Effect of a synthetic analogue of the feline facial pheromone on salivary cortisol levels in the domestic cat

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of a saliva collection device (Salivette®) to measure cortisol levels in saliva samples of domestic cats and to assess the effect of a synthetic analogue of the feline facial pheromone fraction F3 (Feliway®) on cortisol levels. A total of 28 domestic cats from a private high-quality sanctuary were sampled before exposure to the facial pheromone and after 35 days of exposure. Two pheromone devices were placed in the area where the animals ate to guarantee the exposure of all cats. The collecting device yielded a sufficient volume of saliva (≥0.20mL) to allow cortisol measurement. Cortisol measurements ranged from 0.02g/dL to 0.16μg/dL, with a difference between before (42.1%) and after (62.6%) exposure to the pheromone (F=3.2351; p≤0.0002). No difference in cortisol levels was observed between before (x =0.078μg/dL) and after (x =0.066μg/dL) (t=1.79; p=0.08) exposure. However, salivary cortisol levels decreased in 75% (21/28) of the cats after exposure (x 2=12.07; p=0.0005), suggesting that the animals have different susceptibilities to the pheromone or that they spent different lengths of time in the area where the pheromone devices were installed.

Efeitos do análogo sintético do feromônio felino nos parâmetros vitais, concentração de cortisol e glicose de gatos submetidos ao exame físico e oftálmico

“…Em um estudo realizado por Silva, et al, (2017), os níveis de cortisol salivar diminuíram em 75% dos gatos expostos ao ferômonio. Entretanto o estudo foi conduzido em um gatil particular durante um período de 35 dias.…”

“…Esses animais costumam apresentar comportamento de esfregar a cabeça contra objetos quando se sentem confortável e familiarizado com um ambiente. Dentro deste contexto, quando os gatos entram em um ambiente marcado, eles o reconhecem como um território seguro ou não amigável, se o ambiente estiver sido marcado por outro gato (Silva, et al, 2017).…”

Tools for managing feline problem behaviors: Pheromone therapy

“…Researchers assessed salivary cortisol levels before and after implementation of the Feliway Classic F3 diffuser for 35 days. 21 Although researchers did not see a significant difference in salivary cortisol levels when comparing day 0 with day 35, they did find great individual variability in response to the F3 analogue. Cortisol levels did decrease for the majority of cats (75%; 21/28 cats) following implementation of the treatment.…”

“…There are several considerations for animal care professionals when utilizing pheromone therapy – and key among them is where to recommend placing synthetic pheromones in the home (see box on pages 1030–1031). It is important also to remember that there may be individual variability in response to synthetic or even naturally occurring pheromones that may depend on the individual’s sex 21 or environmental experiences. 28 The individuality of cats has been well described by researchers 36 and animal care professionals will want to employ pheromone therapy on a case-by-case basis.…”

Doença Do Trato Urinário Inferior Dos Felinos: Abordagem Sobre Cistite Idiopática E Urolítiase Em Gatos

“…Em outro experimento Silva (2017), testou o efeito do análogo sintético do feromônio facial felino sobre o nível de cortisol salivar em gatos e evidenciou que em 75% do animais testados, houve diminuição do nível de cortisol salivar, indicando que esse feromônio pode ajudar no controle do estresse em pacientes felinos com sinais de CIF.…”