the feliway spray

chromodactyl

TCS Member
Thread starter
Alpha Cat
Joined
Mar 17, 2007
Messages
563
Purraise
1
Location
London
been thinking about getting it for when i get the new kitten-so that they both are a bit more relaxed.Does it work?any experiences or should i not bother with it
 

mia mouse

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
174
Purraise
1
I have used both. I like the diffuser better. The thing with the spray is that you have to re-apply the spray frequently. The diffuser is there doing it for you. I feel like I use more with the spray and end up paying more in the long run.

It really depends on what reason you are using it for.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

chromodactyl

TCS Member
Thread starter
Alpha Cat
Joined
Mar 17, 2007
Messages
563
Purraise
1
Location
London
thanks to both of you!
Reason:pS Kitten thinks she owns me and is very protective and jealous.I have put down a deposit on baby kitten who will come home in june.I want them both to get on be relxed and all the obvious,hence,considering this-the diffuser sounds good
 

gingersmom

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
May 11, 2006
Messages
8,028
Purraise
22
The diffuser helped me integrate a semi-feral in with my resident kitty - I stocked up on the stuff.
I find it cheapest on eBay if you want the diffuser rather than the spray.
 

jpawz

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Apr 3, 2007
Messages
255
Purraise
1
Location
New England
Doing a drive by and this thread caught my eye~

We just tried Feliway, both the diffuser and the spray. Miracle stuff, I say.

One or more of my 5 indoor cats began marking at windows (territorial, no doubt, thanks to outside critters). All check out healthy so had to work on behavioral modification.

A brief attempt with Fluoxetine was more stressful than dealing with occasional marking; my 2 cats (the prime suspects) reacted rather violently to every form I tried so let's just concentrate on non medical avenues, shall we
*hee*

So basically bought stock in Feliway. Within 2 weeks I am just astounded. Not one single episode of marking (though I also tin foil the scenes of the crime so it's a whole approach, really). But they havent' marked new areas either, so I am optimistic.

A great bonus effect is 2 of my cats who are painfully skittish, have calmed down significantly. THey don't scamper from my toddlers either, shockingly. *I* scamper from my toddlers


The downside is cost. Feliway will add up. We have a move coming in a few months so my plan is to use the diffusers and spray into our move (and actually, plug in before the cats get there). And hopefully wean off one diffuser at a time, or keep one or 2 in main hang out rooms. But it's worth it if it keeps you and kitties sane.

THe initial investment is getting the amount of diffusers you need/want and some backup refills, AND some spray (for any immediate issues). It's really how you want to address the situation. I went full throttle.

I think you will find the diffuser most effective if you are trying to create a generally more harmonious enviroment. Someone said it somewhere, forgive me I can't remember if it was here or not, but Feliway is like the equivalent to a cup of kitty cocoa and a blankie. It's not a sedative or anything medical--just a natural approach using their own feel good vibes.

Sorry so long--this has been a topic in our household so I had a lot to say!
 

meistersar

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
50
Purraise
1
Just bought a diffuser last night to help 2 older cats adjust with less stress to new kitten, so I will update this thread as to how much it has helped (or not helped)
 

urbantigers

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Apr 30, 2006
Messages
2,175
Purraise
7
Location
UK
I find it very good too. I've been using a feliway diffuser ever since I brought home my new kitten a year ago and whenever things seem to get a bit tense between him and Jaffa I usually notice that the diffuser has ran out. Coincidence? maybe, but I'm going to keep on using that diffuser.

I've also used the spray. Mainly for when they go to the cattery. I take the spray to spray around their pen there and ask the staff to spray it around each day. I first started doing that a few years ago before I had Mosi (I then had Jaffa and his brother Magpie) and when I went to collect them the cattery staff told me they had settled in quicker than previously and they felt it was due to the feliway. I also spray it around their carriers and the car if I'm taking them to the vet.
 

mybabyphx

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
1,884
Purraise
2
Location
Arizona (PM me if you are from AZ too)
My PHX does not like to be home when we are at work, or when we're gone for the weekend. Do you think this will make him stop meowing so much? I keep hearing about it on here but haven't really given it much thought before. He used to meow constantly- but luckily with the help of TCS I figured out how to get him to chill out when we're home. Now the only problem I have is when we're NOT home. I guess it doesn't bother me because I don't have to hear it, but I feel soooo sorry for him. My neighbor is the one that told me about his meowing problem and said it sounds like he's being murdered in there!!
I feel like such an awful person!
 

momofmany

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jul 15, 2003
Messages
16,249
Purraise
70
Location
There's no place like home
I attended a conference on cat behavior where a vet talked about Feliway. I think he claimed about a 70% effective factor in helping calm cats.

Unfortunately I fell into the 30% ineffective group. I tried it when I was trying to make an indoor/outdoor cat indoors only. My alpha cat backed up to the diffuser and marked it, and he normally didn't mark around the house. The indoor/outdoor cat didn't threaten him, but the pheromes in the diffuser did.

If you buy it, make sure it works before you stock up on refills.
 

mybabyphx

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
1,884
Purraise
2
Location
Arizona (PM me if you are from AZ too)
Originally Posted by Momofmany

I attended a conference on cat behavior where a vet talked about Feliway. I think he claimed about a 70% effective factor in helping calm cats.

Unfortunately I fell into the 30% ineffective group. I tried it when I was trying to make an indoor/outdoor cat indoors only. My alpha cat backed up to the diffuser and marked it, and he normally didn't mark around the house. The indoor/outdoor cat didn't threaten him, but the pheromes in the diffuser did.

If you buy it, make sure it works before you stock up on refills.
Thanks for the helpful advice, I will keep that in the back of my mind
Thanks
 

jpawz

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Apr 3, 2007
Messages
255
Purraise
1
Location
New England
I have read about even higher success rates -- the thing to remember though is the rates aren't across the behavior spectrum.

There are different behaviors (dominance, anxiety, marking, feral, etc...)

Feliway (both the cat and the dog version) does not claim the same success rate with each behavioral issue.

For anxiety and marking in your 'average' indoor cat, I believe those are up to 90% success. And those higher rates can take repeated months of use--again this depends on the cat and the issue.

I would think an outdoor cat, especially a feral one, would be the most challenging situation. I have worked with feral rescue and management and this is a different ballgame entirely. Not that it's impossible, but....takes a lot more than a bottle of synthetic pheromones. Like the previous poster said, a more 'wild' dominant personality may just decide to mark the diffuser. That is actually a logical response for that kind of cat.

So it is a good idea to just use one or 2 and monitor results; it can take a couple months.

The Feliway site has pages of reviews, as does the Amazon site. I read everything I could get my hands on before ordering!
 

jpawz

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Apr 3, 2007
Messages
255
Purraise
1
Location
New England
Originally Posted by mybabyphx

My PHX does not like to be home when we are at work, or when we're gone for the weekend. Do you think this will make him stop meowing so much? I keep hearing about it on here but haven't really given it much thought before. He used to meow constantly- but luckily with the help of TCS I figured out how to get him to chill out when we're home. Now the only problem I have is when we're NOT home. I guess it doesn't bother me because I don't have to hear it, but I feel soooo sorry for him. My neighbor is the one that told me about his meowing problem and said it sounds like he's being murdered in there!!
I feel like such an awful person!
I meant to ask you what else you have tried? I take it you have been working on this for a while, and I am new here so I must have missed other threads.

Back when I used to be out for a few hours (pre kids
) I would leave quiet ambient music on. Often a playmate is the answer, but of course that can open a new can of worms (I am just a huge fan of at least 2 cats!) Or scattering about favorite toys, self-agility toys, vertical space furniture, hiding treats (indulges their hunting nature)...

I am sure you have done it all, but I wanted to mention a couple things other than prattle on about the Feliway.

Of course some cats/breeds are just more vocal/demanding ( i.e. Sphynx, Siamese, Rex, Balinese, and British Angora among some others). But it's also what is so endearing at the same time!
 

ashley45

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Jan 13, 2007
Messages
208
Purraise
12
I'm new to this, so bear with me while I ask a few questions...

The Feliway works by releasing hormones that calm the cats?

Does it have any scent? Any homonal effect on humans?
 

jpawz

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Apr 3, 2007
Messages
255
Purraise
1
Location
New England
Originally Posted by Ashley45

I'm new to this, so bear with me while I ask a few questions...

The Feliway works by releasing hormones that calm the cats?

Does it have any scent? Any homonal effect on humans?
Let me try to leave a link (gotta run, non-fur baby is waking up!)

http://www.feliway.uk.com/feliway_uk.nsf/Page?OpenForm

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/feliway/page1.aspx

http://www.catfaeries.com/feliwayfaq.html

You know when a cat rubs its cheek on something? That is 'kitty love' (and marking the object, even YOU, in a loving way, with its facial pheremones). Feliway has created a harmless, non medical version of feline pheremones. It's a feel good vibe that only cats can detect. Initally I do smell the spray but it dissipates and I smell nothing. I cannot smell the diffuser at all.

But if my husband starts acting weirder than usual I will let you know
 

crazyforinfo

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
May 26, 2006
Messages
6,773
Purraise
4
Location
Philly
How long does the diffuser last for?
What if you have 3 floors? Would you put one in the hallway of each floor?
If so, it sounds like it could add up.
 

jpawz

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Apr 3, 2007
Messages
255
Purraise
1
Location
New England
Originally Posted by Crazyforinfo

How long does the diffuser last for?
What if you have 3 floors? Would you put one in the hallway of each floor?
If so, it sounds like it could add up.
Each diffusers lasts roughly 4 weeks. You can probably stretch to 6 weeks but you may risk a return to undesired behavior.

Just because you start Feliway doesnt mean it's a life sentence. Some cats may require long term maintanence, yes. But the manufacturer recommends a couple months at least for a true test of the results. Then it's up to you as to when you like to start 'weaning'. Some cats may only need that one 'reset' period and be fine.

As for where to use the diffusers...again, this is up to you. It's recommended to use them where your cats seem to hang out the most, and/or where you want to see the most positive results. You *can* put them everywhere, but I wouldn't. Each plug in covers up to 650 sq feet, I believe, which is pretty good. I have 12 foot ceilings and a single diffuser in a 14x20 room has had amazing results.

If it's your first time trying Feliway, definitely don't purchase too many. Give it a fair try and base it on a couple months' results. In a matter of 2 weeks, this has worked wonders in my multicat household and the price, although high, is nothing compared to dealing with stressed cats, urine marking, and the myriad health issues that can crop up from anxiety (mine too!).
 

jpawz

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Apr 3, 2007
Messages
255
Purraise
1
Location
New England
I am starting to sound like a Feliway spokeperson


So, Feliway manufacturers--I'll expect my Feliway gift package in the mail soon?
 

meistersar

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
50
Purraise
1
Update:

It's been 4 full days (today will be the 5th) since I got the diffuser.

It has worked GREAT on the older male cat, who was the one that is usually prone to be more stressed. In fact, he's mellowed out so much I'm considering using it even after he's fully accepted the new kitten.

The female it hasn't worked quite so well on, but she's starting to come around too. Considering I haven't had the kitten or the diffuser even a full week yet, the results have been pretty good.
 
Top