Feliway® is a synthetic form of feline cheek pheromones. In nature, these pheromones serve cats to mark their territory as safe and friendly.
By mimicking cat's natural cheek pheromones, Feliway® makes her cat perceive her surroundings as friendly and safe.
Thanks to these properties, Feliway® can be used to provide the cat with a sense of security and comfort in difficult situations and to prevent or reduce stress caused by changing the environment.
- How is Feliway® used?
The method of application of Feliway® depends on the problem we are dealing with. Below are details on how to use Feliway® to help your cat face difficult situations or show signs of stress.
Urine marking
Feliway® has been proven to help reduce stress-related behavioral problems such as injections. Clinical studies have shown a reduction in urine injection, reaching 91% of cases.
To reduce or prevent urine tagging, avoid cleaning injected surfaces with products containing ammonia or bleach, as cats are extremely sensitive to strong odors. For washing contaminated places it is best to use water, medical spirit or odorless solutions.
Feliway® Diffuser should be turned on in the room where the cat marks the site. If your cat is marking several rooms, you may need to turn on one more diffuser in one of the others.
The diffuser should be left on continuously for at least 4 weeks. With prolonged use, the cartridge should be replaced.
Simultaneously with the diffuser, Feliway® Spray can be used, spraying it on the marked areas.
In this case, clean the injected area and let it dry. Then spray the area and the nearest conspicuous objects daily.
Spraying the spot can be completed when the cat itself leaves cheek pheromones on it (rubbing against them with its mouth)
Marking with scratching in a vertical position
Feliway® has been proven to help reduce stress-related behavioral problems such as scratching. Clinical studies have shown a reduction in scratch marking, reaching 96% of cases.
Spray scratched surfaces with 6 doses (presses) of Feliway® Spray once a day.
Use for at least one month. Spraying the spot can be completed when the cat itself leaves cheek pheromones on it (rubbing against them with its mouth).
It is very important to place an alternative object for scratching nearby.
A few cats in the house
To reduce stress in homes with multiple cats, include the Feliway® Diffuser in the room where the cat(s) are showing signs of stress and discomfort.
The diffuser should be left on continuously for at least 4 weeks. With prolonged use, the cartridge should be replaced.
Make sure that each cat has its own place to sleep and eat, the possibility of undisturbed use of the litter box, as well as a safe place where it can hide.
Changes in the cat's environment (renovation, guests, new animals, baby birth)
The diffuser should be switched on in a room where the cat(s) is showing signs of stress and discomfort.
Leave on for four weeks or until the problem stops. With prolonged use, the cartridge should be replaced.
Help in adapting the cat to the new environment (after moving, during the period of socialization of kittens, after adoption)
The diffuser should be switched on in a room where the cat(s) is showing signs of stress and discomfort.
Leave on for four weeks. With prolonged use, the cartridge should be replaced.
Transportation or leave at the hotel for pets
Spray Feliway® Spray directly on the inside of the carrier or cage, 15 minutes before inserting the cat (one press on each of the four angles, two on the floor and two on the ceiling).
Repeat before each trip or every day during the cat's stay in the hotel.
If Feliway® Spray is used in a hotel, always wait 15 minutes before letting your cat back into the room.
In fireworks season
During the fireworks season, cats should not be allowed outside. However, this can cause additional stress, especially in homes where several cats live.
Turn on the Feliway® Diffuser in the room where the cat(s) is resting or hiding.
Feliway® should be left on continuously for four weeks or as long as the situation requires. With prolonged use, the cartridge should be replaced.
- Things to keep in mind when using Feliway® Spray
The use of Feliway® Spray depends on the problem we want to prevent or reduce. Never spray directly on a cat.
If your cat injects urine:
- First, visit your veterinarian to make sure the cause of the problem is not a disease.
- Then clean the urine-injected areas with a solution of water and medical spirit or warm water with a small amount of washing powder without enzymes. At this time, the cat should be in another room.
- Never apply intensely smelling disinfectants, bleach, enzymatic washing powders, detergents or deodorants to contaminated areas. They can interact with Feliway® Spray, and a strong smell can further annoy the cat.
- Use the spray every day for at least 30 days. Do not stop when you see improvement.
- Wait 15 minutes before allowing the cat to enter the room so that the alcohol carrier in Feliway® Spray can evaporate.
- If you need to use Feliway® on an electrical appliance: first turn it off, let it cool down, and before turning it back on, make sure it dries completely.
- To prevent new furniture, freshly painted walls or other areas from being injected with urine, use the spray for 2 weeks or until the cat begins to rub its mouth against the object.
- Remember that Feliway® does not mask or eliminate unpleasant odors.
If your cat marks with scratching:
- Take the cat out of the room.
- Spray the marked surfaces and repeat every day for 30 days. Do not stop when you see improvement.
- Wait 15 minutes before allowing your cat into the room to allow the alcoholic carrier of Feliway® Spray to evaporate.
- To protect new furniture, freshly painted walls or other places from scratching, use the spray for 2 weeks or until the cat begins to rub its mouth against the object.
You should never punish a cat for marking with urine or marking with scratching, as this will only increase stress and will not help to eliminate the problem, but rather make the situation worse.
If several cats live in the house:
- Use Feliway® as described above, increasing the time to at least 45 days and increasing the frequency of use to twice a day.
- Consider using Feliway® Diffuser to reduce the stress exposure of all cats.
To add overall confidence:
- Apply Feliway® Spray on doors, cat doors, window sills and other protruding objects in the house.
- Spray at a height of about 20 cm from the floor.
- Wait 15 minutes before allowing the cat to enter the room so that the alcoholic carrier of Feliway® spray can evaporate.
Feliway® should not leave stains on furniture, but it is advisable to check in advance in an inconspicuous place.