Keeping a cat calm can be hard, especially if she is anxious or stressed. One option that may provide relief are synthetic cat pheromone products. The most common brand of is undoubtedly Feliway. It comes in different forms including plug-in diffusers, spray and even wipes.
The Feliway Classic Diffuser
The Feliway Classic Diffuser is a combination of the Ceva cat calming plug-in and Feliway vial. It uses the synthetic analogue of F3 facial pheromone which provides a sense of reassurance for cats. It helps in reducing stress and stress-related behaviors of cats such as excessive scratching, spraying outside of the litter box, hiding, low activity, loss of appetite and more.
This diffuser can cover up to 750 sq. ft. and can last up to 30 days, making it economical compared to other brands. For a large home, or for a multi-floor home, it is recommended to use several diffusers.
Benefits of using Feliway Diffuser
The following are the benefits you can get in using the product:
1. Help reduce your cat’s stress levels
Every cat parent knows that stressed cats are challenging. Stress in cats can manifest in many ways such as scratching, spraying, urinating outside the litter box and many more. Using Feliway Diffuser can be an extremely helpful tool in the fight against feline stress.
2. Odourless and easy to use
Pheromones are odourless and colourless chemical signals which send a specific comforting message to cats. It’s also easy to use by just placing the cat calming plug in diffuser at a probable center of the room where the cat spends most of its time.
3. Good value for money
A Feliway Classic Starter kit comes with a refill that can last up to 30 days.
Is the Feliway Diffuser effective?
Yes, the Feliway Diffuser is effective in most cases. Some cat owners consider this product a miracle after seeing the change in their cat. Yet, every cat is different and has varying levels of stress. It may take some cats longer to respond and there are also cases where no there is no noticeable benefit. In any case, it is recommended to continuously use the diffuser for at least 4 weeks before giving up.
In addition to using the diffuser it is always a good idea to visit the vet to help you to figure out a solution to the behavioral problems.
Where to put the diffuser?
The diffuser is designed to be plugged upright, directly into a wall socket in the room your cat spends most of their time.
Make sure there is nothing near the outlet you choose to plug the Feliway diffuser into that will obstruct air flow and the diffusion of the pheromone. Avoid placing the diffuser behind furniture, doors or curtains or underneath shelves as this can make it less effective.
Be careful to plug the diffuser away from the air conditioner, vents, cold air returns, or exhaust fans. These may result in diffusion at a faster rate and the product may not last the full expected 30 days. This also happens with using the diffuser with open windows and doors.
How long will it last?
The refill of Feliway Diffuser lasts 30 days. It is recommended to replace the refill every 4 weeks, even if a small amount of liquid remains in the vial. One diffuser lasts 6 months. It is recommended to renew the diffuser every six months to ensure the optimum effect.
Is the Feliway Diffuser safe?
All Feliway products are completely safe for cats. There have been no issues observed during trials and extensive consumer surveys.
If you have other pets such as fish, as a precaution, it is recommended to plug the diffuser in a room that does not have an aquarium. If the cat spends most of its time in the room with the aquarium, it is recommended to use an outlet as far from the aquarium as possible. This is to avoid oily, diffused active ingredients settling on the surface of the water. For those who have caged birds as pets, it is recommended to plug in the diffuser in a different room because some birds have sensitive respiratory systems.
The pheromones used by Feliway are specific to cats so they are only perceived by other cats, not by people so they are considered safe for humans.
The Feliway Diffuser is also safe to be constantly left on. It was designed to get warm to the touch in order to disperse the pheromones adequately. The diffuser head is manufactured using non-flammable (self-extinguishing plastic) and is designed to be left switched on all the time.
Also, there have been some reports of the diffuser overheating and even possibly causing a fire hazard.