Feliway MultiCat pheromone is different than Feliway® products that have been sold for years. The original Feliway contains a synthetic copy of a facial pheromone that cats use for marking their territory and comforting themselves. Feliway MultiCat pheromone is a synthetic copy of the pheromone produced by a mother cat during lactation.  This appeasing pheromone reassures kittens and helps them bond with the mother. 

 “During the past 20 years Ceva has developed expertise in animal behavior, and more precisely in pheromones. We expect the launch of Feliway MultiCat pheromone to extend our market leadership in this area,” said Dr. Karen Padgett, Chief Operating Officer, Ceva Animal Health Companion Animal Business Unit. “Within one week, Feliway MultiCat pheromone users noticed a reduction in conflict behaviors, even in households where conflict had been occurring for several years. After one month of continuous use, 84 percent of pet owners report a significant improvement in their cats’ ability to get along.”

Different types of pheromones signal different information to a cat.

“The original form of Feliway does help manage stress in homes with multiple cats by signaling to the cat, ‘this is my space I feel safe.’ But the pheromone contained in Feliway Multicat addresses the specific need to signal calm in the cat’s social group,” said Dr. Valarie V. Tynes, DVM, Dipl. ACVB, Veterinary Services Specialist at Ceva.  “By nature, many adult cats are solitary, independent animals. Using MultiCat can help them to feel more comfortable about sharing the home with other cats.”

Dr. Theresa DePorter, a board certified diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior (ACVB) and the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM) conducted  the clinical trial for forty-five families who reported social conflict and even aggression amongst housemate cats.  The new Feliway MultiCat pheromone was reported to reduce the level of conflict between housemate cats even within the first week of treatment.

“Cats living in a state of conflict suffer. When families used Feliway MultiCat diffusers in their homes they reported a reduction in conflict and aggressive behaviors. The cats seemed happier; more at peace.” “Feliway Multicat will provide hope for families with cats that do not get along: from the most subtle avoidance to even the most extreme conflict” said Dr. DePorter. “Cats that have been in conflict may
never come to love each other, but by using Feliway MultiCat, cats may begin to repair or build social relationships”

Social tension between cats may impair the cat’s day to day welfare. Conflict between cats can begin when a new cat is introduced into the home or previously amicable relationships may change when an event happens that causes one or more cats to become distressed. The cats may have an aggressive encounter and then fail to mend their relationship. Signs of social tension and conflict between familiar cats may be obvious or quite subtle. Overt aggression may include hissing, growling, screaming, hissing, swatting, or chasing . Passive or avoidant behaviors are common too including hiding, fleeing or blocking.

Feliway MultiCat pheromones come as a plug-in diffuser with 30 refills available.  It starts working immediately.

To learn more about the Feliway brand of products please visit www.makinghappierpethomes.com.