What are cat pheromones?
Cat pheromones are chemical substances released by cats that trigger social responses in other members of the same species (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_pheromone). Cats have scent glands in various parts of their bodies, including their faces, tails, and paws. When a cat rubs against someone or something, it deposits pheromones. These scent marks convey information about the cat to other cats.
Some key ways cats use pheromones to communicate include:
- Marking territory
- Advertising sexual availability
- Recognizing relatives
- Promoting bonding between mothers and kittens
There are commercial synthetic pheromone products available for cats, such as Feliway and Comfort Zone. These mimic natural feline pheromones to help promote calming and reduce anxiety in cats.
Do cat pheromones have side effects?
Pheromones are considered a safe and natural way to help calm cats in stressful situations. Cat pheromones like Feliway are synthetic versions of the pheromones cats naturally produce and use to communicate with each other.
According to the Triangle Animal Clinic, pheromones are generally very safe for cats when used as directed. Mild side effects are possible, but uncommon (https://triangleanimalclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/adaptil-feliway-pheromones-1.pdf).
Potential side effects may include respiratory irritation, skin reactions, appetite changes, nausea, and behavioral changes. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve once the pheromone diffuser is removed. Cats may also be sensitive to the essential oils used in some pheromone products.
As with any supplement or medication, it’s a good idea to monitor your cat’s response to pheromones and discontinue use if any troubling side effects occur. Most cats tolerate pheromones very well, but individual sensitivities are possible.
Respiratory effects
There have been rare cases of respiratory irritation reported in sensitive cats after exposure to cat pheromones. According to one Quora source, pheromone diffusers may trigger asthmatic symptoms in some cats.
The respiratory effects tend to be very mild, such as sneezing or wheezing. According to a 2018 study, cat pheromones can decrease stress which results in decreased sneezing. The respiratory irritation usually resolves quickly when the cat’s exposure to the pheromones is stopped.
Behavioral effects
According to Feliway (https://us.feliway.com/pages/what-are-cat-pheromones), cat pheromones are safe messages that have no side effects. They only communicate calm and comfort to cats. However, some sources note mild behavioral effects in a small percentage of cats.
One potential side effect is mild irritability or restlessness (https://triangleanimalclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/adaptil-feliway-pheromones-1.pdf). The pheromones may cause a temporary change in behavior as the cat adjusts. These effects usually only last a few days as the cat becomes accustomed to the pheromones.
Overall, significant behavioral side effects seem to be quite rare. Most cats tolerate cat pheromones without issues. But cats responding with mild irritability or restlessness should adjust within a short period of time once the pheromones become familiar.
Skin irritation
Direct skin contact with synthetic cat pheromones may cause mild irritation in sensitive cats, according to veterinary sources (https://www.catster.com/guides/cat-calming-collar-side-effects/). This is usually due to rubbing or improper application of pheromone collars or sprays. The irritation typically manifests as redness, itching, or a rash on the application site.
Skin irritation from cat pheromones can be easily avoided by following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. Pheromone collars should be fitted loosely to prevent rubbing on the neck. Sprays should be applied to surfaces or diffusers, not directly on the cat’s skin. Owners should also monitor for any signs of irritation and discontinue use if any develops.
Overall, skin irritation is an uncommon side effect of synthetic cat pheromones when used as directed. Proper application helps prevent irritation so that cats and owners can benefit from their calming effects.
Appetite changes
Some cat owners have anecdotally reported appetite changes after using synthetic cat pheromones like Feliway. However, there are no scientific studies that confirm cat pheromones directly cause appetite changes.
On forums and in product reviews, some people say their cat’s appetite decreased or became picky after they started using a pheromone product. For example, one reviewer on Feliway’s website said their cat stopped eating as much after they got a Feliway diffuser. However, these are only anecdotal reports that establish correlation, not causation.
Currently, there is no scientific evidence proving that synthetic feline pheromones inherently change a cat’s appetite or cause them to eat less. More research would be needed to determine if pheromones have any direct physiological effects on appetite. At this time, any links between pheromones and appetite are speculative and not conclusively verified.
Nausea
There have been rare instances of nausea reported in cats after using synthetic cat pheromone products like Feliway or Comfort Zone (source). However, experts believe these cases are likely coincidental and not directly caused by the pheromones themselves. Cats can experience nausea for many reasons like stress, anxiety, motion sickness, dietary changes, or ingesting toxic plants (source). Since synthetic pheromones are designed to reduce stress, it would be unusual for them to cause nausea directly. If a cat does appear nauseous after using pheromones, it’s recommended to stop use and monitor their condition. Nausea should resolve on its own, but if it persists or worsens, veterinary advice may be needed.
Recommended usage
When using cat pheromone products like Feliway, it’s important to follow the product instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use. According to the Feliway website, you should “Spray FELIWAY® Classic Spray on areas marked by your cat (urine or scratching). Clean the marked areas first (with warm water and soap) before spraying.” The recommended usage is typically to spray 8-10 pumps in the environment 15 minutes before introducing your cat.
It’s also important to monitor your cat’s response to the pheromones. Look for changes in behavior or signs of irritation. If you notice any adverse effects, discontinue use immediately. According to Drugs.com, you should “Stop use and ask a veterinarian if irritation develops, increases or persists.” By following instructions and monitoring your cat, you can ensure safe usage of pheromone products.
Alternatives if side effects occur
If your cat experiences any adverse side effects from synthetic pheromone products, there are some steps you can take:
- Temporarily discontinue use of the pheromone product to see if the side effects resolve.
- Try switching to a different brand or formula of synthetic pheromones. For example, if using a spray, try switching to a diffuser, or vice versa. Some cats may tolerate certain brands/delivery methods better.
- Consider using natural pheromone alternatives like catnip or enriched playtime and environmental stimulation. However, these may not be as effective for some cats.
- Talk to your veterinarian about other options to reduce your cat’s stress and anxiety, like supplements or medication.
Monitoring your cat closely and being observant of any changes after introducing pheromone products can help identify if an alternative method is needed. Every cat is different, so some trial and error may be necessary to find the right stress relief method with minimal side effects.
The takeaway
Overall, cat pheromones are generally considered to be very safe. They are a natural product that mimics the pheromones produced by cats themselves. According to Feliway, cat pheromones do not enter the bloodstream or act as a drug. They work by providing a reassuring, calming message to cats.
However, mild side effects may occasionally occur. Some cats may experience respiratory irritation, changes in appetite or behavior, skin irritation, or nausea when exposed to cat pheromones. These side effects are usually temporary and subside once the pheromone exposure is removed. Carefully following the manufacturer’s recommended usage instructions can help minimize risks.
It’s a good idea to monitor your cat’s response when first using pheromone products. Make sure to discontinue use if any troubling side effects occur. Consulting with your veterinarian can also help determine if pheromone therapy is appropriate for your cat. With proper precautions, most cats can benefit from the calming effects of pheromones without any issues.