Feliway for cats

Feliway is a specially formulated treatment for cats used to modify their behavior. Its key feature is that it helps create a calm environment for the animal, cope with stress, and adapt to new conditions. It's simple, yet effective, to use in a variety of situations, helping pets cope with stress and prevent damage to property.

General description

Feliway is available in two forms: Classic and Friends. Both are colorless liquids, but contain different pheromones and serve different purposes. Feliway Classic contains the feline facial pheromone F3. Smelling this scent, the animal senses its natural environment, reducing signs of anxiety and stress.

Feliway Friends is based on the synthetic pheromone F4, which is secreted by mother cats after giving birth. It helps establish a bond between the mother and her kittens. It has a similar effect on adult cats. The liquid is odorless to humans. It contains no hazardous or toxic ingredients that could have a negative impact on humans or animals.

Feliway is available in several different variants:

• Diffuser and liquid bottle set. Reusable diffuser. Bottle capacity: 48 ml.
• Liquid bottle. The refill bottle, like the included container, contains 48 ml of product.
• Spray. Pheromone spray is packaged in 60 ml spray cans. (Friends does not produce this form.)

Please note! Feliway is not a medication. If symptoms of stress persist despite taking the behavioral supplement, be sure to consult a doctor.

How it works

Cats secrete pheromones—special substances that help them feel comfortable in familiar surroundings—as they do in their daily lives. Like humans, animals are susceptible to stress. Cats are particularly vulnerable, experiencing discomfort at the slightest change and stopping the production of facial pheromones called F3. Visitors, a visit to the veterinarian, a new move, and even rearranging furniture can all cause a decrease in pheromone production. Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from marking territory with urine to scratching furniture, textiles, and other items. Furthermore, in such a situation, a pet may feel uncomfortable, hide in secluded corners, become aggressive toward their owners (for example, by scratching), and eat poorly.

Regardless of the cause of behavioral problems, Feliway Classic helps animals cope with stress. When a pet senses a pheromone (even a synthetic one), it becomes calm. It stops misbehaving, marking its territory, and scratching. Thanks to the product's action, behavior is restored, appetite normalizes, and peace and quiet reigns in the home.

The synthetic pheromone signals the pet that there's no cause for concern, resulting in a normalized emotional state and quick and easy adaptation to the new environment. Both animals and humans feel comfortable. Feliway is an easy way to create a pleasant atmosphere for your cat, even during stressful times.

Feliway Friends' ingredients act like natural pheromones. Cats secrete substances that create a positive and friendly atmosphere. These substances help animals get along with each other. The synthetic substance reduces aggression between animals of all ages, bringing peace and quiet to the home.

Indications for use

The classic version is recommended for use in the following cases:

• when visiting a veterinarian;
• during vaccinations and medical procedures;
• when participating in exhibitions, competitions and contests;
• in group housing;
• when staying in a pet hotel;
• when guests arrive or when in contact with strangers;
• at early weaning kittens from their mother;
• at moving;
• when rearranging furniture;
• when transported in a car or other type of transport;
• when a new member appears in the family (for example, the birth of a child);
• when temporarily staying at a dacha or other place.

Feliway should also be used if your pet is excessively aggressive or fearful, hiding under sofas or other secluded areas. It can also be used effectively when your pet marks its territory with urine, scratches things, or shows other signs of stress.

Feliway Friends is used when housing multiple animals if they exhibit aggression toward each other. It can also be used when a new pet is introduced into the home. Feliway Friends will help prevent fights and hostility between pets.

Please note! This product is harmless, so you can use it even without consulting a veterinarian. If your pet's condition doesn't stabilize after some time, don't delay taking them to the vet, as aggression, excessive grooming, and other signs of stress may indicate a serious underlying medical condition.

How to apply

The method of using Feliway depends on the form of release.

Diffuser + bottle

The diffuser works very simply. Simply plug it into an electrical outlet, and it will operate automatically. As the liquid evaporates, pheromones spread throughout the house, making your pet feel comfortable.

The instructions explain how to use Feliway for cats. To do this, follow these simple steps:

1. Unscrew the cap from the bottle.
2. Insert the bottle into the diffuser and twist it until you feel a slight resistance.
3. Plug the appliance into an electrical outlet.

Avoid using outlets located in hard-to-reach places, as well as behind cabinets, curtains, or doors. The diffuser should be left on continuously from the moment you notice signs of anxiety in your cat or if your cat is stressed. One bottle lasts for 4 weeks. Replace it with a new bottle as needed. To do this, unscrew the empty bottle and screw on a new, full bottle. The diffuser is designed to cover an area of ​​50-70 square meters.

Since Feliway Friends is sold as a diffuser and bottle set, it's used in the same way. Simply plug it into an outlet in the room where most of the animals are. The liquid in the bottle lasts for four weeks and covers an area of ​​50-70 square meters. If aggression is excessive, diffusers can be used in different rooms.

Please note: If you use Feliway regularly, replace the diffuser every six months.

Spray

A behavioral deterrent spray is typically used for urine marking, travel, and veterinary visits. To stop an animal from marking its territory and urinating on the floor or furniture, it's necessary to first locate the "crime scene" by cleaning the surface of urine, and then spray it from a short distance. Scratching areas can be treated in the same way. It's best to place the animal in another room during the treatment and let it out only after 10-15 minutes.

It's also recommended to spray the carrier if you plan to visit the vet, go to the country, or elsewhere. You can also use the solution when moving to a new home. First, spray the entry doors, and then a few other areas inside the home to prevent your pet from becoming stressed by the new environment.

Advantages and disadvantages

Feliway for cats is more convenient to use than pheromone collarsThese can be uncomfortable for your pet, and they'll try to remove them. Feliway eliminates these issues. Simply plug the diffuser into an outlet or spray. Other benefits include:

• does not contain narcotic or toxic substances;
• has no odor for humans;
• has no contraindications and can be used for cats of any breed and age;
• does not cause side effects;
• works effectively;
• can be used in various situations (when moving, excessive aggression, stress);
• The bottle is enough for 4 weeks of continuous use.

The disadvantages of using Feliway for cats include its high price.

Price

• a diffuser with a bottle (both Classic and Friends) costs 2500-3200 rubles;
• a replacement bottle for both types will cost 2100-2700 rubles;
• spray – 3200 rubles.

Moreover, the product is rarely available in small towns, especially Feliway Friends cat pheromones. However, purchasing online may solve this problem. Most online veterinary pharmacies deliver not only within Moscow but also to other regions.

Owner reviews

Svetlana, owner of two Siamese cats:

"I discovered Feliway by chance. It was a lifesaver for us. When we went to a cat show, two cats were extremely stressed and couldn't be calmed down. Until a neighbor in the booth handed me a bottle of it. I sprayed the area around them, and within half an hour, the animals were sleeping peacefully. I sometimes use it through a diffuser at home."

Oksana, owner of a 4-year-old cat:

"My cat can't be left alone in the room; he immediately starts scratching the door. I read about a special behavior corrector online. I decided to buy it and try it. There was no reaction. Money, a lot of money, wasted."

Galina, owner of a 5-year-old Maine Coon:

"Due to life circumstances, we had to move to a rented apartment. This was a real challenge for the cat. After moving into the apartment, he started scratching the wallpaper and doors. Soothing dropsThe medications the vet prescribed weren't helping. A friend recommended Feliway. It started working within a short time of being started. Within a couple of days, the cat's behavior returned to normal. The medication is very expensive and hard to find in our city; I had to visit almost every veterinary pharmacy."

Andrey, the owner of the ginger cat:

"We bought Feliway Friends when our cat, Bars, was fighting a lot with two other cats. Using the pheromones calmed him down, but he didn't stop fighting completely, so I haven't bought it again. It's expensive and ineffective, and it's hard to find in pharmacies."

Veterinarian Reviews

Margarita, a veterinarian with 11 years of experience:

"I'm not very familiar with Feliway products. I've heard both positive and negative reviews from clients and colleagues (they don't work). In my practice, I prescribe calming herbal remedies for stressed animals. There's a wide selection now, so it's easy to find the right one for your pet's needs."

Read also:

• How to calm a cat at home
• Stop-Stress for Cats
• Fitex for cats