Cats are sensitive animals — even small changes in their environment, like bringing a new pet home or moving furniture, can make them feel stressed or scared. As cat parents, we want our kitties to feel safe and happy in their homes. Enter: Cat calming spray.
In this article, we'll explain how calming sprays work and when to use them. We'll also talk about common signs of stress and how to support your cat’s well-being. Whether you have a curious kitten or a shy senior cat, a spray can make a big difference.
What is calming spray
Calming spray is a special product made to help calm cats during stressful situations. Many sprays come in a small bottle that can be carried anywhere. This makes it easy to help your cat find their zen at home and on the go, like for vet visits and car rides.
Some mimic calming mother cat pheromones to create a peaceful environment for cats. This type of spray is often recommended by vets and pet behavior experts for behavioral issues.
Mellow Cat Calming Spray is a drug-free, pheromone-mimicking calming spray that helps keep cats calm. It's perfect for pet parents looking for a simple, on-the-go calming solution.
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How do calming sprays work
Calming sprays like Mellow copy the natural pheromones a mother cat makes to calm her kittens. When cats detect these pheromones, their brains receive a calming signal. This helps reduce feelings of fear, anxiety, or aggression.
Pheromones are natural scents that cats and other animals can smell, but humans can’t. These scents send messages to help cats feel calm and relaxed.
Releasing calming pheromones through a spray or diffuser will primarily affect cats, and can also offer calming benefits for dogs. This makes them a safe choice for homes with other animals or children.
Stressful behaviors in cats
Many cats experience stress and anxiety throughout their lifetime. Although every cat manages stress differently, some common signs of stress in cats include:
- Urine marking
- Hissing
- Constant meowing or bellowing
- Litter box aggression
- Scratching furniture
3 reasons cats get anxiety
Before attempting to calm a cat with calming spray, it's important to know the reason your cat is feeling stressed in the first place. Stress often stems from anxiety.
But why do cats experience anxiety? Cat anxiety can be caused by:
1. Psychological triggers
If you adopted your cat and didn't have them as a kitten, they may have experienced trauma. Some common examples include abuse or neglect. If this is the case, loud noises or being alone may trigger your cat.
The natural response for cats to mate may also cause stressful behaviors like spraying, especially in a male cat. Talk to your veterinarian about mating habits in cats before using a calming spray.
2. Lack of socialization
If your cat is not exposed to other animals or humans often, they may develop a fear of them. Introducing your kitten to other cats, dogs, and humans in a safe way can aid in socialization.
3. Environmental factors
Exposing your cat to a new environment can be frightening for some. Be aware of environmental factors that may contribute to stress like:
- Loud noises
- Other animals
- Car rides
- Unfamiliar people
- New environments
When to use calming spray
Pet parents can use calming spray during stressful times like:
- Moving to a new home
- Car rides
- Vet visits
- Leaving your kitty home alone
- Introducing a new pet or human to your household
Sprays are especially useful if you notice signs of stress like hiding, scratching, or urine marking. These signs show that your cat may need extra comfort.
You can also use it when your cat is staying in a new room or around new furniture. Spraying on prominent objects like a scratching post can help your cat adjust quickly.
Aside from its stress-relieving properties, PetFriendly's Mellow Calming Spray also:
- Promotes bonding in new homes
- Reduces litter box aggression in multi-cat households
- Limits anxious behaviors like urine marking, urine spraying, meowing, and scratching
- Supports trips in the car and vet visits
How to use calming spray
Mellow can be sprayed directly onto prominent objects like toys, furniture, and carpets. These areas are often marked by cats through scratching and face rubbing (head butts). Your cat’s bed, favorite sleeping spots, or new furniture are other common spots to use calming spray.
You can use Mellow wherever your cat lives and plays. Use two or three sprays in an area where your cat likes to live and play every day.
Pet parents can also use calming spray in their cat's carrier as a solution for how to travel with a cat stress-free. You can spray Mellow in places like:
- Hotel rooms
- Vacation rentals
- Carriers
- Crates
- Car seats
What to expect from a calming spray for cats
Remember, calming sprays don't always work instantly, and every cat's reaction is different. Some cats may take a few days to show signs of calm behavior after consistent use.
If your spray is working for your kitty, you might notice less scratching, less urine marking, and more relaxed behavior. These are signs that the calming spray is doing its job.
Using the spray regularly can lead to lasting results. For best effects, combine it with other calming tools like a Cat Calming Diffuser.
If your cat still shows signs of stress after using a calming spray, talk to your vet. Continued stress may be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Whether it’s introducing a new cat, moving homes, or dealing with loud noises, a calming spray can help. Look for signs of calm behavior like grooming, stretching, and purring. These are signs your spray is working.
Creating a calming environment with spray and routine helps your cat thrive. Calm cats are happier, healthier pets. Be patient and consistent. Over time, you’ll notice a big difference in your cat’s well-being.
With Mellow Calming Spray, finding your cat's inner yogi is just a few spritzes away. Give it a try and help your cat feel safe, secure, and loved.
Frequently asked questions
Want to learn more about calming sprays for cats? Explore these commonly asked questions and discover the benefits you could be giving your pack.