Tools for managing feline problem behaviors: Pheromone therapy

Abstract

Practical relevance: Cats are one of the most common companion animals in the world. However, relatively little scientific research has been conducted on cat behavior. With problem behaviors a leading reason for relinquishment of cats to shelters, or abandonment outdoors, solutions to address feline behavioral problems can have important welfare benefits. Because naturally occurring pheromones produce measurable species-specific responses in cats, the use of synthetic pheromone products consisting of the same compounds may activate a specific behavioral response in the receiving individual, allowing humans to better communicate with cats and manage feline problem behavior. Aims: In this article the scientific background for naturally occurring feline pheromones and semiochemicals and their impact on cat behavior is reviewed. This is used as a foundation to explore the three feline synthetic pheromones currently available and the empirical evidence that exists for their effectiveness. From this information, several recommendations for veterinarians and behavior professionals on the application of feline pheromone therapy in the home and veterinary clinic setting are presented. Evidence base: The efficacy of synthetic pheromones as a tool for the management of problem behaviors is a relatively new area of research and only fairly recently has the need to implement more rigorous research methodology been recognized.

Dealing With Stress in Cats: What Is New About the Olfactory Strategy?

“…With only two studies currently published, much remains to be learned about the efficacy of Feliway TM Felifriends in promoting amiable social behaviors, e.g., the settings for application and individual differences in their responses to the pheromone treatment. It has been suggested that kittens' early experience with the pheromone (hand-raised orphan vs. queen-raised) might influence their response to the appeasing pheromone (103). Cats under chronic stress show reduced behavioral diversity; therefore, promoting the expression of natural behavior (e.g., scratching) has welfare potential in stimulating behavioral diversity and reducing anxiety.…”

An Initial Open-Label Study of a Novel Pheromone Complex for Use in Cats

“…The prevalence of different problem behaviours varies between study populations and methodologies [2], and the reasons for the problem behaviours are also diverse. Control of problem behaviours requires careful evaluation of the cat, its background and environment, along with an integrated approach to management that often includes the use of synthetic pheromones [4] [8] [9].…”

“…A number of patented synthetic pheromones have been developed for use in cats including a feline facial pheromone (FFP, specifically the F3 FFP fraction which is thought to be deposited in the environment during facial rubbing of objects and convey a sense of security and reduced stress), a cat appeasing pheromone (CAP-released by the queen during nursing and thought to enhance inter-cat bond formation and security), and a feline interdigital semiochemical (FIS-thought to be deposited on objects during environmental scratching behaviour) [9] [11] [19]. Since 1996, various commercial products have become available (respectively FELIWAY ® Classic, FELIWAY ® Friends, and Feliscratch ® , Ceva Santé Animale) based on these synthetic pheromones, and have been successfully used as an aid to managing stress (e.g., anxiety or frustration), intra-species conflict, and other undesirable behavioural problems [9] [11] [19].…”

Principais alterações comportamentais dos gatos

“…Podemos encontrar no mercado três análogos sintéticos aos feromônios felinos, sendo que cada um possui apresentações e funções diferentes, como observado no Quadro 1 (Henzel & Ramos, 2018). Estes produzem respostas comportamentais espécie específicas, induzindo a uma resposta comportamental específica (Vitale, 2018). Quadro 1.…”