Does Feliway Really Work On Your Cat? Feliway Pheromone Spray Review

Does Feliway really work? This pheromone product has found its way into the hearts and hands of many cat owners due to its promise to calm felines, reduce aggression, and remove other cat behavior problems. Learn more bout the effectiveness of the Feliway diffuser and its effect on pet behavior in this article.

What Is Feliway? Understanding Feline Pheromone Product

Have you heard of Feliway? It's a pheromone spray that many people use to help them manage their cats' behavior. But how does it work?

Feliway is based on the idea that cats communicate with each other using pheromones—secreted molecules that affect a cat's behavior and mood. By releasing their own pheromones, cats can mark their territory and establish dominance over other cats, as well as send signals of contentment and comfort.

Feliway mimics these natural pheromones, allowing it to act as a sort of "synthetic cat" in the environment where it is applied. It sends signals to your cat that help calm it, thus reducing stress-related behaviors like furniture scratching or spraying outside of their litter box.

Additionally, these pheromones indicate to your cat that your place is safe and secure for them. This helps them ease into the area and allows for a sense of familiarity and comfort.

How Does Feliway Really Work to Reduce Aggression And Stress in Cats?

If you’ve been a long-time cat owner, then you have probably met an anxious cat or two, as well as know how hard it is to keep them calm and stress-free. This is where Feliway comes in.

Feliway is a cloned version of the pheromone which cats release when they rub their cheeks on something. This is also commonly referred to as the happy pheromone because it supposedly makes cats feel safe and secure in their surrounding.

Unfortunately, our feline friends are often highly susceptible to anxiety. Even minute changes in their environment can trigger them to experience stress. Feliway can aid in reducing this feeling by mimicking the environment in your home and reducing stress levels.

Feliway comes in different forms, including sprays and diffusers. The sprays can be used on areas like bedding or furniture where your cat spends a lot of time, while the diffusers release synthetic pheromones into the air throughout your home. When your cat senses these pheromones, they are more likely to feel calm and relaxed.

While Feliway may not work for every cat in every situation, many cat owners have reported positive effects after using it. If you're looking for a way to help reduce your cat's stress levels, Feliway may be worth considering.

Feliway Diffusers And Other Products

If you're wondering if Feliway really is effective for your cat, you might be interested in knowing that there are different types of Feliway products out there. The three main types are sprays, diffusers, and wipes.

Sprays

Feliway sprays are a good option if your cat tends to show anxiety in specific situations, such as traveling or visiting the vet. With the spray, you can target a specific area where you want your cat to feel more comfortable and relaxed. Simply spray the area about 15 minutes before your cat arrives and let it dry before introducing them to the space.

Diffusers

If your cat has overall anxiety or stress that you want to reduce, Feliway diffusers can help. These plug-in devices release pheromones into the air, mimicking a mother cat's natural calming pheromones. This helps cats feel safe and secure in their environment, reducing stress-related behaviors like urine marking or scratching.

Wipes

Feliway wipes are great for on-the-go situations where you need to quickly calm your kitty down. Simply wipe down areas like their carrier or bedding with the pheromone-infused wipe before introducing them to the new space.

Understanding the different types of Feliway products and how they work is a good start to learning what works best for your specific situation. This should aid you in giving your furry friend some much-needed comfort and relaxation.

Customer Reviews

If you’re considering buying some Feliway but are still on the fence about it, then that’s very reasonable. The good news is that there’s plenty of real customer reviews available, which should help you make an informed decision.

Upon reading a variety of customer reviews, it’s quite clear that Feliway is pretty effective on plenty of cats and their owners. Many reviewers have reported their cats being calmer, less anxious, and likely doing some pretty distressing behaviors like scratching or spraying.

In spite of a generally favorable review, it’s still important to note that not all cats are going to respond to Feliway in the same way. Like many novelty products, it’s very much a hit-and-miss. Some reviewers still reported no change in their kitty’s behavior, whereas others have noted the effects to wear off in a few weeks.

It might still be worth it to try this product, as its possible applications for your cat is worth it. However, it’s not a miracle solution for every cat and every situation. If problematic behaviors persist, consulting professionals or assessing the environment is best.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations When Using Feliway

Before trying to use Feliway on your cat, it’s necessary to consider some of the potential side effects he or she might suffer. While this product has been deemed safe for use by professionals even in clinical settings, there’s still a few things one should keep in mind for their kitty.

Potential Side Effects

One of the reported potential side effects of this product is lethargy. This is characterized by some energy loss and decreased frequency in activity. Another cited side effect is that of an upset stomach.

Luckily, these are very rare cases and mostly mild. If you’ve noticed some weird behavior or changes in your furry friend, immediately stop using the product and consult your veterinarian. 

Individual Cat Response

While this product has been shown to be effective among a large number of cats, it’s necessary to be reminded that there continue to be outliers in every population, and your feline pal might just be one of them.

Be patient and give some time for the product to work, but if it doesn't change significantly after a few weeks of use, it might be time to give up and look for other options.

Proper Use

To make sure that you get the best results from Feliway, it’s necessary to use it properly. This means using the product according to instructions, placing the diffuser in the correct location, and consistent use.

You also have to keep in mind that this isn’t a cure-all for every behavioral issue. It’s best used in tandem with other training methods or behavior modification techniques.

Overall, Feliway has been shown to be an effective solution for many cats, but it's important to consider potential side effects and use the product properly to ensure the best results. If you have any concerns about using Feliway on your cat, consult your veterinarian.

Make Cats Feel Better With These Feliway Tips

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Does Feliway really work?” let's dive into some tips for using it effectively in your home.

Location Is Key

When using Feliway, placing it in the right location is important. If your cat is spraying or marking in a particular area, place the Feliway spray or diffuser in that spot. If your cat is anxious all over the house, consider using multiple diffusers or sprays in different enclosures or rooms.

Consistency Is Important

Feliway needs to be used consistently to see results. Make sure to use it daily, and replace the diffuser or spray every four weeks to ensure it works optimally.

Use Feliway During Stressful Times

Feliway can be especially effective during times of stress for your cat, such as when introducing a new pet or family member, moving to a new home, or during fireworks or thunderstorms. By using Feliway during these times, you can help your cat feel more calm and relaxed.

Keep the Area Clean

Feliway won't work as well if the area is dirty or has a strong odor. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly before using Feliway, and continue to keep it clean to ensure the best results.

By following these tips, you can ensure that Feliway is working effectively in your home, helping to calm your cat and reduce unwanted behaviors. Take up your favorite cat apparel and get on the cat-calming spree now!

FAQ

Should you use Feliway all the time?

There's no restriction to the use of Feliway so long as the cats stay healthy.

How long does Feliway last?

It can last up to a month.

What are alternatives to pheromones?

There are some calming treats for cats, although the effect might not work for everyone.