What Is Feliway for Cats?
Feliway is a product created to mimic a cat's markings to make the cat feel safe in its environment. The product works by using a replica of a cat's facial pheromones. This helps a cat cope with stressful situations such as moving to a new home or a trip to the veterinarian.
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Pheromonatherapy
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Pheromonatherapy uses pheromones to naturally control an animal's behavior. Pheromones are chemical signals that animals secrete from their glands (located in the face, paws and anus) and into the air or onto surfaces. Cats use their pheromones to mark territory or to show they are ready to mate, such as rubbing their face against furniture or clawing/kneading a surface. In the case of pheromonatherapy, the pheromones used are soothing.
Uses
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The behavior problems which Feliway is used for include urine marking, unwanted scratching, stressful household (multi-cat, new situations such as babies or remodeling), stress during transportation, and stress form loud noises such as fireworks. If the behavior is defined by a particular area, such as scratching or marking in a specific area, then the spray is used to correct it. If the behavior is widespread, such as a multi-cat household or a new environment situation, then a diffuser is used.
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Spray
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First, consult a veterinarian to make sure the behavior isn't health-related. Remove the cat from the area before spraying, then shake the bottle and apply the spray to the area. Wait 15 minutes before letting the cat back into the area. This gives the alcohol of the spray time to evaporate. If the problem is urine related, be sure to clean the area without using strong smelling chemicals, which could interfere with the effectiveness of the spray.
Diffuser
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Use an outlet away from furniture, doors or curtains since the diffuser dispenses oil and may stain the area. Also, the obstruction may make the diffuser less effective.
Gently screw the diffuser on the vial and then place the diffuser into the electric socket. Nothing else should be plugged into the same socket as the diffuser. Keep the diffuser on at all times.
Refill the diffuser regularly for best results. Normally, the refill will last about four weeks.
Concerns
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Since pheromones are species-specific, Feliway only affects cats. Feliway is not known to harm cats, humans or any other animals so long as it is not ingested. Likewise, there has been no evidence of harm to pregnant women or asthma sufferers, but if you are particularly sensitive, you should consult with a doctor before using Feliway.
Normally, Feliway takes up to a month to work; however, some behavior changes take longer and care should be taken that the product is being used properly.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit cat image by Yuri Tuchkov from Fotolia.com
