What is Feliway?
Feliway is a synthetic pheromone replica marketed to reduce stress in cats.
It mimics feline facial pheromones used for marking territory 1.
Feliway contains analogs of cat appeasing pheromones, which cats deposit when they rub their faces on surfaces.
The pheromones are intended to provide familiar, reassuring territorial markers to cats.
Feliway is available as sprays, diffusers, wipes, and other products designed to help calm anxious cats.
How Feliway Works
Feliway contains synthetic analogs of the feline facial pheromones naturally produced by cats. When cats rub their cheeks on objects in their environment, it deposits pheromones that provide information to other cats. These pheromones give cats a sense of familiarity and security in their territory (Feliway, n.d.).
By mimicking these natural pheromones, Feliway is intended to have a calming and comforting effect for cats. When the Feliway pheromones are dispersed in the air, cats may show reduced stress behaviors and become more relaxed in their surroundings (SoftPaws, n.d.). The pheromones provide reassurance to the cats and signal that the environment is familiar and safe.
Potential Anxiety Triggers
While Feliway can be an effective tool for reducing anxiety in cats, overuse can potentially backfire and cause anxiety in some situations. Using Feliway diffusers continuously or in too high of a concentration can lead to over-marking as the cat tries to cover up the overwhelming synthetic pheromones. As noted in one Reddit user’s experience, their cat became dependent on the Feliway diffuser for security and removing it suddenly triggered stress symptoms like hiding and loss of appetite [1]. The key is using Feliway as directed at the appropriate concentration and not allowing your cat to become overly reliant on it as their sole source of comfort. Gradually weaning off Feliway rather than abruptly removing it is recommended if your cat has developed a dependence. Overall, Feliway can be incredibly helpful for anxious cats but needs to be used carefully to avoid potential overexposure issues leading to increased stress.
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/wxbh8u/will_a_cat_become_dependent_on_a_feliway_help_with/
Individual Reactions Vary
Cats respond differently to Feliway depending on each cat’s unique personality, life stage, and environment. Feliway efficacy depends on the individual cat. “Some cats are more sensitive and prone to react badly,” (The power of Feliway, a warning – Pet Forums).
Multi-cat households may see varied reactions to Feliway diffusers. One cat may become calmer while another gets agitated. “When he came home with hospital smells on him and behaving so differently, my other cat Orange was afraid of him and would hiss and take swipes at him. Actually the Feliway seemed to aggravate this,” (Bad reaction to new Feliway Multicat ?).
Kittens and elderly cats have different needs and may not respond the same as adult cats in their prime. “We got some diffusers for aggression in our second cat, whose behavior didn’t change, but our first cat’s behavior changed for the worse. He got very aggressive with the other cat and started peeing on things. We took the diffusers out after 2 weeks and he went back to normal,” (Feliway diffuser causing BAD behavior? : r/CatAdvice).
Proper Usage Guidelines
To get the best results from Feliway, it’s important to use it properly according to the directions. As the manufacturer Ceva Animal Health notes, “In any case, we recommend continued use of Feliway® for at least one month before assessing its effectiveness. Optimum benefits will also depend on the good application of the product in the cat’s environment, and on environmental control if possible.”
Some key usage tips include:
- Use Feliway as directed, not excessively. Don’t overapply the sprays or have multiple diffusers in one room. Too much can be overwhelming for cats.
- Strategically place diffusers or sprays in your cat’s preferred spots for sleeping, playing, etc., rather than random areas. This allows them to experience the pheromones in places they already feel relaxed.
- When introducing Feliway to a new home or a new cat, start with a lower dose and increase gradually over 2-4 weeks. This allows the cat time to adjust.
Following the proper usage guidelines gives Feliway the best chance to have a calming effect without causing anxiety in sensitive cats.
Signs of Anxiety
Cats exhibiting anxiety may demonstrate certain behaviors and symptoms. According to PetMD, some common signs of anxiety in cats include agitation, restlessness, hiding, aggressive behavior, overgrooming, urination or defecation outside the litter box, loss of appetite, lethargy, and dilated pupils. An anxious cat may seem unable to relax and may pace or seem on edge frequently. Hiding and aggressive behavior can also indicate a cat is feeling anxious and stressed in their environment.
Overgrooming to the point of hair loss or skin damage is another potential sign of anxiety in cats. Inappropriate urination or defecation outside the litter box is also associated with anxiety, as the cat feels too stressed to use their normal facilities. Loss of appetite, lethargy, or lack of interest in normal activities may accompany anxiety as well. Pay attention to your cat’s pupils too – dilated pupils can signal fear, anxiety, or stress.
If your cat is displaying any of these signs chronically, anxiety may be an issue. Keep monitoring their behavior and consult your veterinarian if the symptoms persist or worsen. Some anxiety is normal, but ongoing severe anxiety can be detrimental to a cat’s health and quality of life.
Alternatives to Feliway
There are some alternatives to Feliway that may help reduce anxiety in cats without using synthetic pheromones. According to The 9 Best Calming Aids for Cats of 2024, some options include:
Environmental enrichment like cat trees, toys, and scratching posts can give cats positive outlets for their energy and stress. Providing routine and predictability in their schedule can also minimize anxiety triggers. Some cats may benefit from pheromone collars or sprays, such as Comfort Zone’s cat calming pheromone products.
For cats with severe anxiety, prescription anti-anxiety medication may be recommended under veterinary supervision. This can include medications like fluoxetine and clomipramine. According to vets, these should be used cautiously and only for short periods of time.
Ultimately there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Cat owners should closely observe their pet’s individual reactions and consult a vet to find the safest calming aids for their specific needs.
When to Seek Help
If your cat’s anxiety persists even after trying Feliway for an adequate trial period, it’s time to get professional help. According to Purina, Feliway takes 2-3 weeks to start working, so you’ll need to use it consistently for at least a month before determining if it’s effective or not.
First, take your cat to the vet to rule out any underlying medical causes for the anxiety. Illnesses like hyperthyroidism or chronic pain can cause changes in behavior. Once medical causes are eliminated, discuss medication options for feline anxiety with your vet. Anti-anxiety medications like fluoxetine or buspirone may help in severe cases when other treatments have failed. Though drugs carry risks, they can provide much-needed relief for cats with debilitating anxiety.
Your vet can help determine the best course of treatment based on your cat’s symptoms and history. With patience and the right approach, you can help your anxious kitty feel secure once again.
Cats Can React Unpredictably
While Feliway can have calming effects for many cats, it’s important to understand that reactions can vary unpredictably based on the individual cat’s personality and environment. Feliway helps some but not all cats, as documented in reviews reporting opposite effects like increased aggression or anxiety in certain cases [1], [2]
According to Feliway, unpredictable or stressed behavior may indicate your cat is a good candidate for trying their pheromone products [3]. However, it’s wise to use Feliway carefully and watch for any side effects like vomiting, excessive sleeping, or increased anxiety. Reactions vary based on many factors so what calms one cat may overstimulate another. It’s best to proceed cautiously and be alert to any concerning behavioral changes if using Feliway or any pheromone product with your cat.
The Takeaway:
The main takeaway is that Feliway mimics feline facial pheromones to help reduce anxiety in cats. When used properly, Feliway can be an effective way to promote calmness and contentment in stressed or anxious cats. However, it’s important to follow the directions carefully to avoid overuse that can potentially lead to dependence or over-marking behaviors.
Since every cat is unique, it’s a good idea to closely monitor your cat’s individual reaction to Feliway. Adjust the usage based on how your specific cat responds. Seek veterinary advice if concerning signs of anxiety continue despite correct Feliway use. While Feliway helps many cats, it does not work for all. Understanding proper usage guidelines and watching for ongoing issues will allow you to determine if Feliway is helpful or stressful for your individual feline.