Frequently Asked Questions

General questions on Feliway^® and Pheromones

What pheromone is in Feliway^®?

The pheromone released by Feliway^® is the exact copy of the familiarization facial pheromone that cats leave naturally by rubbing their cheek against an object or people when they are feeling comfortable in their environment.

Will Feliway^® affect humans or other animals in my home?

No. As pheromones are species-specific, the feline pheromone in Feliway^® will affect only cats and will have no effect on humans or other pets.

Which Feliway® should I use for my cat(s)?

Feliway^® Spray, Feliway^® Diffuser, or a combination?

USES	FELIWAY® DIFFUSER	FELIWAY® SPRAY 60Mℓ	Recommended duration of use
Urine Spraying		ü	+	Minimum 1 month
Vertical Scratching		+	ü	Daily for minimum 1 month
Multi-Cat Household		ü (EU)		Continuously
Changes to Cats Environment	- New arrivals (baby, pets, etc), - Remodeling, new furniture - New home	ü	+	Begin use ideally 24 hours prior to changes and use for minimum 1 month
Stressful events	Holidays Parties Fireworks Thunderstorms	ü	+	Begin use ideally 24 hours prior to events and use during a week after
Travel Vet visits			ü	15 min before putting the cat into the sprayed carrier. Re-apply every 4-5 hours
Boarding		+	ü	Daily. Apply spray without the cat in the area

ü= Product most suited for the situation

+ = Additional Feliway^® products to combine for added support

You will find guidelines on www.feliway.com (in “Which Feliway^® to use?”) outlining the most appropriate formulation according to your situation. If you are concerned please seek advice from your veterinary practice.

Can I use Feliway^® with a young kitten?

Yes. There is no minimum age for using Feliway^®. Kittens are able to perceive pheromones in the environment and respond accordingly.

Can I use Feliway^®  and Adaptil^® in the same household at the same time?

Yes, the pheromones in each product are species-specific; the feline facial pheromone (Feliway^®) will affect only cats and the dog appeasing pheromone (Adaptil^®) will affect only dogs. 

How long should I use Feliway^®?

It depends on the nature and the extent of the reason you are using Feliway^®. The minimum recommended duration for most of the situations is 1 month. But some situations such as cohabitation in multicat homes or recurrent idiopathic cystitis might better benefit from permanent use.

Please refer to www.feliway.com to see the minimum recommended time for use.

What type of behaviour problems will not be helped by Feliway^®?

If the undesired behaviour is unrelated to stress (house-soiling due to inappropriate distribution of resources in the home, normal scratching/claw sharpening, internal/medical disease), Feliway^® will have no effect. Some environmental modifications might also be considered (such as providing more choice for litter boxes, properly spread in the home) to avoid competition between cats and lack of easy access to the box for each cat. It is always important to first consult a veterinarian to rule out potential medical issues that may be leading to an unwanted behavior.

Note also that Feliway^® can help in multicat households where there is tension between cats, by decreasing overall stress. But Feliway^® is not indicated in case of recognized aggression between cats (with fights, attacks or wounding) or towards owners. In such situations, consulting your veterinarian or a behaviourist is strongly recommended.

What is the most suitable way to clean up urine following urine marking within the home?

The urine marks should be cleaned as soon as possible.

Wipe away the residual urine with paper towel and hot water. Then use a mild cleaning product such as soap, white vinegar or alcohol mixed with warm water. Wash the area with the solution and allow to dry naturally. Feliway^® Spray can then by sprayed onto the adjacent area to reduce the likelihood of urine marking re-occurring.

Never use ammonia-based cleaners, bleach, or cleaning products with a strong smell to remove urine marks, because that will attract cats back to the same locations.

To remove the odor and even more prevent the cat to mark again, enzymatic odor neutralizer, or molecular cleaner may also be used.

Using Feliway^® Diffusers

Where should I plug in Feliway^® Diffuser?

You should plug Feliway^® Diffuser in the room where the cat(s) spend most of their time or the room most affected by the unwanted marking behaviour such as scratching or urine spraying.

A diffuser covers an area up to 70m² (750 sq ft), but must not be covered, placed behind a door or underneath furniture. More than one diffuser may be required in large or multi-floor homes, or if more than one room is affected by marking behaviour.

Why should I not plug in Feliway^® Diffuser under furniture?

The oily vapour (carrying the pheromone) will rise in a column of warm air above the device. If this rising air is blocked (e.g. under a shelf, table, furniture) the oil may re-condense and leave a visible mark. Circulation of pheromone will be impaired and the efficacy of the product cannot be guaranteed.

Feliway^® Diffuser should NOT be plugged under any furniture or object protruding from the wall (minimum clear distance above diffuser = 1,20 m (4 ft)).

Should I place Feliway^® Diffuser in a hallway?

Because the hallway is not an area where cats spend most of their time, placing the diffuser in a hallway will not ensure optimal diffusion or effectiveness.  We do not recommend using the diffuser in a hallway unless it is the most appropriate location for a specific situation (marking).

If conflict between cats frequently occurs in a hallway, distribution of the cats’ resources should also be reconsidered within the home, to make sure each single cat has an easy and free access to them (litter box, food and water bowl, resting area) without being potentially blocked by another cat.

Should Feliway^® diffuser be placed near the litter box (especially for a urine-spraying issue)?

For any indication, the diffuser should be placed in the cat's environment where they spend most of their time. Since cats rarely spend most of their time in the litter box, there is no reason to use the diffuser close to it (or spray Feliway® on the box). In addition, cats don’t rub around the litter box, so they may be surprised to find facial pheromone right on the box.

However, there is no contra-indication to plug the diffuser in the room where a litter box is, particularly if this room is big and if the cat spends lots of their time in it, but preferably not close to the litter box.

Will Feliway^® Diffuser keep my cat from using the litter box if it’s in the same room?

No, the pheromone in Feliway^® will not prevent your cat from using its litter box. 

The diffuser should be placed in the area of your home where the cat spends most of their time, or where the unwanted behavior is occurring. This may be the room where the litter box is.

Should I switch off the Feliway^® diffuser at night ? “

No - the diffuser should be left on continuously throughout day and night. Frequent unplugging or switching off will prevent the diffuser from working properly. Efficacy was demonstrated in clinical trials with non-interrupted use of the diffuser allowing the cat to constantly perceive the pheromone’s signal. Furthermore, cats are awake and active at crepuscular or even nocturnal times.

How long does the Diffuser last?

The diffuser should be checked monthly and replaced every six months (or after every 6 refills) to ensure optimum effect.

How long do the refills last?

Feliway^® refills last up to 30-days, when plugged-in continuously (24/7).

Why isn’t the level of liquid in my Feliway^® diffuser going down?

The diffusion of the liquid from the Feliway^® Diffuser is a very slow process. In normal conditions of use, it can be very difficult to see any change to the level in the device over the first week of use. Slight variations will occur depending on air turnover.

To make sure your Diffuser is working properly, check that:

-       the wick is not broken

-       the device is turned on all the time (sometimes an electrical outlet is controlled by a wall switch)

Also, make sure you are not using your Feliway^® refill with the wrong diffuser (white shell-shape)

Finally, try the device in a different electrical socket.

Do I need to change the Feliway^® refill even though the liquid has not completely run out?

Feliway^® Diffusers are available with 30-day refills (48 mℓ). Some refills may run for a little longer than 4 weeks due to differences in location, air turnover, etc so you may get slightly more than 4 weeks. But remember that the device will never empty completely as the last few milliliters of liquid are not sufficiently in contact with the wick to allow the diffusion process. It is therefore recommended to replace the refill after 4 weeks, with or without a small amount of liquid remaining in the refill.

Can I plug the diffuser in a multi-socket/multi-plug?

No. The diffuser should be plugged into an outlet of its own. The pheromone sits in a solvent; as it warms it rises through the air. Another device may block the flow of the pheromone upward. It should not be plugged in a multi-socket/multi-plug, with an adaptor or an extension lead.

How long before the diffuser spreads Feliway^® throughout the area?

We recommend allowing at least several hours (ideally 24) for the diffuser to be fully functional. This allows the wick to become fully impregnated and for Feliway^®  to be released. Therefore, for stressful events that can be anticipated, it’s recommended to plug in the Feliway® diffuser ideally 24 hours before the event.

How long should it take to see an effect on my cat(s) with Feliway^® Diffuser?

Feliway^® Diffuser will be fully functioning within 24 hours of plugging in. The effect on the cat will depend on the nature, extent and duration of the problem for which Feliway^® is used.

Clinical trials have proven that signs of improvement (such as reduction in urine spraying and scratching) can be seen within the first week of use, with further improvement occuring during the following weeks. In any case, we recommend continued use of Feliway^® for at least one month before assessing its effectiveness. Optimum benefits will also depend on the good implementation of additional advices (including resources distribution) provided by your veterinarian or behaviourist.  Some cat households might benefit from permanent use of Feliway^® Diffuser.

Are the Feliway^® Diffusers safe?

Yes. The Feliway^® Diffuser device is constructed with self-extinguishing plastic materials and complies with the International Electro technical commission (IEC), European (EN) and UL required standards.

However, if the diffuser is used continuously, we recommend that it is changed every 6 months for the best results.

Can I plug Feliway^® Diffuser in a room where there are caged birds?

Some caged birds are known to have sensitive respiratory systems (in particular Psittacines: parrots, budgerigar, etc.). Therefore, as a precaution, we recommend plugging in the diffuser in a different room.

Can I plug Feliway^® diffuser in a room with an aquarium?

As for any in-home diffuser, we recommend using the diffuser in a room that does not have an aquarium.  If the cat spends most of their time in the room with the aquarium, we recommend using an outlet as far from the aquarium as possible. This is only a precaution to avoid oily, diffused active ingredients settling on the surface of the water. The components themselves are not classified as toxic for the environment.

I’m pregnant. Can I use Feliway^®  Diffuser?

You may continue using your diffuser. According to the toxicological data on the components of our products, no particular risk is expected following inhalation of the pheromone products when used as recommended. Particularly with pregnant women, the available toxicological data on laboratory animal species show that no teratogenic nor foetotoxic effect can be associated with the use of Feliway^® Diffusers. 

However, as a precaution for sensitive people, it is not recommended to plug Feliway^® Diffusers in a non-ventilated room where people spend most of their time, and in particular not in bedrooms.

Can I use a Feliway^® Diffuser simultaneously with an air-conditioner?

A Feliway^® can be used in a house (or a vet clinic) where there is an air-conditioner, provided that it is plugged away from the air-conditioner, vents, cold air returns, or exhaust fan.

What is the surface area covered by a Feliway^® diffuser (in particular for a multi-level house?)

One diffuser covers up to 70m²  (750 sq ft). The recommendation is to plug the diffuser in the room most frequented by the cat(s), or in the room where the problem occurs (marking for example). However, in a multi-level house, only one diffuser located in a specific area of the home may not be enough to produce the desired effects in cats, particularly in rooms that are too distant from the diffuser or located on another level. Therefore, for a multi-level house, it may be more appropriate to use one diffuser per level for best results, in particular for multi-cat households (if cats have access to the different levels).

Do the Feliway^® diffuser refills fit other plug-in diffuser systems?

No. The Feliway^® refills should never be used with another plug-in device nor the Feliway^® plug-in with a different kind of refill. This is clearly stated on the box of the products.

I bought a diffuser in another country, or online, and it doesn’t match with the local sockets of my country. What can I do?

Feliway® Diffusers come with plugs that fit with the local electric systems of the country they have been bought from. For example, a US diffuser cannot be used in a European country, due to the voltage difference. They should never be used with an adapter or a voltage converter as it may lead to serious safety issues.

Please check before use that your diffuser has the appropriate plug to be used in your country.

Can I use the diffuser while leaving the windows open, in particular in the summer? Will that affect the efficacy? 

Usage with open windows and doors may result in diffusion at a faster rate. The product may not last the full expected 30 days.. In such a case, a different diffuser location should be considered within the house, targeting the area where the cat spends most of its time.

How do you dispose of the Feliway^® diffuser plug-in device after use?

Our plug-in devices are not recyclable so you should just dispose of them in your normal garbage can.

Are the Feliway^® refills recyclable?

Yes. The Ceva pheromone refills are made of recyclable plastic material (PET).

If your refill is empty, you can dispose of it in your recyclable waste collection point, in accordance with your local regulation.

Otherwise, please dispose of it at a special hazardous waste collection point.

Using Feliway^® Spray

How do I use Feliway^® Spray?

Spray 8 to 10 pumps of Feliway^® 15 minutes before the cat is introduced into the sprayed environment (car, carrier, bedding, table for medical examination, etc.). Effects should last approximately 4 to 5 hours, although each animal will respond differently. Reapply after this time or if you notice a reduced effect. 

Feliway^® Spray can be applied directly on bedding, inside carrier, or in the car, but be sure to apply without the cat in the area to be sprayed (particularly inside the carrier). 

Feliway^® Spray should not be sprayed directly on animals or near an animal’s face.

Can Feliway^® Spray be used directly onto the cat?

No, Feliway^® should never be applied directly onto a cat.

How long will it take to have an effect on the cat? How long will the effect last for?

Feliway^® Spray is proven to have an almost immediate effect, lasting 4 to 5 hours. Renew application after this time according to the situation for which Feliway^® Spray is used. Please remember to leave the object which has been sprayed (cushion, carrier…) to dry for at least 15 minutes to allow the alcoholic solvent evaporation, before introducing the cat to the area.

If my cat travels by car for a long journey, how often should I use Feliway^® spray?

We recommend re-application of Feliway^® every 4 to 5 hours in the cage for long journeys. However, since this requires the cat to be removed from the cage for at least 15 minutes to allow the alcoholic  solvent evaporation, one should ensure that the cat can be removed under non-stressful and secured conditions.

Can I use Feliway® to reduce motion sickness during car travel?

Feliway^® spray is indicated to relieve manifestations of stress during transport, including vomiting. Feliway^® spray has been clinically proven to significantly improve stress-related behaviours such as vomiting, urination, defecation but also meowing, agitation and salivation, compared to cats exposed to a placebo spray.

However, Feliway^® is not indicated against motion sickness when traveling by car. For this reason, we recommend the cat should not have eaten for at least 6 hours prior to travel to avoid nausea and vomiting, but do not limit water before traveling.

In addition, waiting for at least 15 minutes after spraying Feliway^® before putting the cat inside its carrier, as recommended, is important to avoid the cat being upset by the alcohol from the spray.

Can I spray Feliway^® on a cat tree (scratching post) to encourage my cat using it and prevent him from scratching my furniture?

No. Feliway^® should not be sprayed where you want your cat to scratch (for example on a scratching post). It should be applied on unwanted scratch marks (such as furniture: sofa, chair, doors…). By providing reassurance and comfort to them, Feliway^® will prevent cats to scratch again.

This is due to the antagonism between digital pheromones and scratch marks deposited by a cat for communication purposes, and the facial pheromones contained within Feliway^® that a cat would never leave where he scratches.

Why are there new warnings on the spray boxes?

New warnings are linked to new mandatory Regulatory Standards, requiring a detailed description of the possible risks in order to ensure the consumer’s safety.

However, Ceva pheromone products have a good safety record and consumers have been using them for almost 20 years. 

Is the Feliway^® spray bottle recyclable?

Yes. The Ceva pheromone spray bottle is made of recyclable plastic material, thus once empty, you can dispose of it in your recyclable waste collection point, in accordance with your local regulation. Otherwise, please dispose of it in your special waste collection point.