The holidays are always a hectic time. Whether that’s due to traveling out of townopens in a new tab or visiting familyopens in a new tab, you’re inevitably left trying to decide whether to bring your pet with you, find someone to cat sit them, or make them comfortable in their own home when loved ones come over. And whether you’re hosting a holiday party or watching a neighborhood New Year’s Eve fireworks show, making sure your pet isn’t alarmed by the loud festivities (inside or out) is one of the many important factors to think through. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best calming products for cats that will help ease both your and your cat’s minds this holiday season, from science-backed pheromone diffusers to veterinarian-formulated chews to herbal-scented cat litter.
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
Feliway products mimic a cat’s natural pheromones, either through an in-room diffuser or a spray that you can use on blankets, scratching posts, or near litter boxes. Did you know that cats rub the side of their faces against surfaces within their territory to mark where they live and to self-soothe? By placing a diffuser in a bathroom where you’ve placed the litter box or spraying a little Feliway on a comfy cat bed, you’re helping your cat relax into their environment. These products can help a cat adjust to new environments and can be used as part of a behaviour plan to address litter box issuesopens in a new tab, scratching, or general scaredy cat tendencies.
This tasty supplement contains naturally sourced ingredients that may help reduce stress during temporary situations like preparing your cat for the arrival of unfamiliar friends and family, or helping your cat cope while you’re away on a holiday vacation. For situations that tend to elicit extreme fear or anxiety (if your cat is prone to getting or using their claws on more than just their scratching pad), ask your veterinarian for a recommended treatment.
Similar to Feliway, this calming collar uses natural pheromones to help curb your cat’s urge to shred your couch or pee on your clean laundry — for up to 30 days. Like all collars, be sure it is fitted properly. You should be able to place your finger between the collar and your cat’s neck, ensuring it’s not too tight. If it’s too loose, they might get their paw stuck in it so be sure to check it daily for comfort.
This all-natural homeopathic formula can be given daily to reduce tension. Simply place a few drops on your cat’s tongue or in their water bowl to create relaxation as fast as felinely possible.
Lindsay Hamrick lives in New Hampshire with her three dogs, chickens, and an assortment of rotating foster animals. She forces her elderly chihuahua, Grandma Baguette, on overnight backpacking trips, can diaper a lamb with one hand, and while she’s a long-time Certified Professional Dog Trainer, 66.7% of her dogs still won’t lay down when asked.
