Pheromones for Cats Explained

Cats are creatures of habit, and when something disrupts their routine, it can quickly cause them to feel stressed or anxious. This, in turn, can lead to a number of worrying behavioural changes, including not eating, hiding, or being destructive in the home. 

Here, we explain how cat pheromone diffusers can be used to ease your cat's anxiety, including how they work and whether you need one for your cat. 

What are Cat Pheromones?

While cats have a range of vocalisations, their meows aren’t the only way they communicate. Instead, cats are incredibly sensitive to smells and produce a range of pheromones to communicate a range of things to both themselves and other cats. 

For example, when a cat rubs their face on something, it’s their way of marking it as theirs and leaving a reminder that it’s a safe place. Mother cats also release calming and soothing pheromones to encourage harmony between their litter and help their kittens feel at ease. 

Pheromones are a vital part of your cat’s life, and by better understanding how they work, veterinarians and cat behavioural specialists have been able to recreate versions of these pheromones so you can help encourage your cat to feel calm and relaxed during times of stress. 

How Do Cat Calming Pheromones Work?

As we’ve mentioned above, professionals have been able to recreate a synthetic version of a cat’s “happy pheromone”, which is then made into cat-calming diffusers like the Beaphar CatComfort® Excellence Calming Diffuser and pheromone sprays which you can use in your home. 

These work by releasing the “happy pheromone” into your cat’s environment to tell them they are in a safe place and there’s no need to be stressed or afraid. Some cat pheromone products are faster-acting than others; some last longer and are meant for long-term use. 

When to Use a Cat-Calming Diffuser

When it comes to stress and anxiety in cats, the fundamental way to help is by removing the fundamental trigger and removing it from their environment. While this may seem simple enough, some triggers can’t be avoided, such as family visiting or building work in the home. These are the times when implementing a cat pheromone plug-in can be incredibly helpful. 

Some of the key times we’d recommend using pheromones for cats include, but are not limited to: 

• Moving house

• Long car trips

• Introducing a new pet to the home 

• Introducing a new family member

• Building works 

Using a cat pheromone diffuser provides your cat with constant comfort and helps ease their anxiety even in times of stress. 

If you’re not sure if your cat is anxious, you can find out more in our Guide to Anxiety in Pets. 

Are Cat Pheromones Safe for Humans?

Absolutely. Cat pheromones are only effective against cats and will not have any impact on pets of other species that live in your home or any humans. Cat pheromone diffusers also don’t have a scent, so they can go entirely unnoticed in your home beyond the changes they make to your cat’s behaviour. 

Just be sure that you check the device while using it to ensure the refill hasn’t run out, as this may pose a fire risk. Always try to change your cat's pheromone refill at least a few days before it runs out. You can buy refills like the Beaphar Cat Comfort Refill and more cat calming treatments online with us, so you can rest assured your cat is happy and at ease no matter what.