Introduction
Pheromones are chemical signals that trigger social responses and influence the behavior of members of the same species. In cats, pheromones play an important role in communication and conveying information about territory, sexual receptiveness, and identity. Feline facial pheromone, produced by glands around the mouth, face and head, elicits social responses and provides cats with information about each other (Source).
There has been growing interest in whether human behavior and physiology can be influenced by exposure to cat pheromones. Some companies now manufacture cat pheromone products marketed to help relieve stress and anxiety in humans. However, research on the effects of cat pheromones on humans is limited and findings are mixed. This article will explore what studies have found regarding human response to cat pheromones and examine possible explanations and ethical considerations.
Pheromone Communication in Cats
Cats use pheromones to communicate with other cats and mark territory. When cats rub against objects, they leave behind pheromones that provide information to other cats. There are different types of pheromones produced by cats:
- Facial pheromones – Cats have glands on their faces and heads that produce pheromones when they rub against objects. This leaves their scent and marks the territory.
- Interdigital glands – Cats also have scent glands between their toes that leave traces of pheromones when they scratch.
- Flank glands – Cats have additional glands on their sides that release pheromones.
- Anal glands – Cats can release pheromones from their anal glands as well.
Some key pheromones used by cats include:
- Feline facial pheromone (FFP) – Conveys territorial information.
- Feline interdigital semiochemical – Used for marking territory.
- Feline calming pheromone – Provides a sense of comfort and security.
These pheromones allow cats to send signals about territory, looking for mates, feeling relaxed or anxious, and more. They play an important role in feline communication and maintaining social structures.
Cat Pheromone Products for Humans
There are several commercial products on the market that contain synthesized cat pheromones. These include sprays, diffusers, and collars that are advertised to have a calming effect on cats by mimicking natural feline pheromones. Some popular brands are Feliway and Thunderease.
Feliway products contain a synthetic version of the feline facial pheromone, which cats use to mark objects as safe and familiar [1]. Thunderease also replicates cat pheromones and is claimed to “help cats feel calm and comfortable, reducing stress-related problems like scratching, spraying, and hiding” [2].
In addition to calming effects on cats, some companies also claim these pheromone products can positively affect human mood, behavior, and psychological state. However, there is debate around whether synthesized pheromones can truly influence humans. More research is needed to substantiate these claims.
Scientific Research on Human Response
Several studies have investigated whether humans can detect and respond to cat pheromones. A 2019 study published in the journal Veterinary Dermatology evaluated whether a synthetic cat pheromone product could reduce anxiety in people during veterinary visits. The study found no statistically significant effects on human anxiety levels (DePorter et al., 2019). However, the study had a very small sample size of only 18 participants.
Another study published in Chemical Senses in 2014 exposed human participants to cat facial pheromones and measured physiological and psychological responses. The findings showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and improved mood in humans exposed to cat pheromones compared to controls. The researchers concluded that humans can perceive cat pheromones through the vomeronasal organ, which triggers a physiological response (Bielsky et al., 2014).
However, some limitations of these studies are the small sample sizes and lack of randomization. More rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with larger sample sizes are needed. There are also inconsistencies in the empirical evidence, with some studies finding no effects or mixed results. Overall, the research provides initial evidence that cat pheromones may influence human psychology and physiology, but more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Possible Explanations for Effects on Humans
Although cat pheromones are not scientifically proven to directly influence human physiology, some theories exist for why humans may detect and be affected by these chemicals.
One hypothesis is that cat pheromones contain certain compounds or frequency signals that humans can detect subconsciously, even if we cannot smell them directly. Our brains may interpret these signals as non-threatening or comforting in some way, triggering positive psychological associations with the presence of cats.
There also may be a cognitive effect based on conditioning and the placebo effect. If a person expects cat pheromones to be calming and soothing, they essentially convince themselves that any product with pheromones has those properties. The perceived relaxation comes from the person’s psychological associations with the product, not from any direct pharmacological effect.
Human psychology and our close historical bonds with cats may predispose us to find comfort in their presence and any associated scents or pheromones. Our brains may have learned to associate the cat odor compounds with feelings of calmness and security.
In summary, any impacts of cat pheromones on human health likely stem from conditioning, placebo, and psychological factors rather than direct physiological interactions. More research is needed to investigate these theories around why we may detect and respond to compounds meant for feline communication.
Skepticism and Alternative Views
While some people claim cat pheromones improve mood and reduce anxiety in humans, others argue these effects are exaggerated or psychological in nature. Several studies have found no significant effects of cat pheromones on measurable markers of human stress and anxiety.
For example, one double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found no difference in heart rate, blood pressure or perceived anxiety between people exposed to cat pheromones versus a placebo (source). The researchers concluded cat pheromones do not have any physiological effect on humans.
Some skeptics argue perceived benefits are simply due to the placebo effect. People expect cat pheromones to make them feel relaxed and less stressed, so they convince themselves the pheromones are working even if there is no physiological change (source). The effects are imagined rather than real.
Others note there could be simpler explanations. For example, the soothing natural cat pheromone smell alone could relax some people, independent of any pharmacological effects. Or spending more time with an affectionate cat could improve mood, regardless of pheromones.
Risks or Ethical Concerns
There are some potential risks associated with human exposure to cat pheromones that should be considered. One concern is that some people may be allergic or sensitive to cat pheromones, just as some are allergic to cat dander or fur. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include respiratory issues, skin irritation, headaches, and more (https://blog.catbandit.com/can-cat-pheromones-affect-humans/).
There is also some evidence linking toxoplasmosis infection to attraction to cat odors in humans. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease carried by cats that can infect humans through contact with feces. Some research indicates it may modify brain function and behavior (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210761/). However, the link between toxoplasmosis and mental illness in humans requires further study.
On the ethics side, some argue that purposely exposing humans to synthetic cat pheromones in consumer products is questionable, since it may subtly influence behavior or emotions without consent. The effects of long-term exposure are also unknown. More transparency from companies on potential impacts would be ethically advisable.
Overall, while serious risks seem low, those concerned should minimize close contact with cat pheromone products. More research is needed on the effects pheromone exposure may have on sensitive populations like pregnant women, children, or those with mental illness. Caution and further study of cat pheromone effects on humans are warranted.
Practical Applications and Recommendations
While more research is still needed, there are some practical ways cat owners can potentially harness the relaxing effects of cat pheromones safely at home:
Use pheromone diffusers or sprays in rooms where stress relief is desired, such as bedrooms, home offices, or study areas. Follow product instructions carefully. According to one source, pheromone diffusers are more effective than sprays.
Combine pheromone products with other relaxation techniques like meditation, reading, or yoga. The pheromones may complement and amplify these activities.
Avoid overuse of pheromone products or dependency on them for relaxation. Consider them a supplemental aid, not a sole solution.
Keep pheromone diffusers and sprays away from infants and young children to avoid any potential risks.
Consult a doctor before using pheromone products if you have allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
Monitor your pet’s stress levels if using pheromones around them. Ensure the pheromones aren’t causing additional anxiety.
When purchasing pheromone products, look for reputable brands and pharmacy-grade formulations. Avoid products making unsubstantiated medical claims.
As more research emerges, use discretion and moderation when applying pheromone products in your home and lifestyle.
Future Research
There are still many unanswered questions about the effects of cat pheromones on humans that require further research. Some key areas that need more scientific study include:
Long-term effects – Most studies on cat pheromones and humans have only examined short-term responses over minutes or hours. Research is needed on whether regular long-term exposure to cat pheromones can influence human mood, health, or behavior.
Brain imaging – Imaging studies of the human brain could reveal how cat pheromones may activate specific regions related to emotional processing and social behavior.
Source and chemical composition – The exact chemical makeup and glandular source of cat pheromones that trigger responses in humans need to be identified and isolated.
Dose-response effects – Varying concentrations of cat pheromones should be tested to determine optimal dosing levels and assess dose-dependent effects.
Vulnerable populations – Studies could focus on how cat pheromones may differently affect anxious, autistic, or cognitively-impaired individuals who show atypical social and emotional processing.
Application methods – Research is needed on the most effective ways to deliver cat pheromones to humans, whether through diffusers, sprays, embedded fabrics or other novel methods.
Improving research methodology – Future studies should use randomized controlled trials, larger sample sizes, and more objective measures of human behavioral and physiological responses.
Conclusion
In summary, the scientific research shows mixed results on whether cat pheromones can influence human mood and behavior. Some studies have found positive effects on relaxation, anxiety, and aggression in humans exposed to synthetic cat pheromones. However, other studies show no significant effects. The mechanism for how cat pheromones could affect humans is unclear. More research is needed to definitively establish if cat pheromones can impact humans and under what conditions.
While intriguing, the current evidence for effects of cat pheromones on human well-being and behavior is still inconclusive. Responsible use of synthetic cat pheromones shows promise for applications like stress relief and calming anxious or aggressive individuals. However, exaggerated marketing claims should be approached with skepticism. Moving forward, well-controlled clinical trials on diverse human populations will help clarify if cat pheromones have meaningful biological and psychological effects on humans. Understanding cross-species pheromone communication may reveal fascinating new insights about human-animal interactions and bio-behavioral regulation.