general information
Almost the entire body of a cat is covered with scent glands that produce pheromones. Biologically active substances help animals navigate in space. They need this smell to feel safe. That's why they mark.
There are different tags:
- On the muzzle there are glands that produce pheromone. These are “friendly” odorous substances. This is how the cat leaves a “pleasant” smell for itself, which means that everything is fine.
- Pheromones in urine are considered territorial. They are also called “aggressive”. A cat leaves marks not only out of instinct, to mark its territory. The cat marks when he is stressed and wants to calm down or is dissatisfied with the condition of the litter box. Also, a move or a new environment for a pet, at a time when it is accustomed to living among familiar smells, can also become a cause of uncleanliness.
- Cats don't just scratch furniture, they leave "territorial messages" and mark their territory.
And if an animal rubs its head on the leg of a chair or on the owner’s leg, then this is perceived with affection. And when it starts marking corners, door frames, and scratching wallpaper, it causes anger.
Reviews from veterinarians
Margarita, veterinarian with 11 years of experience:
“I’m not very familiar with Feliway products. I heard both positive and negative feedback from clients and colleagues (does not work). In my practice, when animals are stressed, I prescribe sedative herbal preparations. Now there is a large selection, so it’s easy to choose one that suits your pet’s needs.”
Cats have an instinctive need to designate the territory that belongs to them. They do this both with the help of claws and with the help of pheromones (substances of natural origin that help them feel safe, easily adapt to any changes and perfectly navigate the terrain). The artificially created pheromone Feliway for cats has a similar effect. It will be discussed in more detail in this article.
Description of the drug
The French company CEVA Sante Animale produces the following types of pheromones:
- “Friendly” aroma of Feliway Classic. If it is sprayed over the “aggressive” one, it helps to reduce or completely eliminate urine marks, scratching of furniture and wallpaper. Pheromone normalizes behavior and provides comfort at home.
- Feliway MultiCat – for cats living together. Helps to establish harmonious relationships, reduce conflicts and aggression between cats.
- Feliscratch is a product designed to accustom a cat to a scratching post and stop it from scratching furniture.
These products are used to correct the behavior of cats. They are not medicinal substances.
The composition contains a synthetic component Feliway - an analogue of cat pheromones. The drug does not contain tranquilizers or narcotic drugs. Non-toxic, odorless. Feliway does not affect people's well-being. Feliway pheromones have no side effects or contraindications.
PheniVeit
Manifestations of hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome) and reversible inhibition of the HPA axis, leading to glucocorticoid insufficiency, in some cases occur due to increased systemic absorption of GCS for external use. In such cases, it is necessary to gradually stop treatment, reducing the frequency of applications, or replace the drug FeniVate with a less active GCS. Sudden cessation of treatment may lead to glucocorticoid insufficiency (see section "Side effects").
Risk factors for severe systemic reactions include the following:
— activity and dosage form of GCS for external use;
- duration of treatment;
- application to large areas of the skin;
- increased hydration of the stratum corneum of the dermis;
- application to areas with thin skin, such as the face;
- damaged skin or other conditions potentially accompanied by damage to the skin barrier;
- compared to adults, children are likely to absorb more corticosteroids for external use, thus increasing the risk of developing systemic adverse reactions. This is due to the immaturity of the skin barrier and the higher body surface area to body weight ratio in children compared to adults.
In children from 10 to 12 years of age, long-term continuous therapy with GCS for external use should be avoided if possible, as there is a possibility of suppression of adrenal function.
Cases of visual impairment have been reported with the use of systemic and local corticosteroids, resulting from increased systemic availability and direct eye contact. Therefore, if a patient has symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, consideration should be given to referring the patient to an ophthalmologist to evaluate possible causes, which may include cataracts, glaucoma, or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).
Long-term application of FeniVate ointment to the facial area is undesirable, since the skin in this area is more susceptible to atrophic changes. When applying FeniVate ointment to the eyelids, it is necessary to ensure that the drug does not get into the eyes, since repeated contact of the drug with the mucous membrane of the eye can lead to the development of cataracts and glaucoma.
In case of secondary infection of skin lesions, appropriate antibacterial therapy must be prescribed. If signs of infection spread, GCS for external use should be discontinued and appropriate antibacterial therapy should be prescribed.
Topical corticosteroid therapy is sometimes used to treat dermatitis that develops around chronic leg ulcers. However, this may be associated with a higher incidence of local hypersensitivity reactions and infectious complications. Obvious inhibition of HPA axis function (morning plasma cortisol level less than 5 mcg/dL) in adults is unlikely when using PheniVate in recommended doses, except when the drug is applied to more than 50% of the body surface area and in an amount of more than 20 g per day.
Release form
Feliway Classic is available in several forms:
- Bottle (48 ml) with diffuser. Separately, spare bottles of the same volume are available for sale. The diffuser is designed for long-term exposure to the animal when behavior correction is necessary.
- Spray (60 ml). The spray is used to calm a cat in a certain short-term situation: moving, exhibition, visit to the veterinary clinic.
- Feliway napkins. Napkins are convenient for travel and when pheromones need to be distributed precisely.
Feliway Multiket are produced in diffusion form. Feliscratch is a blue liquid in a pipette dispenser.
Action provided
The smell of the synthetic pheromone Feliway gives cats a signal that there is no reason to worry, this is cat territory.
The use of Feliway has the following effects on animals:
- stabilizes the emotional state of the animal, calms it down;
- suppresses the instinct of tagging;
- helps to adapt to changes in environment and living conditions;
- restores appetite lost due to stress;
- combats excessive licking.
The animal becomes playful and active. Feliway pheromones are often recommended by animal psychologists to correct uncleanliness.
Indications for use
Feliway is recommended to many owners whose cats go to the toilet in the wrong place, damage furniture and wallpaper, and behave aggressively.
Pheromone Feliway Classic is recommended for use in the following cases:
- unscrupulous behavior;
- when moving to a new place of residence;
- after repairs and furniture changes;
- if you need to transfer your cat by car, train, plane;
- at shows, if the pet is nervous.
Feliway Multiket is suitable:
- if there are several cats or other animals in the house and they do not get along with each other;
- when a new member appears in the family.
Feliway Feliscratch is indicated for weaning a cat from scratching furniture, wallpaper, curtains and for accustoming a cat to a scratching machine.
However, a one-time use of a spray or a few hours of running a diffuser will not correct the problem. The speed with which the effect of therapy appears depends on the specific animal and problem. For some cats, results are noticeable within a week. In other cases, regular use is required to correct the animal's behavior.
Review of Feliway pheromone for cats
Pheromone is a product of the external secretion of cat facial glands, ensuring relationships between individuals of its species.
If a pet rubs its muzzle against objects that surround it or against its owners, then in this way it marks its property. In addition, with the help of pheromones, cats identify a stranger who has appeared in their group.
Cats like to rub against corners in the house, as well as various objects in it, and leave their pheromone there. But if they mark some objects with their urine, then they will never rub their muzzle against them again. This is the behavior of the cat that the producers of Feliway laid the foundation for. This drug contains an artificially synthesized pheromone from cat facial glands, so Feliway helps to correct the behavior of your pet at home.
When using Feliway cats:
- stop marking their territory with claw scratches and urine;
- get used to new living conditions in a short time;
- cope with stress arising from moving to a new place;
- They get along better with other animals living in the apartment.
Instructions for using the diffuser
The Feliway diffuser is used in the room where the cat marks or sharpens its claws. The diffuser is mains powered. The coverage area of the device is 50-70 meters. One bottle is designed for 1 month of continuous use.
How to use the diffuser:
- Remove the cap from the bottle.
- Install into diffuser.
- Plug the appliance into an outlet that is easily accessible.
- After 4 weeks of use, replace the bottle.
The device must work continuously. As a result of heating, the substance evaporates and circulates in the air. Do not plug the diffuser into an outlet behind curtains, furniture, or doors. This will impair circulation.
When the cat's condition returns to normal, the owner may notice that the pet has again begun to rub its muzzle on objects. This means you can stop using Feliway or move the diffuser to another room. Usually cats stop marking gradually, so the drug is used for a month, in some cases more.
How to use
The method of using Feliway depends on the form of release.
Diffuser + bottle
The principle of using a diffuser is very simple. All you need to do is plug it into an electrical outlet, and then it will work automatically. When the liquid evaporates, pheromones spread throughout the house and allow the animal to feel comfortable.
The instructions indicate how to use Feliway for cats. To do this you need to follow simple steps:
- Unscrew the cap from the bottle.
- Insert the bottle into the diffuser and twist it until you feel slight resistance.
- Plug the device into an electrical outlet.
You should not use sockets located in hard-to-reach places, as well as behind cabinets, curtains, or doors. The diffuser should be constantly on from the moment you notice signs of anxiety in the animal or the cat has suffered stress. One bottle lasts for 4 weeks. Replace it with a new bottle as needed. To do this, unscrew the empty container and screw a new, full bottle in its place. The diffuser is designed to cover an area of 50-70 square meters.
Since Feliway Friends is sold as a diffuser + bottle set, it is used in the same way. You just need to plug it into an outlet in the room where most of the animals are. The liquid from the bottle lasts for 4 weeks. Applies to an area of 50-70 squares. If there is excessive aggression, you can turn on diffusers in different rooms.
Note! If you constantly use Feliway, change the diffuser every six months.
Spray
Behavior corrector in the form of a spray is usually used when urine marking, travel, or a visit to the veterinarian. In order for the animal to stop marking its territory and urinating on the floor or furniture, it is necessary to first localize the crime scenes, that is, clean the surface of urine, and then treat it with a spray, spraying it at a short distance. You can treat scratched areas in the same way. It is advisable to place the animal in another room during treatment, and start it only after 10-15 minutes.
It is also recommended to spray the carrier if you plan to go to the veterinarian, to the country house or other place. You can also use the liquid when moving to a new home. First you need to treat the entrance doors, and then a few more places inside the room, so that the pet does not experience stress due to being in new conditions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pheromone therapy shows its effectiveness more for behavioral problems, primarily those associated with anxiety.
Pros of Feliway:
- harmless;
- easy to apply;
- effective as a behavior corrector;
- reduces urine marks by up to 98%.
Minuses:
- there are restrictions on the area of influence;
- high price.
In any case, before evaluating the results of using pheromones, it is recommended to use Feliway for at least 1 month.
Analogues of the drug
Other pet product manufacturers also have pheromones for cats:
- Anti-scratches (made in Russia) - like Feliway, are available in the form of a bottle with liquid and a fumigator.
- Comfort zone – spray for comfort zone and scratch control.
- CatComfort spray and diffuser from Beafar.
An alternative to liquid substances are collars with pheromones.
Collar options:
- Felisept Home Comfort Beeztees;
- Relaxivet No Stress;
- Beaphar No Stress Collar;
- Sentry Calming Collar.
The collar is convenient when there are several cats in the house, but you only need to correct the behavior of one, and also when traveling. The collars last for a month.
