Pheromones are extremely widespread in the animal kingdom and are used to communicate between members of the same species. The pheromones emitted by one individual can affect and change the behavior of other individuals of the same species. Examples of pheromones with which pet owners will already be familiar are the sex pheromones of dogs and cats. In addition to making the bitch or queen more attractive to the male when they are in season, they can also influence territorial marking, aggression, etc...
The Feliway® diffuser device was tested and approved by UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Similar devices are widely used as plug-in air fresheners, etc.
Pheromones are species specific and no effect on other pets is to be expected.
The pheromone in Feliway® is a synthetic copy of the familiarization facial pheromone that cats use to mark objects in their environment. The actual concentration of pheromone in the air at any one time is tiny and as pheromones are species-specific, the feline pheromone in Feliway® will have no effect on humans.
It depends of the nature and the extent of the problem for which you are using Feliway®. Some cats would show signs of improvement in less than a week. In any case, we advise to continue using Feliway® for at least a month, before assessing its effectiveness.
It is important to give Feliway® atleast one month before you conclude that it is not working. Some cases take longer to respond. If you are using Feliway® Spray, make sure all marked areas (urine and/or scratches) and all prominent objects along the cat’s pathway have been treated once a day for four weeks. If the Feliway® diffuser is being used, check that it has been plugged-in 24 hours a day for four weeks, in a place where nothing will restrict the diffusion of the product (curtains, behind furniture, etc.)
In addition to the pheromone content, Feliway® contains a paraffin-type mineral oil of a kind common to other air freshener devices. We are not aware of specific problems for asthma sufferers from such devices, however, if you consider yourself to be particularly sensitive or have had problems when using similar devices in the past, then we advise you to use the device only after consulting with your doctor.
The Feliway® Diffuser is safe to use if you are pregnant.
You should plug the Feliway® Diffuser in the room most affected by the marking behavior (vertical scratching or urine marking).
If Feliway® is being used to help reduce or prevent another behavioral or medical problem; you should plug the diffuser in the room where the cat spends most of its time. A diffuser should cover an area of 500 to 700 square feet, but must not be covered, placed behind a door or under furniture.
You should not plug the diffuser in under furniture as oil vapor (carrying the pheromone) will rise in a column of warm air above the device. If this rising air is blocked (e.g. under a shelf, table cabinet, etc.) the oil may re-condense and leave a visible mark. Also, circulation of the pheromone will be impaired resulting in decreased efficacy.
Feliway® should always be used for at least four weeks. The diffuser should remain switched on continuously and the refill replaced as required. If you are using the Feliway® Spray, it should be applied daily for at least one month, even if you see an improvement. Please be aware though in some situations longer use may be required. Please speak to your veterinary practice for further details.
In multicat households the use of the diffuser will reduce the general level of stress while the spray can be applied to specific areas.
Some devices will run longer than four weeks due to differences in location, air turnover, etc. But remember that the device will never empty completely as the last few milliliters of liquid are not sufficiently in contact with the wick. That is why it is recommended to replace the refill every four weeks.
Slight variations will occur depending on air turnover. Check that the wick is not broken (should extend from the bottom of the liquid to a level flush with the top of the heated ceramic plate). Check and make sure the device is turned on all the time. Finally, try the device in a different electrical socket. If the problem persists, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yes, but be aware that some strong smelling air fresheners and deodorizers can upset sensitive cats.
No – the diffuser should be left on continuously day and night. Efficacy was demonstrated in clinical trials with no interrupted use of the diffuser.
No, the Feliway® spray is alcohol based and should never be used in the Feliway® diffuser.
Yes the device is the same, although they should never be used in any other plug in device such as an air freshener.