Best Cat Calming Spray for Travel

If you're traveling with your cat, you'll want to make sure you have a calming spray on hand. A good cat calming spray can help to keep your cat calm and relaxed during long trips. Here are some tips for choosing the best cat calming spray for travel:

First, consider the type of travel you'll be doing. If you're traveling by car, a travel-sized spray bottle of Feliway may be a good option. If you're flying, your best bet may be a travel-sized can of Feliway or a plug-in diffuser.

Second, consider the type of cat you have. Some cats are more prone to anxiety than others, so make sure to choose a spray that is specifically designed for cats. Some of the best calming sprays for cats include the Cat Calming Mist and the Soothing Scents of Cats.

Finally, consider your budget. Some of the best cat calming sprays are a bit more expensive than others, but they may be worth it if you're worried about your cat's anxiety during a long trip. Some of the best budget-friendly cat calming sprays include the Catnip Stress Buster and the Feliway Diffuser.

According to licensed veterinary technician Ellen Carozza in an interview with Bustle, diffusers are another great option, especially for times when you need more frequent or sustained calming, such as after a move, helping newly adopted cats adjust to your home, or for cats who get stressed by other pets or visitors. These plug into a wall outlet and release pheromone vapor.Cat calming sprays and diffusers are safe for use on cats of all ages, but as Carozza points out, "not all cats respond to them, and they are not the'magic bullet,' but can assist in calming down cats."

Carozza also emphasizes the importance of closely following product directions and being cautious with sprays and diffusers if you or your cat has asthma. Shaw adds, "I recommend starting slow with any new product."If you suspect a reaction, discontinue use immediately and consult a veterinarian."

If your cat is frequently stressed at home, Shaw suggests making lifestyle and environmental changes before introducing a cat calming spray into your routine: "All cats, but especially indoor-only cats, require a healthy balance of novelty/excitement and predictability/safety in order to be happy, which means it isn't enough to simply provide a cozy bed and a bowl of food."You should also provide interactive playtime, feeding enrichment, novel toys, perches, and window views." Shaw also mentions that "some cats with severe chronic anxiety may require medication prescribed by a veterinarian."

These are the best cat calming sprays to help ease anxiety, reduce unwanted behaviors, and make your stressed-out kitty feel safe — and they're all available on Amazon.

We only recommend products that we believe you will enjoy, and we may receive a portion of sales from products purchased through this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

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A Best-Selling Pheromone Spray

Feliway pheromone travel spray is a best-seller that contains synthetic feline facial pheromones to calm cats and reduce unwanted behavior such as scratching and urine marking. Use the spray on your cat's blanket or carrier about 20 minutes before placing the cat in the carrier to reduce anxiety during travel and vet visits.Use the spray on furniture, doorways, and other areas where your cat likes to hang out for calming around the house and in new environments; the spray's effects should last four to five hours.It is nontoxic, drug-free, odorless, and colorless, and it has no effect on other animals in the house. The 20-milliliter bottle is convenient for travel and contains approximately 16 applications.

"I first met him in the [vet's] office when I had to take in my skittish cat; he's so skittish that most of my friends and family have never seen him in person," one cat owner says.A few squirts of this on a towel and draped over his cat carrier, and he was straight out, purring and loving all over the vet, my first blood-free vet visit with him!": “I first was introduced in the [vet's] office when I had to take in my skittish cat. He's so skittish that most of my friends and family have never seen him in person. A couple squirts of this on a towel and draped over his cat carrier and five minutes later he was straight out and purring and loving all over the vet. My first blood free vet visit with him!”

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A Pheromone Diffuser That Provides Long-Term Calm

Hundreds of cat parents recommend the Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser Kit for long-term calming effects. Diffusers are ideal for cats who are stressed around other pets in the home, or for cats who are adjusting to a new home, a new baby, or a new pet.The diffuser plugs into any unobstructed wall outlet (ideally near your cat's favorite area) and emits fragrance-free pheromone vapors to calm cats and deter urine marking and scratching.Every cat is different, but many have reported less anxiety after two weeks of diffuser use, and after one month, your cat may have adjusted to the environment sufficiently to no longer require the diffuser.

Each diffuser covers one room and has a built-in auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating.Refills are also easily available.

"My kitten had bad separation anxiety and my vet suggested getting this for when I am not home. This has helped tremendously in his transition into learning to be alone at times," one cat owner said.: “My kitten had bad separation anxiety and my vet suggested getting this for when i am not home. this has helped tremendously in his transition into learning to be alone at times.”

A Flower Essence-Based Natural Calming Spray

If your cat hasn't responded to pheromone calming sprays or diffusers, this natural cat calming spray is a good alternative to try. It's great for travel, vet visits, and other short-term stressors, just like the pheromone spray.The spray is composed of five soothing flower essences: cherry plum, star of Bethlehem, rock rose, clematis, and impatiens. For best results, use it 30 minutes before the stressor, and it can be used every 20 minutes for up to four times a day.Unlike the other options, this one is also safe for dogs. To use, spray your hands before petting your cat or spritz the cat's blanket and carrier.Avoid spraying it directly on your cat.

"I sprayed a bit inside the cat carriers and also sprayed a bit on my hand and petted everyone with it before we left, and everyone was definitely more mellow than usual," said one cat owner. "I sprayed a bit inside the cat carriers and also sprayed a bit on my hand and petted everyone with it before we left, and everyone was definitely more mellow than usual.": “Used it on one older female cat who has in the past been very vocal on car rides, two male kittens who are not used to car rides yet, and one very nervous small dog who tends to cry on trips. I sprayed a bit inside the cat carriers and also sprayed a bit on my hand and petted everyone with it before we left, and everyone was definitely more mellow than usual.”

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A Lactose-Free Calming Supplement is also recommended.

Ellen Carozza, LVT, recommends Zylkene's behavior support capsules, which can be opened and mixed with your cat's food, as an alternative to calming sprays. The lactose-free supplement contains a calming milk protein that is safe for pets with sensitive stomachs, and it can also be used for dogs.It is recommended that you begin using Zylkene one to two days, or even a full week, before a planned event. The non-drowsy formula is great for continuous calming or eaten before stressful situations, such as vet visits and travel.With the 75 milligram dose, cats up to 10 pounds should take one capsule daily, while cats 11 to 22 pounds should take two capsules daily.

"My sweet little 15 yr old kitty, Rosie, has many stress related issues, and the Zylkene has really made a difference in her overall behavior!" say cat owners.: “My sweet little 15 yr old kitty, Rosie has many stress related issues. The Zylkene has really made a difference in her overall behavior!”

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