NCEPR: XP: Feliway

[pixy0stix]

We use Feliway when needed, but the spray kind. We can't use the diffuser because of the bird.

However, when I spray it, I do find there is a slightly unpleasant scent.

[josieposy]

I've never been able to smell it, but I'm not the best judge either. With my allergies I couldn't smell a Thanksgiving meal being cooked in my own home sometimes.

I used Comfort Zone in the past. Is that the one you're using?

[emilyj]

I just started using it 3 weeks ago for my cat, and I haven't noticed an odd scent with it at all.

ETA: I just asked my husband if he's noticed a scent since we started using it, and he said no.

My mom was convinced it was making her fall asleep (my mom, not the cat) last week though. Ok.

[ttt]

I used the spray for our trip and I honestly didn't notice any scent at all. Not sure if the diffuser is different though.

[pixy0stix]

Aug 15, 2012 21:35:37 GMT -5 @bunnybean said:

What would it do to the bird? Is it dangerous, or would it just make the bird concerned that there are more cats around?

Bird lungs are really sensitive, particularly to airborne particulates and smells. We can't burn scented candles, use room fresheners, or use teflon pans.

The difuser is kicking out the pheromones constantly in a scatter pattern in the air. The spray is direct to an area with less of it in the air.

[emilyj]

Bunny, that's the same one I'm using. Are you just using one, or do you have multiples?

[emilyj]

Our vet said they will cover 700 square feet - so if it's working for just a living room or a smaller area, that may be part of the problem. We've got a pretty open floor plan where our diffuser is.

Now I want to go sniff it and see if I can smell anything.

[emilyj]

Really? You can do timers? That's kind of awesome.

I will say, I was a little skeptical, but it has really helped our cat. So whatever the stuff is, it has worked for us.

[brit1017]

We've used the diffuser and I've never noticed a smell (and I'm usually pretty sensitive to smells), but that could be b/c it has always been in the laundry room in the basement, and I'm not down there for very long.

[lyssbobiss, Command, B613]

What is this product and do I need it? I have two cats. They have both turned into assholes since the divorce.

[ringstrue]

Your sense of smell becomes stronger when you are KU, you know. YWIA!

[audnicole]

I've used these for years and never noticed a smell. Likely my smeller is just broken though.

If your cats will deal with a collar, I have also had great luck with the Sentry Calming Collar

www.amazon.com/Sentry-Behavior-Pheromone-Collar-Inches/dp/B0026JAKWG

It smells like lilac or lavender or something, but has definitely made a difference to my brat cat.

[ringstrue]

If you are for real KU though this situation spells trouble for me if I ever get KU again myself cuz I really hated not having something like that for the cats when DD came home - they were HORRID! They jumped on top of the fridge and stackable W/D all the time and the girl fell behind there twice!

[emilyj]

Aug 16, 2012 7:26:53 GMT -5 lyssbobiss, Command, B613 said:

What is this product and do I need it? I have two cats. They have both turned into assholes since the divorce.

From their website: www.feliway.com/us

"Feliway is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure.

By mimicking the cat’s natural facial pheromones, Feliway creates a state of familiarity and security in the cat's local environment.
As a result, Feliway can be used to help comfort and reassure cats while they cope with a challenging situation and help prevent or reduce the stress caused by a change in their environment."

I'll be honest - when I had both of my cats, they fought like bitches and I didn't think it did squat for them. I tried it for a couple years, and they still fought like mad.

Recently, when my husband broke his collar bone, my cat (she's the remaining one of the two mentioned above) went mental and started licking herself bald). My vet recommended the Feliway, and I thought what the hell, and gave it a try.

This time, it's seems to be working for her. The obsessive licking has stopped. So...?

I'd say give it a shot. It's not terribly expensive.

[msmerymac]

I had the same one, and although I couldn't smell it, I could sort of see the cloud above it at times (kind of like catching a cloud of dust in a sunbeam) and it made a bit of a sticky area on the wall. I didn't think it was working that well, so we just stopped using it and the cats are fine. (One cat has some medical problems leading to minor behavior problems, but everything is under control now.)

You might also try Rescue Remedy in their water, which has a similar calming effect. I haven't tried it, but it's recommended on Pets.