Pheromone collars for cats: which is best, reviews
Like people, cats can experience stress when exposed to certain irritants. To normalize their emotional state and calm their emotions, sedative sprays, tablets, injections, or pheromone collars can be used. The latter is considered the safest and most convenient option, suitable for pets of all breeds and ages. It has calming properties and can help a cat cope with an unpleasant situation or modify its behavior.
Content
Main characteristics
A pheromone collar for cats is a flexible rubber band with a plastic fastener, impregnated with a synthetic substance with specific properties. This substance is an artificial analogue of the natural pheromones secreted by a cat during lactation. During lactation, a mother's exocrine glands produce a product with sedative properties. This product makes the kittens feel safe in their mother's presence. The cat remembers the scent of this exocrine product for the rest of its life.
The pheromones in the calming collar for cats are released through a catalyst powder. This triggers the release of sedatives, which, when inhaled, make the animal less anxious. The catalyst powder is activated by movement, so if the pet becomes overly active or anxious, it will smell a calming scent.
Synthetic pheromones are safe for animals, do not cause allergies or irritation (except in rare cases), and cannot cause an overdose. When opened, the product has a distinctive odor that can be overly pungent or unpleasant to the human sense of smell. The odor quickly dissipates, leaving behind only the active ingredients, detectable only by the cat.
The product must not be wet. It will lose its properties if wet.
The collar itself is made of flexible rubber and is 35-40 cm long. Its use is similar to similar flea collars: after the tape is secured, the excess is trimmed with scissors. A finger should fit easily between the neck and the tape. The material is durable enough to withstand intense physical impact (such as scratching). Therefore, caution should be exercised and the pet should be restricted while using the collar. The tape can become caught on branches and other protrusions, causing suffocation.
Indications for use
A pheromone collar is used as a calming aid to prevent anxiety in various stressful situations, or as a deterrent for overly active and aggressive pets. It can be used in the following situations:
- a visit to the veterinarian;
- grooming (including nail trimming);
- participation in the exhibition;
- change of residence;
- traveling by car or flying;
- the appearance of a new family member (including the birth of a child, or a long stay of a guest in the house);
- the appearance of a new animal;
- holidays with fireworks, loud songs, noise, and hubbub;
- carrying out repair work;
- during a thunderstorm.
If a collar is used to control an overly energetic pet, it's important to remember that it won't solve the problem. It can serve as an aid in training.
Review of popular brands
Among the wide range of pet products, calming collars are in high demand. They can be purchased at pet stores, hypermarkets, or ordered online. They don't necessarily contain pheromones. They may contain plant-based ingredients that have a calming effect on cats. Below are the most popular brands of calming collars, most commonly found in stores.
Beaphar No Stress Collar
Made in the Netherlands, this collar is designed to correct behavioral issues in stressful situations. It is approved for use on dogs over 12 weeks old.
The product contains natural plant ingredients—valerian and lavender essential oils. These are gradually released, providing a calming effect on your pet. Your pet will become calmer, more docile, and more balanced. The effect begins within an hour of use.
The product is 35 cm long. It fits comfortably around the cat's neck, and excess can be easily trimmed off. It lasts for 6 weeks. The average price is 450 rubles.
Relaxivet
Made in Germany. This collar is recommended for use during extended separations, mating season, travel, and other stressful situations. The main active ingredients are lavender and chamomile essential oils. They have a calming effect and begin working immediately after putting the collar on.
The 40 cm long strap fits comfortably around the neck and is easily removed. The collar is designed to last for 30 days of continuous use. The average price is 350 rubles.
Sentry Good Behavior
Made in the USA, the Sentry cat collar contains synthetic ingredients that mimic a mother cat's pheromones during lactation. These active ingredients help cats cope with stress, making them more docile and calm. There is no age limit for use. The collar can be used continuously for 30 days. When not in use, store the collar in an airtight container to prevent the active ingredient from evaporating.
The tape may release a small amount of powder, which acts as a catalyst for the main component. The powder can be simply wiped off with a napkin; it is harmless and non-toxic to animals. The tape is 38 cm long. It adheres securely, and any excess can be easily trimmed with scissors.
The average cost of Sentry Good Behavior is 1,100 rubles.
Reviews
Galina Alexandrovna
"We decided to buy a Beaphar No Stress Collar for cats for the New Year's holidays, as gunshots, firecrackers, fireworks, and noise can cause significant stress in cats. We were left with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it really did work: New Year's Eve was peaceful. We also put the collar on a few days before the holiday to give the cat time to get used to the new accessory and have time for it to have the desired effect. On the other hand, its lavender scent is too strong. It gave both my husband and me headaches. So, we'll only use it when absolutely necessary."
Andrey Dmitriev:
"The Sentry pheromone collar for cats truly lives up to its name, 'Good Behavior.' We adopted a teenage kitten from the street, and he didn't appreciate his good fortune. He lived under the couch, wouldn't be picked up, and only came out at night to eat when no one was around. We decided to try Sentry to speed up his adaptation. The results were immediate. After a couple of days, he began coming out voluntarily, and a couple of weeks later, he allowed himself to be petted. The adaptation period was a success. I highly recommend it."
Anna Novikova:
"My aunt was supposed to stay with us for a week, and the cat really doesn't like strangers in the house. So we bought him a Sentry Good Behavior calming collar. Unfortunately, the purchase was disappointing. Firstly, the cat didn't like the idea of wearing something around his neck. Secondly, it had no calming effect. The cat was indeed less active for the first few days, but then everything returned to normal."
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