Feliway is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure.

By mimicking the cat’s natural facial pheromones, Feliway® creates a state of familiarity and security in the cat's local environment.

As a result, Feliway® can be used to help comfort and reassure cats, while they cope with a challenging situation and/or help prevent or reduce the stress caused to a cat during a change in their environment.

The development of Feliway created a new field in veterinary medicine: Pheromonatherapy.

General advice to consider when using the Feliway® Diffuser

When using the Feliway® Diffuser:

• Remove the vial cap
• Screw the diffuser onto the vial and gently tighten
• Plug the diffuser into an electric socket
• Do not plug in behind a door, curtain or underneath furniture
• Leave the device switched on continuously for at least four weeks
• Replace the refill as required
• Should last approximately 4 weeks

Always consult your veterinary surgeon if your cat is showing signs of stress. Your cat's problem may be of a clinical origin and may require further treatment.

The device and the refill are specially designed for the Feliway® Diffuser. The product cannot be guaranteed if a different device is used with the refill. Similarly, the electric device should not be used with another substance.

Signs of stress in your cat:
Some signs are easy to detect. Others are more subtle and may be more difficult to link with stress.

Obvious signs
These signs are more often reported as a 'problem' for you, the owner, than as signs of stress for your cat(s). There are 3 types of obvious signs which you should be able to easily identify:
 
Scratch marks
Only vertical scratch marks are considered to be a sign of stress. But your cat can also scratch on vertical surfaces to keep its claws in trim. How can you differentiate the two types of vertical scratching?   Read more...

If the cat targets only one or two specific sites in the home, usually in hidden or 'quiet' areas, it is likely to be keeping its claws in shape for hunting.

If the scratching becomes more widespread, particularly if found in visible areas around doorways and windows, or centered on prominent objects such as a settee, then this may be an indication that the cat is unsettled or stressed. In this case the cat may be scratch marking to increase the number of visual and scent signals in the immediate environment.
 
Urine marks
Feline urine spraying is one of the primary methods used by cats to mark out their territory. Whether male or female, neutered or not, it is exhibited in some way by almost every cat...  

But while spraying urine outdoors may be acceptable, most owners find the behaviour difficult to tolerate in the home due to the strong odour and potential hygiene risks.

Urine marking is a very specific behavioural sequence where the cat adopts a posture that is easy to recognise:

• He approaches a vertical surface (wall, item of furniture…)
• He sniffs the surface and is seen to treads the floor
• The cat then turns his back
• Standing with his tail erected, he emits a horizontal jet of urine onto the object

Marks of urine are generally small and seen above the ground. Urine on the floor, large volumes of urine or urine in the sleeping area are typically not signs of urine marking and it is advisable that you consult your veterinary surgeon.
 
Aggression
In very stressful situations, some cats can react aggressively towards people, other cats or other household pets.  This type of behaviour usually only occurs when a cat has no way to escape or no other means to express his stress.

Most importantly, it is vital to remember that the aggression may not necessary be shown towards the person, animal or object causing the cat stress. If your cat is stressed, he may bite you just because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, not necessarily because you are the direct cause of the stress…

If all or most of the aggressive behaviour is targeted towards one cat, Feliway may help by reducing the stress levels of all the cats in your household.

Please note: If your cat is aggressive towards you or any of your friends or family, please contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.

Overlooked signs
Some cats will display more discreet signs, such as:

• Food intake disorders (anorexia or over-feeding)
• Overgrooming (bald areas) or undergrooming (matted or soiled fur)
• House soiling
• Decreasing levels of activity
• Appearing withdrawn (reduced desire to play or interact)

Includes the diffuser and 48mL refill.