Expert Q&A: What to expect when using FELIWAY

Five tips from our feline expert Dr. Valarie Tynes, a board certified veterinary behaviorist, explaining how FELIWAY works

Ahh cats, where would we be without them? They are the most lovable and funny of pets as anyone with a cat will tell you. And because we love cats we always want what is best for them. 

Cats can be curious creatures, one minute chasing their tail with delight, the next hiding under a bed for no reason or so you might think...

Know the signs

When it comes to your cat you know them better than anyone - especially when they are not at their happy, playful best. There are some key signs to look out for that can indicate when kitty is less than content. Maybe they are not eating enough, eating too much, peeing outside the litter box, scratching furniture, hiding, fighting or they could even be over grooming. Some of the signs can be subtle and not always obvious, but if you see any of them it is your cat’s way of saying “hey, Human, I am NOT myself at the moment!” This is where FELIWAY can help.

Ruling The Roost

Your kitty is a territorial animal, and that means your home is their territory. Sorry if you thought it was yours, it’s not. They are king of the (home) jungle. Our modern, human, lifestyle can often conflict with our cats' needs. Kitties love large open spaces, being their own boss, calm, quiet environments with their own routine, quick escape routes and a stable territory. Of course kitties live with us silly humans! And modern human lives often do not allow cats to have all these things they need. FELIWAY can be used to help your cat during the conflicts they may face by reassuring them and making sure you and your cat are happy together.

“Happy Messages”

Cats communicate through natural messages released in the air. These “happy messages” can reassure cats and can make them feel more comfortable. FELIWAY minics these natural feline “happy messages” to help reassure your cat as they adjust to the pace of modern life.

There are 3 main types of feline messages that have been used to create the FELIWAY range:

1. “Happy Messages”

When comfortable and happy, cats mark their territory as familiar by rubbing their face against corners, furniture, people, or other cats at home. This rubbing action releases natural ‘happy messages’ into their environment. These same happy messages are released by FELIWAY CLASSIC, FELIWAY CLASSIC Spray and FELIWAY CLASSIC wipes into your home. The results: happy cats in a happy home.

2. “Harmony Messages"

Ever wondered why some cats seem to fight but sibling cats don't? It’s because when they are born kittens’ mothers release ‘harmony messages’ that ensures the family gets along.

These “harmony messages” are used in FELIWAY MultiCat, sending natural appeasing messages to help restore harmony between cats living together. The result is a home full of happy kitties all getting along together.

3. “Territory Messages"

Dearest, darling Kitty, WHY do you scratch? All cats do it and it’s not just to groom their claws. Cats are territorial by nature, and they like their space to be just right - just like you in your favorite spot on the sofa. When a cat scratches they are marking their home with ‘territory messages’. FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY sends these ‘territorial messages’ to encourage kitty to scratch where you want them to scratch - on the scratching post rather than your furniture.

How To Use FELIWAY

All FELIWAY products are easy to use. FELIWAY CLASSIC and FELIWAY MultiCat both come in diffuser form and should be plugged in the rooms your kitty spends most time in.  As your kitty becomes more content you can plug it into the rooms where you’d like them to spend the most time – presumably with you! You need to replace the refill in the diffuser once a month to maintain the benefits of FELIWAY.

FELIWAY CLASSIC also comes in a spray for on-the-go moments like soothing your kitty when you need your furry friend to be in the car - whether that’s to go to the vet or moving to a new house. Make sure you spray the carrier 10 minutes before letting your cat near it to allow the spray to dry. If your cat is scratching something you don’t want them to, spraying FELIWAY CLASSIC can encourage them to stop, which leads us to….

FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY is the easy way to direct your kitty’s scratching to your scratching post. Apply two to three lines of FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY to the scratching post; the blue lines created act as ‘territory messages’ for your cat to focus their scratching. Do this daily during 1st week and then 1 pipette at the beginning of week 3 and week 4.

How Fast Does FELIWAY Work?

Each cat is unique so there is no definite timeline on how fast any FELIWAY product works. Most owners will see results in the first seven days.

So there you have it, the secret (or less secret now) ingredient to you and your cat being happy together is FELIWAY :) Now go give your cat a tickle under the chin for us.