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Feline Behavior Spotlight, Continued

Guest Feature on Feline Behavior and Feliway®

By , About.com Guide

How can Feliway reduce or end urine marking and scratching, and calm cats in stressful situations?
Place the plug-in with Feliway in the room where marking has taken place. If the cat marks several rooms or more than a 650-square-foot area, use an additional plug-in within one of the other rooms that have been marked.

A new home can be particularly scary for a cat. To prevent marking, plug in Feliway or spray Feliway once a day on prominent objects that could be attractive to a cat, including furniture, window frames and doorways. When moving a cat in a carrier, spray the inside of the carrier with Feliway about 20 minutes before putting the cat inside. Before going for a ride, spray three to four times around the cat's usual place in the vehicle.

Spending time in a boarding facility can also cause stress. In these cases, spray each corner of the cattery enclosure with Feliway before the cat enters. Repeat daily until the cat rubs its head in the sprayed areas.

How long should Feliway be used?
To address behavior caused by temporary events, plug the diffuser in for 30 days. Each vial attached to a diffuser lasts approximately four weeks. Repeat as necessary. When using Feliway environmental spray, urine marks should be treated once or twice a day for 30 days. With elderly cats, you may need to use Feliway two to three times a day for 45 days, then once every two to three days for as long as necessary.

How well does Feliway work?
Several studies have shown significant reductions in spraying. One such study shows that 95 percent of cats tested reduced or completely stopped marking.

Does Feliway have any effect on dogs?
Feliway is a chemical copy of the calming facial pheromones in cats. The product has not been tested on dogs.

What does it smell like?
Feliway has a slight alcohol smell when wet and is odorless to humans when dry. There is no smell emitted from the electric diffuser.

Is the Feliway spray a cleanser?
No, Feliway is a solution that helps control feline spraying. Use of cleaning agents and disinfectants on the same area can degrade the active ingredient in Feliway. Instead, clean the area with water or alcohol before applying Feliway Spray.

Can Feliway be sprayed directly on pets?
Never spray Feliway directly on animals.

Will the Feliway spray damage furniture or furnishings?
When used correctly, Feliway spray will not stain and mark. However, it is always best to test Feliway on the desired area before using it.

Should any precautions be taken with pets and children?
Proper product use will not harm children, adults or pets. Plug diffusers into electric sockets in an open area most frequented by the cat. Do not place behind furniture.

Where can I purchase Feliway?
Feliway plug-ins and spray are marketed through veterinarians by Veterinary Products Laboratories and specialty pet retailers by Farnam Pet Products under the brand name Comfort Zone™ with Feliway. MSRP: Electric Diffuser with 48 ml vial/$39.25; 48 ml Refill Vial/$21.98.

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Feliway® is a registered trademark of Ceva Santé Animale

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