Complete Guide to Cat Pheromone Therapy | How to Use Feliway, Its Effects, and Application for Multi-Cat Households | ブリちょく
Cats| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Complete Guide to Cat Pheromone Therapy | How to Use Feliway, Its Effects, and Application for Multi-Cat Households
Complete explanation of pheromone therapy (Feliway, etc.) that is effective for cat anxiety, spray behavior, and multi-cat household problems. We introduce the differences between facial pheromones and cat-appeasing pheromones and tips on how to use them.
Key Takeaways
Complete explanation of pheromone therapy (Feliway, etc.) that is effective for cat anxiety, spray behavior, and multi-cat household problems. We introduce the differences between facial pheromones and cat-appeasing pheromones and tips on how to use them.
What is Cat Pheromone Therapy
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Cats secrete various pheromones to mark their territory, identify individuals, and maintain emotional stability. Behavior therapy that utilizes this natural behavior is called pheromone therapy (Pheromone Therapy).
The most representative pheromone product on the market is the brand Feliway, which is made from a synthesized analog of the facial pheromone (face pheromone) that cats secrete when rubbing their cheeks. This is the pheromone cats release when they feel "this place is safe."
By artificially dispersing this "reassurance pheromone" in the environment, it has been reported to ease cat anxiety and reduce problematic behaviors.
Types of Pheromone Products and Their Uses
Feliway Classic
A synthetic analog of the facial pheromone that cats secrete when rubbing their cheeks and foreheads. This is the pheromone cats release when they feel "this place is safe."
Main Uses:
- Stress from moving or environmental changes
- Fear of visiting the veterinary clinic and carrier phobia
- Confining scratching areas (use on undesirable locations)
- Urine spraying (suppression of spray behavior)
Feliway Friends
A synthetic analog of CAP (cat-appeasing pheromone) that is released by nursing mother cats to their kittens.
Main Uses:
- Fighting and tension between cats in multi-cat households
- Stress in resident cats when introducing a new cat
- Compatibility problems between cohabiting cats
Zylkene
Although not a pheromone product, it is a related supplement containing "alpha-casozepine" derived from milk protein that is often used in combination as a stress management tool for cats.
How to Use Feliway
Diffuser Type
A product similar to an aroma diffuser that plugs into an electrical outlet.
Recommended Placement Locations:
- Main room where the cat spends most of its time
- Near the litter box (if there is urine spraying)
- Room where the carrier is placed (to reduce stress from veterinary visits)
How to Use:
1. Plug into an outlet (note the direction)
2. It takes 24-48 hours for the pheromone to spread throughout the room
3. One refill lasts approximately 30 days
4. Replace before completely depleted (continuity is important)
Important Notes:
- Effectiveness is reduced in shaded areas or places with poor ventilation
- Keep at least 15cm away from other items due to possible leakage
- Be careful about placement height to prevent direct contact with cats
Spray Type
Can be applied locally and quickly.
Main Uses:
- Inside the carrier (spray 30 minutes before a veterinary visit and allow to evaporate before use)
- Specific walls or furniture where the cat displays spray behavior
- New home after moving (spray before bringing the cat in)
Tips on How to Use:
- Wait 5-10 minutes after spraying for evaporation
- Do not spray directly on the cat's eyes, nose, or face
- Do not use near litter boxes or food trays
What Problem Behaviors Is It Effective For?
Spray Behavior (Urine Marking)
It has been reported that spray behavior caused by territorial anxiety or stress shows improvement in 40-60% of cases with the use of Feliway Classic (however, it is not effective in all cases).
Process for Improving Spray Behavior:
1. First rule out medical causes (urinary tract disease)
2. Spray Feliway Classic where the cat sprays
3. Place the diffuser in the main room
4. Continue for at least 4 weeks and evaluate
Fighting and Tension in Multi-Cat Households
Feliway Friends is used to ease tension in multi-cat households.
Gradual Introduction Process:
1. Set up the diffuser one week before introducing a new cat
2. Introduce cats gradually (separate room → scent exchange → visual confirmation → face-to-face)
3. Continue using Feliway Friends at each stage
Veterinary Visit and Carrier Stress
Many cats are extremely fearful of carriers and veterinary clinics.
Preparation Before Veterinary Visits:
1. Run the diffuser in the room from the day before to after the veterinary visit
2. Spray inside the carrier 30 minutes before the visit (Feliway Classic)
3. Allow the carrier to evaporate before putting the cat in
Limitations and Precautions of Pheromone Therapy
Not All Cats Respond Effectively
The effectiveness of pheromone products varies between individual cats. Research papers report an effectiveness rate of approximately 50-70%, and about 30-50% of cats may show no significant effect.
Rule Out Medical Causes First
If there is a medical condition underlying the behavioral problem (such as spray behavior due to cystitis or aggression due to pain), pheromone therapy alone will not improve it. First consult with a veterinarian and rule out medical causes.
Combination with Behavior Modification is Important
Pheromone therapy is a "supplementary tool." To fundamentally solve the problem, it must be combined with environmental modification and behavior modification training (desensitization).
Side Effects
Feliway is composed of compounds similar to natural substances, so no serious side effects have been reported to date. However, caution is needed regarding quality degradation from old products or improper storage (direct sunlight, high temperatures).
Precautions When Purchasing
Feliway can be purchased from veterinary clinics, pet shops, and online retailers. Since counterfeit and imitation products exist, we recommend choosing the genuine product from the manufacturer (Ceva Animal Health).
Also, regular refills are necessary for high-frequency use cases, so calculate costs in advance (one diffuser refill: approximately 2,000-3,000 yen, lasts about 30 days).
Summary
Cat pheromone therapy is a useful tool for alleviating many behavioral problems including spray behavior, multi-cat household conflicts, and veterinary visit stress. In particular, by understanding how to differentiate between Feliway Classic and Friends and focusing on proper placement and consistent use, you can maximize its effectiveness. While pheromone therapy alone does not solve all problems, when combined with environmental modification and used in collaboration with veterinarians and animal behavior specialists, it can significantly improve your cat's quality of life.
