The Calming Collar for Cats: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: December 22, 2022
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Just like humans, our feline friends can feel anxious, nervous, and have other negative emotions. Anxiety can be caused by the fear of an upcoming situation. Many cats experience distress from traveling in the car or moving to a new home. Fireworks or other loud noises may also scare your cat. Or, perhaps brothers and sisters aren’t getting along, resulting in hissing wars and cat fights. Often when cats feel these emotions, they take it out on their environment. This can lead to spraying urine, scratching up furniture, and more. 

When humans feel anxious, they usually can find rituals to self-soothe, such as yoga, meditation, aroma therapy, or a warm bath. Pets, however, do not have that ability. They depend on their human to find a way to relieve their anxiety. In some cases, your cat may receive treatment from your veterinarian with medication. But if the symptoms aren’t too extreme, there are other methods available. Many pet owners believe that if they show their pets plenty of love, their furry friend will no longer feel anxious. While we wish that were true, cats can feel intense emotions no matter how loving their pet parents are towards them. 

One of the best solutions for these issues is calming collars. With built-in pheromones or essential oils, your kitty will quickly feel comfortable and calm. While some collars take seven days to take effect, others claim to pacify your kitty within 30 minutes! These collars take the edge off for your cat, and your house won’t get torn up due to their anxiety.

There are so many amazing calming cat collars on shelves today; we took the guesswork out for you. Below you’ll find the top collars that will quickly help your feline feel better, no matter their age or size!

  1. Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats
    • Impressive pheromone technology
    • Clinically proven to reduce nervous behaviors
    • Fits necks up to 15 inches around
    • Pheromones are mixed with scents like chamomile and lavender
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. 3 Pack Calming Collar for Cats and Kittens
    • For cats with stress and hyperactivity
    • Comes in a pack of 3
    • Made with pheromones
    • Contains natural essential oils
    • Adjustable and waterproof
    Check Amazon
  3. Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Calming Collar for Cats
    • Help your feline friend feel safe and comfortable in any environment
    • Pheromones in this collar are slowly released, making your cat calmer for longer
    • The collar helps to reduce anxious habits like scratching and urine marking
    • Drug-free solution
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Relaxivet Calming Collar for Cats
    • The pheromones mixed with natural ingredients helps reduce anxiety within an hour
    • A great option for taking a cat on a trip
    • The collar is adjustable and can fit both small and large cats
    • Reduce the amount of stress when bringing a cat to a new place for the first time
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Top Picks For Calming Collars for Cats

#1 Best Overall: Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats

Our selection as the overall best is the Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats.

This collar is our top choice for a number of reasons, including its impressive pheromone technology. Sentry stands out with this collar because the pheromones are designed to resemble the same that are naturally produced by mother cats to help with anxious newborn kittens. Pet parents can rest easy knowing this option has been clinically proven to reduce nervous behaviors such as tearing up carpet or clawing at your new couch. 

Most cats will be able to comfortably wear this collar as it fits necks up to 15 inches around. The pheromones are mixed with scents like chamomile and lavender and they are continuously released for 30 days. The slip-away design is also a great safety feature in case your cat’s collar gets stuck on something.

However, some customers have reported that this collar does not work for the full 30 days.

Pros and Cons of the Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats

ProsCons
This collar uses pheromones that are designed to resemble those that are produced by mother cats.Some customers found that it did not work for the full 30 days.
This collar has been clinically proven to reduce nervous behavior.
It is suitable for a neck size of up to 15 inches.
The calming pheromones are mixed with relaxing scents such as lavender and chamomile.
The pheromones are continually released for 30 days.
The slip away design ensures the safety of cats while they are wearing this collar.
Overall Best
Sentry Good Behavior Calming Collar for Cats
  • Impressive pheromone technology
  • Clinically proven to reduce nervous behaviors
  • Fits necks up to 15 inches around
  • Pheromones are mixed with scents like chamomile and lavender
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Kittens: 3 Pack Calming Collar for Cats and Kittens

If you have a cute kitten in your life, the last thing you want is for it to be anxious. Whether it’s new surroundings, adjusting to other pets, or generalized anxiety, the 3 Pack Calming Collar for Cats and Kittens is a great option. 

This calming collar begins to work after just one hour by releasing calming pheromones. It also uses lavender and chamomile essential oils to alleviate tension and anxiety. The collar itself is made from safe TPE material and is suitable for cats of all sizes. Plus, it is adjustable which means your kitten will be able to grow into the collar. Another great feature is that it is waterproof, yet still works for 30 days.

Unfortunately, a small number of owners have reported that this collar is not durable and can break.

Pros and Cons of the 3 Pack Calming Collar for Cats and Kittens

ProsCons
This collar uses a mixture of calming pheromones and essential oils to alleviate tension and anxiety which are released over 30 days.Some customers found that it was not durable and broke easily.
It begins to work within one hour.
This collar is made from sage TPE material.
It is suitable for cats of all sizes.
It is waterproof.
Best For Kittens
3 Pack Calming Collar for Cats and Kittens
  • For cats with stress and hyperactivity
  • Comes in a pack of 3
  • Made with pheromones
  • Contains natural essential oils
  • Adjustable and waterproof
Check Amazon

3. Best on a Budget: Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Calming Collar for Cats

Just like everything else with pets, calming collars can get expensive. If you’re looking to save a buck or two, consider the Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Calming Collar for Cats. Most places sell this collar for less than $30. 

This cat collar can help your feline friend feel safe and comfortable in any environment. Whether there are guests in your home, loud noises outside, or a thunderstorm, having a calming collar will prevent things like clawing and marking. 

The pheromones in this collar are slowly released, making your cat calmer for longer. It is suitable for all sizes and one size fits all. As you can tell by the name, this is a breakaway collar to ensure your cat’s safety at all times. If your cat has a history of taking off its collar, opt for another option on this list as some customers found that their pets could get it off easily.

Pros and Cons of the Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Calming Collar for Cats

ProsCons
This collar slowly releases pheromones to keep cats calm for longer.Some cats can get this collar off easily.
The breakaway design ensures that pets do not get stuck while wearing it.
It is suitable for cats of all sizes.
Best Budget
Comfort Zone On-The-Go Breakaway Calming Collar for Cats
  • Help your feline friend feel safe and comfortable in any environment
  • Pheromones in this collar are slowly released, making your cat calmer for longer
  • The collar helps to reduce anxious habits like scratching and urine marking
  • Drug-free solution
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Pheromone Collar: Relaxivet Calming Collar for Cats

Believe it or not, not all calming cat collars use pheromones, but the best pheromone collar is the Relaxivet Cat Calming Collar which can naturally and quickly make your feline feel calm and relaxed.

This is a fast acting collar as the pheromones will start reducing anxiety within an hour! The pheromones are mixed with natural ingredients help to positively influence the nervous system. It will last for up to 30 days by slowly and continuously releasing soothing scents. One of our favorite things about this collar is that it’s adjustable and it can fit both small and large cats.

However, some customers have reported that it has an unpleasant rubbery smell at first, while others found it did not work for the full 30 days.

Pros and Cons of the Relaxivet Calming Collar for Cats

ProsCons
This collar begins to work within one hour.Some customers found it had an unpleasant rubbery smell.
The pheromones are mixed with natural ingredients help to positively influence the nervous system.It doesn’t always work for the full 30 days.
It lasts for 30 days by slowly releasing the pheromones.
It is fully adjustable and fits cats of all sizes.
Best Cat Pheromone Calming Collar
Relaxivet Calming Collar for Cats
  • The pheromones mixed with natural ingredients helps reduce anxiety within an hour
  • A great option for taking a cat on a trip
  • The collar is adjustable and can fit both small and large cats
  • Reduce the amount of stress when bringing a cat to a new place for the first time
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

So, how are you supposed to know what separates a bad pet calming collar from one of the best? Whether you choose one of our top four options or not, knowing what makes these collars excellent options is key. Here are a few features to look for when choosing a calming collar for cats. 

Size

One of the main things you’ll want to look for is the size of the collar. It’s in your best interest to get one that’s adjustable, especially if you’re buying it for a younger cat. All cats have different size necks, and finding one that fits properly is a must! 

Price

Just like anything else you buy for your furry friend, the price matters! Some cat collars are incredibly affordable, while others can put a dent in your wallet. Whatever your budget is, it’s a good idea to check the price and the features that you get. Don’t sacrifice your pet’s wellbeing to save a couple of bucks. 

Timeline

How long do you need your calming cat collar to work? While most pet owners need it for a short time, others, especially when introducing a new cat to their home, will want it to last longer. All of the choices listed above work for 30 days. 

Ingredients

Lastly, consider the ingredients that make up the calming sensation your cat will feel. Many of these collars release pheromones, while others use essential oils. If you’re sensitive to smells or have other animals in the house, essential oils may be something to stay away from. 

The Different Types of Calming Collar for Cats: Pros and Cons Compared

It’s always a good idea to know the advantages and downsides of a product before spending your hard-earned money. Here is some important information regarding the most common types of calming collars for cats. 

  • Pheromone Collars: Pheromones are hormones that, in the instance of soothing cat collars, try to replicate the pheromones that a cat’s mother would emit shortly after giving birth. Anxiety in the newborn kittens would have been lessened by these pheromones. Pheromones have no odor.
  • Essential Oil Collars: Essential oils are plant-based extracts that have been shown to have a calming and soothing impact on individuals who are exposed to them. Lavender and chamomile are two common examples, however, many cat owners suggest avoiding chamomile for cats unless it is used in very small dosages. Essential oils can have a pungent smell, which may be a turn-off to some pet owners and their furry feline friends. 

Our Criteria: How We Chose The Best

The majority of calming collars for cats that we found were great. While it heavily depends on the pet owner and the cat, these special collars work well to provide a calming sensation that reduces anxious behavior such as scratching, spraying, and chewing. We felt that adjustable calming cat collars were a superior option since your kitty may be large or small. Adjustable calming collars also work great for a kitten with anxiety who may grow considerably within a month.

The most common complaint seems to be with collars that contain essential oils or very strong scents in general. If you’re sensitive to certain smells, it may be best to avoid this type and opt for a scent-free, pheromone collar instead. 

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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

The Calming Collar for Cats: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How long does it take a calming cat collar to work?

On average, it takes around one hour for a calming cat collar to produce results with your feline.

Can I cut a Sentry collar?

Cutting the collar does not affect efficiency.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.