Introduction
Pheromones are chemicals that animals release to communicate with other members of the same species. In cats, pheromones are secreted from glands around the face and paw pads. Some companies claim that synthetic versions of cat pheromones can help reduce stress and have calming effects. Specifically, products contain synthetic copies of a facial pheromone cats release when they feel safe and content. The suggested benefits of these pheromone products include reduced anxiety, less aggression, and an increased sense of security in cats. However, the research on whether these synthetic pheromones actually work to calm cats is limited and inconclusive. This article will provide an overview of pheromones, examine the available evidence on their effects in cats, and make recommendations on their use.
What Are Pheromones?
Pheromones are chemical substances released by an animal that affect the behavior or physiology of other members of the same species. According to the Smithsonian Institute, pheromones are defined as “chemicals produced as messengers that affect the behavior of other individuals of insects or other animals.”
Pheromones are used as a mode of communication between members of the same species. As described by Study.com, “These chemicals are secreted externally by an individual and received by a second individual, where they elicit some behavioral or physiological response.”
In mammals specifically, pheromones have been defined as “substances secreted to the outside by an individual and received by a second individual of the same species, in which they release a specific reaction.” (Source)
How Pheromones Work
Animals use pheromones to communicate chemical messages. They detect pheromones through specialized sensory receptors, like the vomeronasal organ in many mammals. When an animal senses a pheromone, the pheromone molecule binds to receptors which trigger a response. For example, a female moth will release pheromones that a male moth will detect, causing him to be attracted and fly towards the female (source).
In mice, the vomeronasal organ detects pheromones which then stimulates neurons to send signals to the amygdala and hypothalamus in the brain, triggering social and sexual behaviors (source). Similarly in cats, pheromones are detected by the vomeronasal organ and processed in the brain, which can influence behaviors and elicit responses.
Overall, pheromone communication involves release of the pheromone, detection by specialized sensory organs, transmission of signals to the brain, and a behavioral or physiological response. The pathways allow animals to receive chemical cues from others and react accordingly.
Evidence That Pheromones Calm Cats
There are some studies that provide evidence that pheromones may have a calming effect on cats. One study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science evaluated the efficacy of an appeasing pheromone diffuser in reducing stress-related behaviors in cats (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6435919/). The researchers found the pheromone diffuser reduced stress behaviors like inappropriate elimination and excessive grooming compared to placebo. Another study from Texas Tech University found that a synthetic pheromone spray reduced signs of stress in shelter cats, such as hiding, vocalizing, and aggression (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/animalwelfare/research/pheromones/cat.php). More research is still needed, but these initial studies suggest synthetic pheromones may have a calming effect and reduce stress behaviors in cats.
Anecdotal Evidence
There are many anecdotal reports from pet owners claiming that pheromone products like Feliway help calm their cats. On Amazon, Feliway products have thousands of reviews, with most reporting positive effects:
“This product has given me my life back. My cat went from peeing on everything daily and yowling all night to using his litter box consistently and sleeping through the night.” (Source)
“Within a day of using this diffuser my cat stopped meowing all night long. He used to meow every night when I would try to sleep. Now he sleeps through the night quietly.” (Source)
On the Feliway website, there are many success stories describing changes in cat behavior after using Feliway products:
“So far my cat seems calmer, vomiting less, no UT problems. He seems happy. Had the zoomies yesterday for the first time in years. He’s happy so I’m happy.” (Source)
While anecdotal, these reports suggest that many cat owners do perceive a calming effect from pheromone products. More research is still needed to definitively prove pheromones’ effects.
Potential Explanations
There are several theories on why pheromones may have a calming effect on cats:
The vomeronasal organ theory suggests that cats detect pheromones through an organ in the nasal cavity that sends signals to the amygdala and hypothalamus, parts of the brain that regulate emotional responses and basic behaviors (PetMD). Detecting pheromones associated with comfort and security may trigger relaxation.
The familiarity theory proposes that synthetic pheromones replicate scents and facial pheromones of mother cats, evoking a comforting neonatal association (Feliway). This familiar scent may have a reassuring effect.
The territorial marking theory suggests that cats use pheromones to mark territory and signal safety. Synthetic pheromones may mimic territorial markings and perceived safety of the environment (Comfort Zone).
More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind pheromone calming effects in cats. Theories suggest pheromones may tap into hardwired neurologic, behavioral, or emotional pathways connected to security and contentment.
Skepticism and Lack of Evidence
While some anecdotal reports indicate pheromones help calm cats, scientific evidence is lacking. A 2019 review published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery states “based on the quality of evidence, there is currently no strong support for a synthetic Feliway-like pheromone (e.g. Feliway Friends) having a positive effect in cats under most circumstances” (source). The paper analyzed 17 peer-reviewed studies on feline pheromones like Feliway and concluded the evidence does not live up to marketing claims.
Critics argue that the calming effects may be attributed to the placebo effect in owners, rather than a physiological effect in cats. Since cats can’t report how they feel, perceived behavioral changes may simply be owners seeing what they hope to see. More robust, blinded studies are needed to definitively prove whether synthetic pheromones truly influence cat behavior.
Additionally, the concentration of synthetic pheromones emitted by diffusers is significantly less than natural facial pheromone secretions. It’s questionable whether commercial pheromone products contain enough pheromone compounds at the appropriate ratios to genuinely elicit a calming response (source).
While some cat owners swear by pheromone diffusers, the scientific skepticism stems from the lack of convincing evidence that synthetic pheromones work as advertised for most cats in most situations.
Risks and Downsides of Using Cat Pheromones
While some evidence suggests cat pheromones may have a calming effect, there are potential downsides to their use that cat owners should consider:
According to one source, some risks may include: [1]
– Increased territorial and spraying behaviors, especially in multi-cat households where pheromones from one cat may stress others
– Aggressive behaviors in some cats when introduced to synthetic pheromones
– Respiratory irritation if diffusers are overused in confined spaces
– Potential endocrine system disruption with long-term overexposure, though more research is needed
Additionally, some veterinarians advise caution when using pheromone products regularly or indefinitely, as the long-term effects are unknown. Relying solely on pheromones rather than training and environmental changes may also delay identifying and addressing underlying issues causing a cat’s anxiety.
While pheromones show promise for calming cats in the short-term, owners should monitor their pets closely for any adverse reactions. Moderation and environmental adjustments are likely still important for long-lasting behavior improvements.
Recommendations
So when might cat pheromones actually be helpful? While more research is still needed, some evidence indicates pheromones may help in specific situations like:
- New cats adjusting to a multi-cat home
- Kittens being introduced to older cats
- Reducing stress before vet visits or travel
- Calming anxiety during fireworks or storms
That said, pheromones should not replace other techniques for calming cats. Some alternatives to try include:
- Providing plenty of vertical space and hiding spots
- Using treats, play time, and affection for positive reinforcement
- Keeping litter boxes clean and reducing household changes
- Using calming herbs like catnip or valerian root
- Considering anti-anxiety medication for severe cases
While pheromone products likely don’t hurt, they should not be considered a magic solution. Careful behavior modification, environmental changes, patience, and in some cases medicine, remain the best ways to calm a stressed cat.
Conclusion
In summary, the evidence for pheromones having a calming effect on cats is mixed. Many cat owners report anecdotally that pheromone products seem to reduce stress and anxiety in their cats. However, scientific studies have had inconsistent results, with some studies finding positive effects but others finding no impact of pheromones on cat behavior compared to a placebo. The proposed mechanisms for how pheromones could influence cat behavior are plausible but not yet fully proven.
Overall, there is not yet definitive scientific evidence that cat pheromones live up to marketing claims about their calming abilities. However, they appear to be safe for cats when used as directed. Cat owners may want to try pheromone products, especially in situations known to cause cats stress, but should be aware the effects may vary between individual cats. More research is still needed to fully validate the efficacy of cat pheromones.