Relaxivet Vs. Feliway Diffuser: Which One Is Better?

As a cat parent, I’ve watched my furry friends navigate stress—whether it’s a move to a new apartment, a vet visit, or just the chaos of a multi-cat household.

 When my Bengal, Milo, started peeing on the carpet, I knew I had to act. That’s when I discovered pheromone diffusers like Relaxivet and Feliway.

 In this article, I’ll share my journey comparing these two products, breaking down their pros, cons, and key features to help you choose the best option for your cat’s anxiety and behaviors like inappropriate urination.

Relaxivet Vs. Feliway Comparison Table

My First Encounter with Cat Anxiety

Living with three cats—Milo, Luna, and Shadow—has taught me that feline stress is real. Milo, my Bengal, is a bundle of energy but gets anxious during thunderstorms or when new people visit.

 Luna, my shy tabby, hides under the bed at the slightest change, and Shadow, the grumpy senior, isn’t thrilled about sharing space.

 When Milo started marking the living room rug, I was desperate for a solution. My vet suggested pheromone diffusers, which mimic the calming chemicals cats naturally produce.

That’s when I began exploring Relaxivet and Feliway, two popular options for easing feline anxiety.

Pheromones are like a cat’s secret language. When they rub their cheeks on furniture (or your leg), they’re leaving behind facial pheromones that say, “This is my safe space.”

Both Relaxivet and Feliway use synthetic versions of these pheromones to create a calming environment. But how do they stack up? I tested both in my home, consulted my vet, and scoured online forums like Reddit to get a real sense of their effectiveness. Here’s what I found.

Understanding Relaxivet: The Budget-Friendly Option

Relaxivet caught my attention because it’s marketed as a natural, affordable solution. Its diffuser plugs into a wall outlet, releasing a synthetic feline facial pheromone that mimics the “safe space” signal. I tried the Relaxivet Natural Cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser in my living room, hoping it would soothe Milo’s marking habits.

Key Features of Relaxivet

• Diffuser and Spray Options: Relaxivet offers a plug-in diffuser, a spray, and wipes, giving flexibility for home or travel use. I used the spray in Milo’s carrier for vet visits.
• Coverage: The diffuser covers up to 700 square feet, which worked well in my open-plan apartment.
• Duration: Each refill lasts about 30 days, and the diffuser itself is recommended for replacement every 12 months.
• Odorless Formula: I couldn’t smell anything, which was a relief since Luna is sensitive to strong scents.
• Price Point: Relaxivet is noticeably cheaper than Feliway, making it appealing for budget-conscious cat parents like me.

Pros of Relaxivet

• Affordability: I saved about 20-30% compared to Feliway, which adds up over months of use.
• Ease of Use: The plug-in was simple to set up—just pop it into an outlet and let it work. The spray was handy for targeting specific spots, like Milo’s favorite marking corner.
• No Scent Issues: My sensitive nose appreciated the odorless formula, and it didn’t bother my cats.
• Versatile Products: The wipes were great for wiping down furniture, and the spray helped during car trips.
• Vet-Tested Claims: Relaxivet claims it’s been tested by veterinarians, and I found some positive mentions on Reddit from users who saw reduced scratching and anxiety in their cats.

Cons of Relaxivet

• Limited Research: Unlike Feliway, I couldn’t find peer-reviewed studies backing Relaxivet’s claims. The “90% effective” stat comes from the manufacturer, which made me skeptical.
• Variable Effectiveness: Milo’s marking reduced slightly, but it didn’t stop completely. Luna seemed calmer, but Shadow was unfazed.
• No Multi-Cat Formula: Relaxivet doesn’t offer a specific blend for multi-cat households, which was a drawback for my trio.
• Outlet Limitations: The diffuser’s prongs don’t rotate, so it didn’t fit well in some of my horizontal outlets.
• Mixed Reddit Feedback: Some users on Reddit raved about Relaxivet as a cheaper alternative, but others reported no change in their cats’ behavior.

Exploring Feliway: The Vet-Endorsed Choice

Feliway is the big name in cat pheromone products, and my vet recommended it first. It’s been around for over 25 years, with a reputation for clinical backing. Feliway offers multiple products: Classic for general stress, MultiCat for inter-cat tension, and Optimum for a broader range of anxiety issues. I tried the Feliway Classic Diffuser in my bedroom and the MultiCat version in the living room to address Shadow’s grumpiness toward Milo.

Key Features of Feliway

• Variety of Formulas: Feliway Classic uses a synthetic F3 facial pheromone for general anxiety, while MultiCat mimics a mother cat’s appeasing pheromone for multi-cat harmony. Optimum combines both for enhanced effects.
• Coverage: Covers up to 750 square feet, slightly more than Relaxivet.
• Duration: Refills last 30 days, but the diffuser needs replacing every 6 months.
• Clinical Backing: Feliway cites studies showing 90-95% effectiveness for issues like urine marking and scratching.
• Vet Trust: Many veterinarians, including mine, recommend Feliway, and it’s used in clinics to calm cats during exams.

Pros of Feliway

• Proven Effectiveness: Within a week, Milo’s marking incidents dropped significantly, and Luna started venturing out more. Shadow was less hissy with the MultiCat diffuser.
• Tailored Formulas: The MultiCat version was a game-changer for my household, reducing tension between Shadow and Milo.
• Wide Availability: I found Feliway at pet stores, vet offices, and online, making it easy to restock.
• Vet and User Trust: Reddit users and vets alike praise Feliway, with many reporting calmer cats within days.
• Flexible Application: The spray was a lifesaver for vet visits, and the wipes helped with fostering a stray kitten last month.

Cons of Feliway

• Higher Cost: Feliway is pricier, with diffusers and refills costing about 20-30% more than Relaxivet.
• Scent Concerns: The spray has an ethanol base, which I could smell faintly, and Luna sneezed a few times near it.
• Not Universal: Some Reddit users reported no effect or even increased anxiety in their cats, especially with the Optimum formula.
• Diffuser Replacement: Replacing the diffuser every 6 months felt like an unnecessary expense compared to Relaxivet’s 12-month cycle.
• Fire Hazard Concerns: A few Reddit posts mentioned potential fire risks with plug-in diffusers, though I didn’t experience this.

Read More: My Thoughts On Feliway Multicat Diffusers Vs. Regular

Comparing Effectiveness for Cat Anxiety

When I plugged in the Relaxivet diffuser, I noticed subtle changes. Milo seemed less frantic during thunderstorms, and Luna spent less time hiding. However, Shadow’s aggression toward Milo didn’t budge, and the marking persisted, though less frequently. Relaxivet’s affordability was tempting, but its lack of a multi-cat formula and limited research left me wanting more.

Feliway, on the other hand, felt like a heavier hitter. The Classic diffuser made Milo noticeably calmer, and the MultiCat version reduced Shadow’s hissing by about 50% within two weeks. Luna started lounging in the open, a rare sight. Reddit threads echoed my experience, with many users reporting success with Feliway for urine marking and multi-cat tension. However, some cats, like one user’s “angriest kitty ever,” didn’t respond at all.

The science behind Feliway gave me confidence. Studies show it reduces urine spraying in 90% of cats and scratching in 80%. Relaxivet’s claims are less substantiated, relying on manufacturer data rather than peer-reviewed research. Still, for single-cat households or milder anxiety, Relaxivet’s lower price and similar coverage made it a contender.

Tackling Inappropriate Urination

Milo’s carpet-peeing saga was my biggest motivator. Inappropriate urination often stems from stress, territorial issues, or medical conditions like UTIs. I had Milo checked by the vet to rule out health problems, which is critical before relying on pheromones. With Relaxivet, I saw a 20-30% reduction in marking over a month, but it wasn’t enough. Spraying Relaxivet on the carpet didn’t deter Milo from returning to his favorite spot.

Feliway Classic, however, was more effective. After two weeks, Milo’s marking dropped by about 70%, and combining the diffuser with the spray on problem areas helped even more. Reddit users often mention Feliway’s success with spraying, with one user noting their cat went from daily accidents to “1-2 undesirable pees” in two weeks. Still, some cats, like one user’s territorial tom, showed no improvement, suggesting pheromones aren’t a cure-all.

Multi-Cat Households: A Special Consideration

With three cats, I needed a solution that addressed inter-cat tension. Relaxivet’s one-size-fits-all approach fell short here. It helped with general anxiety but didn’t tackle Shadow’s grumpiness toward Milo. Feliway MultiCat, designed to mimic a mother cat’s calming pheromone, was a better fit. Within a month, Shadow’s aggressive swats decreased, and Milo stopped provoking him as often. Feliway Optimum, which combines both pheromones, might be even better for complex households, though I haven’t tried it yet.

Reddit users with multiple cats often prefer Feliway MultiCat, with one noting it “keeps the peace” in a three-cat home. Relaxivet’s lack of a multi-cat formula was a clear limitation for me.

Cost and Practicality

Budget matters when you’re buying refills monthly. Relaxivet’s lower price—about $20-$25 for a diffuser kit versus Feliway’s $30-$40—made it easier on my wallet. Relaxivet’s diffuser also lasts a year before replacement, compared to Feliway’s 6 months. However, Feliway’s higher effectiveness justified the cost for me, especially since Milo’s marking was damaging my carpets.

I also considered practicality. Both diffusers are easy to use, but Feliway’s rotating prongs fit my outlets better. Relaxivet’s fixed prongs were awkward in some spots. Both sprays were portable, but Feliway’s ethanol scent was a slight annoyance compared to Relaxivet’s odorless spray.

Vet Recommendations and Safety

My vet strongly endorsed Feliway, citing its clinical studies and widespread use in clinics. Many veterinary practices use Feliway diffusers in exam rooms to calm cats, and some even sell it. Relaxivet gets less vet love, though some users on Reddit mentioned their vets suggesting it as a budget alternative.

Safety-wise, both products are drug-free and safe for cats and humans, but I kept them away from my parrots, as pheromones can harm birds’ sensitive respiratory systems. I also unplugged diffusers when leaving the house for long periods due to rare fire hazard concerns mentioned online.

Real User Insights from Reddit

Reddit’s pet communities, like r/CatAdvice, offered a goldmine of real-world feedback. Feliway is the darling of many cat parents, with users reporting calmer cats and fewer fights. One user said Feliway helped their cat adjust to a new home, though it took a month for full results. Relaxivet had fans too, with some calling it “better than Feliway” for the price, but others said it did nothing for their cats. A common thread was that results vary by cat—some respond dramatically, others not at all.

Combining Pheromones with Other Strategies

Pheromones aren’t magic. My vet emphasized a multi-modal approach, combining diffusers with environmental changes. I added a second litter box for Milo, switched to unscented litter, and increased playtime with teaser toys. I also tried calming treats with L-Theanine, which helped Luna relax further. For severe cases, vets might prescribe medications like Fluoxetine, but I stuck with non-prescription options since Milo’s issues were behavioral.

My Verdict: Which Is Better?

After months of testing, Feliway edged out Relaxivet for my household. Its tailored formulas, especially MultiCat, addressed my cats’ specific needs—marking, hiding, and inter-cat tension—more effectively. The clinical backing and vet endorsements gave me confidence, despite the higher cost. Relaxivet was a solid budget option, reducing Milo’s anxiety slightly and saving me money, but it lacked the punch for my multi-cat chaos.

Your choice depends on your cat and budget. If you have a single cat with mild anxiety, Relaxivet’s affordability and decent coverage might suffice. For multi-cat homes or severe behaviors like spraying, Feliway’s proven track record makes it worth the splurge. Whichever you choose, pair it with vet visits and environmental tweaks for the best results.

Read More: My Thoughts On World’s Best Cat Litter Vs. sWheat Scoop

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Finding Peace For You And Your Cat

You want your cat to feel safe and happy, and I’ve been there, scrambling to ease Milo’s stress and save my carpets. Both Relaxivet and Feliway offer hope, but Feliway’s tailored formulas and vet-backed research made it my go-to for tackling anxiety and inappropriate urination in my multi-cat home. Relaxivet is a wallet-friendly option that might work for milder cases. Whichever you pick, combine it with vet advice and a cat-friendly environment to help your furry friend thrive.