Feliway

How long does it take for feliway plug in to start working? I've hard my new cat now for a week and his been a ball of anxiety and lashing out. I plugged it in and left him for 4 hours and when I came back and held out my closed fist and did several slow blinks. He still tried to attack and hiss. I did get some growling but it wasn't as deep. I know he won't suddenly love me but I'm hoping it will help him  come out of hiding and at least sniff my hand

Poor kitty.   I've never had to use Feliway, but this was on the FAQ section of the website:

 How long should it take before I see an effect?

It depends of the nature and the extent of the problem for which you are using Feliway[emoji]174[/emoji]. Some cats would show signs of improvement in less than a week. In any case, we advise to continue using Feliway[emoji]174[/emoji]  for at least a month, before assessing its effectiveness.

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I think that at about day 3, Feliway should be helping if it was going to. Feliway is great to help reduce stress, but for more serious problems, while it may help a little, it's certainly not a cure. I think your kitty is just stressed about being in a new environment, so the Feliway will hopefully help with that. 

A good option would be to keep your cat confined in a small-ish, quiet, room with the diffuser plugged in, toys, food, water, bed, litter box, and maybe some calming music to soothe his nerves. This might help ease the transition and reduce his (and your) stress.

Some people have said that the Feliway spray is more effective overall (and less pricey) than the plug-in. If the plug-in doesn't seem to work after a month or so, then maybe the best option would be to try the spray? There's some reviews here: http://www.thecatsite.com/products/...ay-spray-for-cats/reviews/4292#comments-title

Where is this FAQ page? I've been looking for it but I haven't been able to find it.

The FAQ page is here: http://www.feliway.com/us/Frequently-Asked-Questions

I've never used Feliway either, however i've read that it could take some time for it to kick in.

i've gotten good results with calming sprays, which you can immediately spray on cat's scratching post, bedding, or where ever cats spend a lot of time, and calming treats. 

I have used both the plug ins and the spray.  The spray is convenient for bedding, scratching posts and areas where the kitten seems frightened.  The calming treats also work really well.  I use Composure feline treats. 

He also might be very nervous and anxious with his new home.  Did you start by keeping him in just one room for a few days to acclimate to your home?  Sometimes bringing a new kitten or cat into a home for the first time is very overwhelming.  If you start with just one room, the kitten can adjust to the scents and sounds of your home with feeling safe in one space.  Gradually allow him time out of the room and only for a short time if he feels stressed. 

Also with the feliway plug ins, they only work best when you use them in small spaces.  If you have a large open concept home, you will need multiple plug ins.  ON my first floor, I had to use 3-4 as the rooms are all open.  If you confine him to one room for a time, the one feliway should be fine.

Also make sure when you are interacting with him that you are down on the floor at his level.  Keep your voice soft and calm.  Have some fun toys for him to burn off energy.  Try the da bird toy or a wand toy.  Kittens have lots and lots and lots of energy and the more you play with them, the more energy they will burn and the more calm they will be.  Also make sure you don't use your hands or fingers as toys.  It may be fun and cute at first, but you don't want them scratched or bitten later. 

I have been using the Feliway plug in for about six months now. It didn't start to work for about a month. My cat is a nervous nelly and I also give him Composure calming treats.

I too use the Feliway plug-ins. We have a tri-level house and have 6 total. It actually took a good 3 MONTHS to see benefits in my house. Also, we recently switch from the Comfort Zone with Feliway to the true Feliway diffusers. Even though the ingredients appear the same, I have seen more benefit from the true Feliway.

I order the refills from Amazon.

Tell me more about these calming sprays

I use Head to Tail Calming there are 30 chews. I give my cat 2a day. She was really bad growing clawing and attacking. Well these chews have made a differance big time. I got them at Pet Value. $7.99 for 30.

How close are you when you're holding out your closed fist and slow blinking?

My cat didn't want to come out of her carrier when I brought her home, so I gave her plenty of space until she decided to come out to see if I was friend or foe. I'd sit across the room from her in the room I had her set up in. She moved overnight while I was asleep in the other room from her carrier to a nice deep box I had set out for her as a hiding place. I'd come to visit and sit across the room by the doorway on the ground. I'd use my tablet and talk to her in a happy voice and change her kibble bowl for her even though she didn't seem to be eating. I kept the kibble bowl full so she'd feel comfortable food-wise and freshened her kibble every night and changed the water in her water bowl. I brought a new toy every once in a while and put it down for her, showing her and then putting it semi-close and quickly moving away and sitting across the room. She'd slow blink each time and avert her gaze.

I didn't try to pet her or anything or show her my hands. I sprayed Comfort Zone with Feliway daily in her safe room. She came out pretty quickly all things considered. I let her come to me for her first petting, which was short as I accidentally petted her back and gotten bitten quickly. I think it's best to let scared cats come to you. She's never hissed but I was patient at first and still usually am minus that tiff I had with her that was due to my stupidity...