones with the beloved catnip oil, bSerene Calming Spray is available in a 2-ounce bottle that you can travel with for on-the-go anxiety needs. The first thing we want to point out about this formula is it is drug-free but has catnip in addition to the pheromones.
It can be sprayed on their sleeping space, crate, toys, and blankets to keep them calm. A pro tip is to use the same brand diffuser at home and the spray on the go during car trips so your kitty will always feel “at home.”
The only downside of this product is that it is flammable, so it must be used cautiously and never near a fire source. It is also an eye irritant, so you must be careful to protect your eyes and your cat’s eyes during the application.
- Effective
- Calming
- Non-toxic
- Pheromones and catnip effect
- Flammable
- Eye irritant
5. Zen Kitty Aromatic Feline Calming
If you or your cat have sensitivities to essential oils, the Zen Kitty spray will be a winner for you. Made of hydrosols and flower essences in an alcohol and water base, the Zen Kitty Aromatic Feline Calming spray contains no essential oils that can irritate the skin and nose of you and your pet.
Using rose and Neroli, the Zen Kitty effectively calms and de-stresses your cat. The manufacturer recommends spraying it directly on your feline or massaging it onto their body if they will allow it. This experience is intended to be relaxing but some cats will become stressed by it.
However, since it is partially alcohol-based, spraying it directly on your pet could cause their skin and fur to become dry. Not only that, but it can potentially stain furniture and fabrics, so spot testing is recommended. Moreover, the scent is not always a favorite among the feline population. Some kitties will not stay in the area if it is sprayed, making the calming effect useless.
To end on a bright note, however, this safe spray works quickly and will continue to be effective for several hours.
- Many customers happy with results
- Oil-free
- Works quickly
- Can dry skin
- Can stain furniture
- Cats may find scent unpleasant
6. Pet Organics No-Stress Spray
Pet Organics is an all-natural formula intended to simulate calming pheromones. However, the actual ingredients in this formula are unspecified and no information is given on which pheromones are targeted.
The scent is mild but ineffective at calming down the more anxious pets. If your cat is overly fearful, this may not be the best option. Also, it can take a considerable amount of time for the scent to take effect.
On the other hand, the formula is safe to spray on all surfaces. The only drawback is it needs to be reapplied often. Finally, be aware that some cats do not like the scent and will not remain in the same space with it.
- All-natural
- Safe for all surfaces
- Mild scent
- Unspecified ingredients list
- Takes a long time to work
- Needs to be reapplied often
- Not all cats like the scent
- Not recommended for severe anxiety
7. Pet MasterMind Cat Spray
Our final choice is the Pet MasterMind Cat Spray. It is a herbal formula that comes in an 8-ounce bottle. It uses a blend of natural pheromones, jasmine, and passionflower to calm your pet. Unfortunately, the minimal effect of the spray takes a long time to work and may only last for about 30 minutes at the longest.
Some consumers disliked the smell of this product and were reluctant to spray it on their furniture. Also, beware that this formula may stain your fabrics and rugs. What’s worse is that it leaves a film on stone, plastic, and wood surfaces.
The Pet MasterMind is sourced in Canada and the USA. Although safe and natural, it requires a lot of product before you see minimal results. Also, like our last selection, the spray portion of the bottle becomes clogged quickly, and you will not be able to spray it. Overall, Pet Mastermind is our least favorite option for a calming spray for your cat.
- Natural
- Non-toxic
- Not effective
- Unpleasant smell
- Requires a lot of product
- Takes a long time to work
- Only calms for a short time
- Bottle clogs
Buyer’s Guide: Choose the Best Cat Calming Spray
Important Facts About Cat Calming Sprays
There is a lot of misinformation about what is healthy for your pet and what is not. When it comes to calming sprays, collars, and diffusers, some are questionable due to their ingredients. Some scents are harmful to your pet in their raw form yet perfectly safe in a diluted essential oil formula.
First, there are a few ways the calming sprays are formulated. They can be done with essential oils, essences, or pheromones.
- Essential Oils: Essential oils are used in many ways, including calming ourselves and our pets. Oils derived from lavender, copaiba, and frankincense (among others) are all safe to use with your feline when properly applied and diluted. This is why it’s best to buy a product designed for cats and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Oils are very strong smelling, and essential oils may not be the way to go if you or your pet have sensitivities.
- Essences: Unlike oils, essences do not have a strong scent. They are a liquid extract of a flower or plant, and they are usually made with a water base. Essences, like oils, may have some calming benefits but these are unproven. You also need to ensure you are getting a safe spray for your pet.
- Pheromones: Sprays that use synthetic pheromones are the most scientifically sound method of calming your cat without medication or supplements. This method has been around for decades and research has found it effective. Felines communicate via pheromones. Feline facial pheromone (F3) sends a message that the area is friendly and positive. When synthetic ingredients are added to a calming formula, they have been found to work wonders, and they have few side effects. However, one of the biggest drawbacks is the scent is not as attractive for humans as it would be with an oil or essence formula.
Regardless of which calming spray type you choose, we want to ensure your cat is calmer and safe. Inhaling toxic ingredients can cause your feline to have a runny nose, cough, watery eyes, vomiting, burning nose and throat, and difficulty breathing. If you notice these signs, move your pet to fresh air right away. If the signs do not immediately clear up, call for assistance ASAP.
Here are some ingredients you should stay away from when looking for a calming product:
- Citrus
- Pennyroyal
- Eucalyptus
- Wintergreen
- Peppermint
- Sweet birch
- Ylang-ylang
- Clove oil
- Pine
- Cinnamon
- Lilies
- Geranium
Shopping Tips
There are several reasons why you would need a calming spray for your cat. For example, some felines are naturally skittish and benefit from regular exposure to relaxing ingredients and scents. On the other hand, some pets only need help when going for a car ride, a vet visit, or when you might be introducing a new member of the family.
Either way, cats in distress can cry consistently, scratch, urinate, bite, and otherwise cause havoc in your household. For that reason, when you pick out a calming spray, you want to consider your kitty’s temperament and personality. Here are a few things to look at first:
- The Application: Most calming sprays are meant to be used on the items surrounding your pet, such as toys, blankets, and carriers. This will surround them with the pleasant and calming effects of the spray. However, some sprays can be applied to their fur.
- Does It Stain?: If you are planning on using a spray on your furniture or car make sure it is a formula that will not stain or leave a film.
- Wait Time: The time it takes for the spray to work is another important consideration. This is especially true if the product is only used for vet visits. Ideally, you want your pet to be calm before you leave the house, and most of us do not have all day to wait for it to kick in!
- Lasting Effects: Just like wait time, you do not want the spray to wear off during your drive home or other tense occasion. A formula that will work for several hours could be better, depending on your purposes. Better to have them relaxed longer than scared quicker.
- The Scent: Finally, let’s talk about the scent. Not everyone likes the scent of lavender, nor does every cat like rosemary. Make sure it is a scent you and your feline will enjoy, especially if you plan to use the spray often.
How We Selected Our List of Cat Calming Sprays
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat calming sprays. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat calming spray. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!
Conclusion
Nothing is more stressful for us than having a cute kitty that is anxious, scared, and upset. Being able to calm and comfort them is important to ensure everyone’s well-being. We hope the reviews above have helped you determine which spray is ideal for your cat. Picking out a single product can be tough but a zen-like cat is priceless.
In our opinion, the Comfort Zone Cat Calming Spray is the best available option. It is effective, long-lasting, and works quickly. If you need a more affordable option Nature’s MiracleJust For Cats Calming Spray will keep your kitty relaxed at a lower price tag.
Featured Image Credit: Olha Povozniuk, Shutterstock
