
Cats tend to display unusual behavior like urine spraying and inappropriate scratching when to anxious or stressed. Similarly, conflicts may happen in a multi-cat home.
The use of synthetic pheromones like ThunderEase or Feliway can help solving these issues by mimicking cat pheromones to make felines calm and relaxed. They work by copying the natural feline pheromones produced by cats when they rub their face, urine mark or scratch an area. When these products are applied, they tend to calm cats down, reduce the conflict and fighting between cats, and reduce their destructive behaviors.
ThunderEase
ThunderEase is manufactured by ThunderWorks, a Durham, North Carolina-based company known for the pet calming shirt, Thundershirt. ThunderWorks was recently acquired by Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of Feliway and Adaptil. It is vegan-friendly and mimics cat pheromones to keep cats calm. It is odorless, drug-free, easy-to-use, clinically-proven, and can be used for both cats and kittens.
These are the two variants of ThunderEase
1. ThunderEase for Cats
This product mimics cat facial pheromones used in marking territory. The pheromones allow cats to get to know their environment well to make them feel secured. It makes cats confident, lets them feel more stable at home, and puts an end to undesirable behavior like spraying and scratching. It is available as and diffuser and as spray.
ThunderEase Cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser covers up to 700 square feet and should be plugged in a room where your cat stays most of the time. It features a plug that rotates to fit any outlet. This variant should be refilled after 30 days.
ThunderEase Cat Calming Pheromone Spray is ideal not only for scratching and spraying but also for vet visits, travel, and if you are moving to a new home.
2. ThunderEase for Multi-Cats
The product mimics the pheromones that nursing mothers naturally emit to make their kittens feel safe and comfortable in their environment. The pheromones also help cats to bond with littermates and their mother. This product is ideal for multi-cat homes to stop the fighting, tension, and conflict.
ThunderEase Multi-cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser covers up to 700 square feet just like the cat calming pheromone diffuser earlier mentioned and also features a rotating plug.
These are the pros and cons of ThunderEase products:
Pros
- vet-recommended
- affordable and easy to use
- 90% effective in reducing stress and anxiety
- scientifically-proven and backed by clinical studies
Cons
- it may not have a considerable effect on some cats
- it may have to be used along with other behavioral therapy measures to achieve best results
Feliway
Feliway products are manufactured by Ceva Sante Animale, a France-based multinational animal health company. It contains synthetic feline pheromones used by cats to mark territories as safe and secure. The products help create familiarity and security in a cat’s surroundings and alleviates stress and anxiety. It is drug-free, vet-recommended, odorless, and reduces scratching and spraying in nine out of ten cats.
These are the variants of Feliway:
1. Feliway Classic
This product uses facial feline pheromones and helps prevent inappropriate spraying, scratching, or hiding. It has a continuing effect that provides comfort for cats. It is available in both diffusers and sprays.
Feliway Classic Diffuser reduces scratching and spraying and results can be seen in as early as seven days. It covers up to 700 square feet and should be plugged continuously in an area where your cat spends most of her time. It lasts up to a month and should be replaced every four weeks to maximize effectiveness.
Feliway Classic Spray is effective for at least 90% of cats and aside from spraying and scratching it also helps ease the stress due to loud noises like fireworks, travel, vet visits, and if moving to a new environment. It is great for on-the-go use or spot treatment in your home.
2. Feliway Friends / Multicat
The product uses the synthetic copy of cat pheromones from the mammary gland area of mother cats after giving birth to bond with kittens. It helps alleviate conflict in homes with multiple cats and prevents aggression toward each other characterized by staring, hissing, blocking, chasing, and fighting. It improves the chance of cats getting along well and harmony is maintained if used continuously.
Feliway Friends/Multicat Diffuser covers up to 700 square meters and works best if plugged in areas where your cat stays most of the time. The diffuser should be checked regularly and must be replaced every six months to ensure continued effectiveness.
3. Feliscratch
Feliscratch redirects your cat’s inappropriate scratching into the scratching post instead of your curtains, furniture, and other household items. It may be used along with Feliway Classic Spray if the behavior has been going on for quite some time. To use, simply apply the product to the scratching post and draw two to three vertical lines. One pipette should be used in the first week and another pipette during the third and fourth weeks.
Carefully apply the product by placing the scratching post over a sink. Apply slowly and wait for at least five minutes to allow the solution to dry before returning the post to an upright position. The marked scratching post should be placed near areas where your cat usually scratches and sleeps.
Pros
- vet-recommended and safe to use
- affordable and clinically-proven
- 90% effective in alleviating stress, anxiety, and aggression
- only cats can sense it and does not affect humans and dogs
Cons
- it may not work for some cats
- the diffuser variant’s level of effectiveness is reduced if placed behind doors, curtains, furniture, and under shelves
ThunderEase vs Feliway: What is the difference
Both products are vet-recommended, clinically-proven, and safe to use. Both use synthetic cat pheromones, the facial kind and those that mama cats naturally emit. While both products attest to a 90% degree of effectiveness, some cats may respond better to either of the two. This is because each cat is unique and the severity of symptoms may also vary for each feline.
The difference between the two products is mainly in the price or cost. ThunderEase is slightly higher in terms of price compared to Feliway. Also, the former had an unique feature that is missing in the latter, the rotating plug, which makes it convenient to use as it can fit in any outlet.
Our choice: FELIWAY
Reason for selecting Feliway
- affordably-priced
- high level of effectiveness
- targets specific behavioral problems
Conclusion
The use of synthetic cat pheromones to alleviate your cat’s stress and anxiety is a popular option among pet owners nowadays. ThunderEase and Feliway both stand out among the various brands in the market because of the level of effectiveness and ease of use.
Choose ThunderEase if:
- you are not so particular with the pricing
- you prefer rotating plugs over more conventional types
- you are into vegan-friendly products
Choose Feliway if:
- you are into affordably-priced and quality products
- you intend to combine or use two or more products for your feline’s behavioral issues