Feliway - Does it Work?

Aegean

Hey all,

I did search about this but couldn't find any info, so sorry if I'm repeating what somebody else has posted but I'm new

I wondered if Feliway actually works to calm cats down, as it's quite expensive just to test. I wondered if there was another thing I could do to calm them down?

I moved house around 5 months ago with my cat to a house which already has a cat. Both of them never fight, they just sit and stare at each other, occasionally lashing out but then running away. They have also (both of them) taken to peeing on the bathroom mats even though neither of them spend time in this room, so it don't think it's a territory thing. The male cat who lived here before has been snipped, so he doesn't spray, however he's taken to pooping to get his message across - my cat has quickly followed suit. Not only is this completely disgusting, it's costing me a fortune in washing powder.

Of course, as he's the beloved original cat, everybody is blaming my cat alone and it's getting upsetting. I'd just like to know the best way to tackle this problem - and yes, I have begun looking at moving house just because my cat is so unhappy.

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks.

georgiesmum

In a word NO. Bought 3 lots for a new cat to help introduce her to mine. Waste of time and money. (that product is not cheap ). It's 4 months now and they are just beginning to integrate with each other. Only time will do it, there are no short cuts.
Clean the affected pood areas with bio powder and some white vinegar. It might stop them if there is no cat smell there.

Aegean

Okay, I'll try the vinegar thing. I feel awful moving my cat from a home she was happy in, and this isn't making it any easier Hopefully this will help, thanks.

spookylukey

I'm a massive Feliway fan and have one permanently plugged in, when it runs out and I forget to replace the vial straight away you can tell the difference and my happy, relaxed and confident cat starts to get all nervy and twitchy again.

I think this site is probably as cheap as you're going to get it (£18.60 for the plufg in with vial - free delivery).

http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/cats/healthcare/anxiety/feliway-diffuser.html

Fridaycat

I have integrated numerous cats with each other, of different temperaments and personalities, over the years but have never used Feliway to help so I can't comment on that specifically.

However, I agree with georgiesmum that you should clean any areas they have soiled with bio wash powder solution and / or white vinegar. If you use detergents with ammonia (e.g. bleach based) this only reinforces the smell to cats and encourages them to pee/poop there more.

Again, I agree it will take time, none of mine have ever taken as long as 4 months to adjust, but every cat is different.

Other things you can try - Kalm Aid and / or Zykelne - both are natural, food-based supplements (Kalm Aid is a gel, Zyklene is a tablet) that can help to calm stressed cats. Although they are perfectly safe to use, you should always seek your vet's advice if you are in any way unsure of giving them to your pet

Aegean

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the tips. I'm getting very near my wit's end with this! I live with housemates so anything my cat does ends up with bad feeling being put towards me...I'd just rather she stopped being bad

Beckyy

Do they have a litter tray? It might be worth getting a second one, or putting another in the bathroom near where they were going to encourage them to use it.

Best of luck

Aegean

Hi Beckyy, my cat has a litter tray in my room (it's one of those covered ones so it's not that gross) and the other cat goes outside. He's not mine, otherwise he'd have a litter tray too, my cat barely goes outside if I'm honest - through her choice. I can't really put her litter tray in the bathroom since I share it with 3 other people...but I suppose it might be worth a shot?

Beckyy

Not sure how often you're out, but I would make sure that anything in the litter tray is removed straight away. We have 2 cats and 1 big litter tray. If one cat has been to the toilet the other sometimes won't use it, and there has been times when we've been out that they've been on the floor instead. We now have to check it religiously, but it's stopped any accidents happening. So maybe checking the tray as often as you can instead.

cassindy

I use feliway, after one of my male cats started to spray on the front door curtain or on plastic bags (he started doing this after bonfire night and I think he was extremely stressed). I have one plugged in permanently in the hallway and he has stopped spraying in the house. Yes it is expensive but for me it has been a real help

Aegean

Thanks. I think after next payday I am going to give it a go.