Introduction
Cat pheromones are chemicals that cats release to communicate with other cats. They relay information about territory, sexual readiness, and aggression levels. Cat pheromones act as calming signals and can relieve anxiety and stress in cats. Commercial cat pheromone diffusers and sprays contain synthetic versions of these chemicals to have a soothing effect on household cats.
Cats have glands in the head and body that produce pheromones. When a cat rubs against a wall or furniture, it deposits pheromones from these glands. Other cats detect the pheromones and receive messages, such as “this area belongs to this cat.” Cat pheromones provide information, act as behavioral cues, and help cats interact properly.
Research shows cat pheromones can reduce conflict and stress in multi-cat homes. They are commonly used alongside behavior modification training to treat inappropriate urination, aggression, travel stress, and other issues caused by anxiety. Cat pheromone products are very popular with cat owners looking for natural ways to calm their cats.
What are Cat Pheromones?
Cat pheromones are chemical molecules used by cats to communicate with each other. According to Feliway, pheromones are a type of chemical communication that all cats use to interact with each other and the world around them. Pheromones are produced in glands around a cat’s face and paws. When a cat rubs against objects, scratches, or sprays urine, it releases these pheromones.
There are several different cat pheromones that serve various purposes. The Comfort Zone identifies three main cat pheromones:
– Feline facial pheromone – Provided reassurance and comfort
– Feline interdigital semiochemical – Used for territorial marking
– Felinine – A precursor that indicates sexual maturity
Overall, cat pheromones facilitate communication between cats for reproduction, territorial marking, and sociability. They help provide information to other cats about territory, social status, and sexual availability.
How Cat Pheromones Work
Cat pheromones are chemicals released by cats that trigger social responses in other cats (PetMD, 2022). The main pheromones cats produce are:
Facial pheromones – Released when a cat rubs its face on objects to mark territory and convey a sense of familiarity and security (Comfort Zone, 2022). These pheromones provide cats with information about other cats in their territory.
Feline interdigital semiochemical – Produced between the toe pads and leaves scent trails. Conveys information to other cats about territory, social status, and readiness to mate (Fear Free Happy Homes, 2021).
Feline mammary pheromones – Emitted by mother cats to her kittens. Helps kittens bond with their mother and find her to nurse (PetMD, 2022).
Feline volatile organic compounds – Released in urine and feces to mark territory (Fear Free Happy Homes, 2021).
These pheromones impact cats on a biological level by triggering innate responses and behaviors. They provide important social information to other cats about safety, territory, relationships, and reproduction. On a psychological level, pheromones can reduce stress and anxiety by signaling familiarity and security to cats.
Cat Pheromone Products
There are a variety of cat pheromone products available for helping calm and relax cats. The most common products include:
Pheromone Sprays: These sprays, such as Feliway, contain synthetic pheromones that mimic cat facial pheromones. The sprays are applied to objects and areas around the home to help provide reassurance and reduce stress for cats.
Pheromone Diffusers: Diffusers like Feliway steadily emit synthetic cat pheromones into the air to help create a calming environment. They are plugged into outlets and are useful for providing constant pheromone exposure in rooms cats frequent.
Pheromone Collars: Collars contain pheromone impregnated fabric that releases calming pheromones when in contact with the cat’s face/neck. They provide on-the-go pheromone exposure to potentially help relax cats in stressful situations outside the home.
Do Cat Pheromones Affect Dogs?
Research suggests that cat pheromones can have some effects on dogs, but the impacts are fairly limited. According to a study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science[1], products like Feliway FriendsTM contain pheromones that can help improve relationships between cats and dogs living in the same home. The study found that dogs exposed to these pheromones displayed less stress-related behaviors and aggression toward the cats. This indicates that cat pheromones may have a mild calming effect on dogs.
However, the effects are not as strong as pheromones designed specifically for dogs, like Adaptil. As pheromones are species-specific, cat pheromones do not affect dogs in the same way or to the same degree as their own pheromones[2]. The calming impacts on dogs are relatively minor compared to the effects on cats.
Therefore, while cat pheromones can influence dog behavior to some extent, they are not a substitute for pheromones formulated for dogs. Products designed for cats will not have the same efficacy in dogs. For best results in multi-pet households, pheromones specific to each species should be used.
Case Studies
There are some anecdotal reports of cat pheromones having a calming effect on dogs. One case study documented the experience of a home with multiple cats and a dog. After using Feliway Friends cat pheromone products throughout the home, the owners reported increased tolerance and positive interactions between the cats and dog. Proximity between the animals increased, and there were no aggressive incidents (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00399).
In another example, a dog owner struggling with fighting between her cats and dog tried Feliway and noticed calmer behavior in both species soon after use. She reported the fighting stopped and all pets appeared more relaxed (https://icatcare.org/pheromone-use-in-multi-species-homes/).
While anecdotal, these reports suggest cat pheromones may impart some calming effects on dogs living in multi-pet households alongside cats. More research is still needed to definitively determine pheromone impact across species.
Veterinarian Perspectives
Many veterinarians recommend using cat pheromones cautiously around dogs. Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian and author, states “While Feliway is made for cats, it seems to have a calming effect on some dogs, too.” However, he notes that the research is limited and effects can vary between individual dogs (1).
Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Jill Goldman also comments on using Feliway for dogs: “I find that Feliway can be useful for some dogs, especially those that really love cats or grew up with cats.” But she advises monitoring the dog’s response, since “For a few dogs, it can actually cause increased anxiety.” (2)
Overall, veterinarians acknowledge that cat pheromones may help certain dogs who enjoy being around cats. But more research is needed, and effects are not guaranteed. It’s recommended to use caution and monitor the dog’s behavior when first trying cat pheromone products.
(1) https://www.petful.com/behaviors/feliway-for-dogs/
(2) https://www.rover.com/blog/reviews/feliway-dog-review/
Potential Risks
While cat pheromones are generally considered safe for use around dogs, there are some potential risks and downsides to be aware of:
Some dogs may show mild behavioral changes when exposed to cat pheromones. According to one study by Prior et al. (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2020), a small percentage of dogs exhibited increased vocalization and restlessness when cat pheromones were introduced in multi-pet households. However, most dogs were unaffected.
Allergic reactions are possible but rare. Some dogs may be allergic to ingredients in pheromone products. Discontinue use if any skin irritation or other allergic symptoms develop.
Overuse could cause sensitization. Veterinarians generally recommend using the minimum effective dose of pheromone products. Avoid overusing cat pheromones around dogs as extensive exposure could potentially lead to nose fatigue and reduced effectiveness over time (Icatcare.org, 2022).
No proven benefits for dogs. While cat pheromones are not harmful to dogs, they provide no direct calming, anxiety-relieving or other behavioral effects for dogs. The pheromones only influence cat behavior (Feliway.com, 2022).
Potential conflicts with other pets. Some multi-pet households have reported increased conflict between resident cats and dogs after introducing cat pheromones. Careful monitoring is advised when first using cat pheromones around dogs to ensure no negative interactions develop.
Recommendations
While cat pheromones are generally safe to use around dogs, there are some best practices to follow:
- Use the pheromone products as directed, such as proper diffuser placement and spraying the correct amount. Overuse can irritate a dog’s sensitive nose (Pheromone use in multi-species homes).
- Closely observe your dog’s behavior when first using cat pheromones. Discontinue use if any negative reactions occur (Can FELIWAY Be Used For Dogs?).
- Try dog-specific pheromones like Adaptil if your dog seems stressed by cat pheromone use. These can provide calming effects tailored for dogs (Calming Pheromones for Cats and Dogs).
- Use caution with direct contact products like sprays. Focus diffusers in cat-specific areas whenever possible.
- Never use cat pheromones as a substitute for proper training and socialization between cats and dogs.
The key is using cat pheromones carefully around dogs and monitoring for any negative reactions. While the pheromones themselves are dog-safe, following these tips helps ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
Conclusion
The evidence currently suggests that cat pheromone sprays do not significantly affect dogs. Many studies have found no noticeable changes in dog behavior when exposed to synthetic cat pheromones. While anecdotal reports from some owners claim that cat pheromones calm their dogs, controlled studies have not found any scientific basis for these effects.
That said, cat pheromone products are very safe and non-toxic, so they are unlikely to harm dogs even if dogs can detect them. However, the intended effects of reducing stress and anxiety are unlikely to occur in canines. Cat pheromones specifically target feline hormonal receptors and do not create the same effects in other species.
In summary, current research indicates cat pheromone sprays and diffusers do not have measurable calming or anxiolytic effects on dogs. Dog owners should not rely on these products to treat behavioral issues in dogs. Further research may reveal if other pheromone products designed for dogs may be helpful. But cat pheromone products have not been shown to impact dog behavior or physiology in any significant way.