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Before You Buy Feliway

Why buy Feliway? The question about the effectiveness of Feliway comes up every now and then, as well as some questions about the best scenarios under which to use it.

If you're considering purchasing Feliway, I'm sure you have some questions. There are a few things you might want to know prior to purchase.

What is Feliway? Many animals and insects communicate using pheromones. Ants use them to navigate, for example. Think of pheromones as hormones outside the body... chemical messengers.
Using various parts of their bodies containing scent glands, such as the paw pads and the cheeks, cats rub their scent on everything in their territory. They feel secure and therefore more calm when everything is scented up with pheromones nicely.
Well, some clever scientists figured out a way to enhance this process. Feliway is a product containing synthetic cat cheek pheromone. No, it's not made from cats! (Somebody asked that once, so I thought I'd get that in there).
How effective is it? I've mentioned this product a number of times, mostly with regard to litter box problems, but there are a number of scenarios under which Feliway may be effective.
I have never used it myself, so I can't give you direct experience. I do know, however, that veterinarians, including Dr. Katrina Warren of Housecat Housecall have recommended it.
Most importantly, there are also many reports from cat owners who say that it has worked for them, to varying degrees. Whether or not the Feliway actually solved each of the problems that we've heard about is questionable, but there are too many positive statements not to take it seriously.
Just like each cat has their own personality, each cat may react differently, or not at all, to Feliway.
What is it used for? Feliway is usually recommended for behavior problems. So, if your cat is climbing the furniture or the drapes, or breaking all your breakables, you might want to try it.
The uses are many, but would include cats with anxiety, fearful cats, and those suffering from inappropriate elimination or marking and spraying. If your cat becomes a furry ping pong ball when the five o'clock crazies set in, this might calm her down.
It can also be used for any stressful situation, such as car rides, moving to a new home, when you change the furniture, or have company over. Many cat owners have reported the disappearance of inappropriate elimination problems, and others notice that their cats are much calmer when it's used.
On an episode of Housecat Housecall, Dr. Katrina Warren recommended that her client buy Feliway spray in order to curb a behavior problem with a nervous cat. This kitty was extremely skittish and spooked easily, and always hid from company. The recommendation was to get the spray and cover the pant legs of every person who entered the house.
Some have recommended the use of Feliway with territorial cats in order to calm aggressive behavior or stop urine marking. All cats are territorial of course, but some cats in the same household will "space hog" aggressively defend areas they've claimed.
How do you use it? You can buy Feliway in several forms, including a wall outlet diffuser and a spray. The spray can be used on clothing, furniture, and bedding. I would be careful though of some fabrics as it may stain.
If you're taking a car ride or heading for the vet, spray the car, the cat carrier, and the blanket you bring with you about 15 - 20 minutes before you're ready to leave. You need to allow the alcohol carrier in the spray to dry before letting your pet come in contact with the item.
On the chance that someone in your family (including your pet) is allergic to something in the Feliway, I would test it in a small way at first before going full out.
The Feliway Comfort Zone diffuser can be set up in a room (or get more than one) and provide continuous use for the area. For litter box problems, put one near the litter box, and one near the area where your cat usually sleeps or frequents. Refills are readily available and can be purchased in multiples.
Moving to a new place? Moving is usually very stressful for cats since they're so territorial. Show up a day early and get the diffusers going in the new house. Use the spray for the car and carrier while on the move, and you may have a much less stressed out kitty.
Where do you buy Feliway? You can buy Feliway at any number of locations that sell pet products. You can find it online at both Amazon and eBay.
Make sure you follow these instructions when using the spray.

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