What Is Feliway?

Feliway is a product that consists of a synthetic feline facial pheromone. It is used to stop both territorial and aggressive behavior, as well as to sooth anxiety in cats. Using Feliway can eliminate several feline behavior issues such as scratching, spraying, inappropriate urination and aggression toward both other cats, pets and humans. It can also help calm travel anxiety or stress as a result of relocation. Feliway can be used as either a spray or in a diffuser plugged into a wall socket.

Ingredients

Feliway's ingredients are designed to mimic the natural facial pheromone secreted by cats. Feliway consists of synthesized feline pheromone in ethyl alcohol or fatty acids; this pheromone is created from Valerian, an herb known for having a calming effect on animals and people. The product contains such small doses of this ingredient that it does not have any effect on humans. It is also not considered to be harmful to humans, however the ethyl alcohol may cause skin or eye irritation.

How It Works

Feliway can be administered as either a spray or using a diffuser which is plugged into a wall socket. The advantage to the spray is that it can be used anywhere, such as on car trips or places outside the home. Sometimes, the use of the two products in conjunction can have an added therapeutic effect. For situations such as travel stress, marking, and scratching of furniture, the spray is recommended. The diffuser is recommended for issues such as stress stemming from multiple cats or territorial behavior, with the spray used to address specific areas of stress or fighting such as cat flaps, food and litter areas.

How To Use Feliway

Feliway spray can be applied directly to areas where the cat is exhibiting stressed or inappropriate behavior. This can be areas of scratching, such as furniture or upholstery, places where the cat has sprayed urine or the vehicle or carrier the cat is being transported in. The Feliway diffuser is plugged into a wall socket in the room in which the cat is exhibiting stressful behavior or aggression. One diffuser is sufficient for one room. The diffuser should be placed in a location where it is not obstructed by furniture, drapery or the door. It should also be left on continuously, without interruption.

Benefits

The benefit to using Feliway is that it can calm a stressed feline or help her adapt to a new situation. It can reduce or eliminate territorial or marking behavior, calm tensions between cats and reduce travel stress. The Feliway diffuser can produce a calming effect, which is uninterrupted, preventing fighting or aggressive behavior towards other cats or humans. It is both inexpensive and easy to use.

Disadvantages

Feliway products can take several weeks to take effect, even when used according to instructions. While it can reduce or eliminate stress behaviors, it does not address the cause of these issues. By masking the symptoms of an issue rather than treating the cause, it is possible that when use of Feliway is discontinued the problems will recur. It is also possible for Feliway to simply not work to address the issues at all. To date there are no peer-reviewed clinical studies involving Feliway use and success rates.