Calming collars

[raro]

I didn't want to hijack the thread about phobias/anxiety with something a little less serious, so I figured I'd ask in a separate thread...
I have 4 cats. Only ever wanted 2 or 3, but, well, life happens. And they have gotten along just fine for the past year or so. But ever since I started some renovations in my home (putting in new floors and ripping up 15-year-old icky carpet) they have been like four kids at the end of summer vacation, picking at each other and quarreling until I feel like screaming. And I can't really tell which one(s) are the instigators. And it will be months, probably, before the renovations are complete.
I had purchased calming collars from the pet store that worked great, but they are SO expensive (around $15-$20 each, times four)...I'm not sure what the chemicals even are on the things.
So does anyone have any ideas for making my own? I keep hearing about essential oils...are they safe for animals, and does anyone know which ones actually work? A friend mentioned lavender oil...I have a little lavender bush, can I just sprinkle lavender leaves in a mesh bag and tie them around my kitties' collars?! (I'm getting a bit desperate here, in case you can't tell...!) Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated!

 

[TwoCrows]

I have never dealt with your situation. But I did some research for you on line here.

Here is a product that I have never used, however my hubby uses the main ingredient in this product to calm his nerves. I claims it works very well to calm the brain waves. You might give this a try....http://www.amazon.com/Pet-Naturals-Calming-count-1-11oz/dp/B0011DHJ2W

Good luck and I hope it works for your cats.

 

[tortoise]

Well this is an old post all dragged up, but it's worth adding some information to in case someone finds it on a search engine.

The collars are made with pheromones. So you wouldn't be able to DIY something similar. Plus, you have to be INCREDIBLY careful with cats and essential oils. You can kill a cat with essential oils! Even lavender is a HUGE no-no for cats, it contains d-limonene which is toxic to cats.

Because you have 4 cats, a Feliway diffuser is a more economical solution. It looks like an air freshener. A bit pricey, but definitely less than collars times 4 cats!