Jean K. Reichle, DVM, MS, DACVR
Animal Imaging (CT and MRI)
1827 Pontius
West LA, CA 90025
Pheromones are behavior-modifying agents, or hormones, produced by many animal and insect species.
When cats rub their face on an item, they are applying facial pheromone as a way to identify their
territory. Once pheromone is present, the cat will not have the urge to mark the item with urine. The
presence of the facial pheromone results in making the cat calmer and more Òat home,Ó decreasing the
catÕs impulse to mark its territory with urine.
Feline facial pheromone has been synthetically reproduced and marketed as Feliwayî, which comes in a
60 ml bottle and is applied as a colorless and non-staining spray. It was marketed to reassure cats in
strange surroundings and to control inappropriate urine marking behavior (spraying) in female and
neutered male cats. It can be applied to a towel or the walls of the cat carrier to decrease stress of
traveling; to a towel or the cage itself when the patient is boarded or hospitalized; or to areas the cat has
urinated on inappropriately, such as furniture or carpeting. The synthetic pheromone is carried in an
alcohol solution (ethanol) which should be allowed to evaporate before the cat smells it; therefore the
manufacturer recommends spraying Feliwayî approximately 30 minutes prior to allowing the cat
exposure to the sprayed item.
A study was conducted at Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital that evaluated the effect of the
synthetic pheromone on the behavior and food intake of hospitalized cats. Some cats were healthy (7) and
some were clinically ill (13). In the first portion of the study, cats were placed in a cage with a towel in
which Feliwayî or the ethanol vehicle alone had been sprayed. The cats were videotaped for two hours
and food intake was measured during this time. Cats with exposure to Feliwayî had significant increases
in grooming and interest in food. In the second portion of this study, cats were observed for 24 hours after
being placed in a cage with a towel sprayed with Feliwayî; some of these cats had a cat carrier placed in
the cage, while others did not. Cats with exposure to Feliwayî and a cat carrier had significantly greater
food intake than cats without a carrier in the cage.
The results of this study suggest that exposure to synthetic feline facial pheromone may be useful in
increasing the food intake of hospitalized cats. The presence of a cat carrier in the cage may also make the
cat feel more comfortable, and provide a place to hide and sleep. While Feliwayî will not make a healthy
cat eat more, it may relax a cat in an unusual environment so that it is more likely to eat. Do not get the
wrong impression: this will not increase your normal, healthy show catÕs body weight! But it may make
your cat more comfortable in a strange environment and in some instances, such as boarding or
hospitalization, more likely to eat.
* * * * * * * *
CA Griffith, ES Steigerwald, CA Buffington, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
2000;217:1154-1156
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Copyright 2000-2004 SGENews Photo Gallery
All rights reserved. Site is maintained by Pamela R. Martin/Castle Paws
Downloading, copying and printing any article or picture from this site
is permissible for private use only.
It is strictly forbidden to download, copy or print any material from this site for the purpose of
republication elsewhere on the internet or in print
Animal Imaging (CT and MRI)
1827 Pontius
West LA, CA 90025
Pheromones are behavior-modifying agents, or hormones, produced by many animal and insect species.
When cats rub their face on an item, they are applying facial pheromone as a way to identify their
territory. Once pheromone is present, the cat will not have the urge to mark the item with urine. The
presence of the facial pheromone results in making the cat calmer and more Òat home,Ó decreasing the
catÕs impulse to mark its territory with urine.
Feline facial pheromone has been synthetically reproduced and marketed as Feliwayî, which comes in a
60 ml bottle and is applied as a colorless and non-staining spray. It was marketed to reassure cats in
strange surroundings and to control inappropriate urine marking behavior (spraying) in female and
neutered male cats. It can be applied to a towel or the walls of the cat carrier to decrease stress of
traveling; to a towel or the cage itself when the patient is boarded or hospitalized; or to areas the cat has
urinated on inappropriately, such as furniture or carpeting. The synthetic pheromone is carried in an
alcohol solution (ethanol) which should be allowed to evaporate before the cat smells it; therefore the
manufacturer recommends spraying Feliwayî approximately 30 minutes prior to allowing the cat
exposure to the sprayed item.
A study was conducted at Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital that evaluated the effect of the
synthetic pheromone on the behavior and food intake of hospitalized cats. Some cats were healthy (7) and
some were clinically ill (13). In the first portion of the study, cats were placed in a cage with a towel in
which Feliwayî or the ethanol vehicle alone had been sprayed. The cats were videotaped for two hours
and food intake was measured during this time. Cats with exposure to Feliwayî had significant increases
in grooming and interest in food. In the second portion of this study, cats were observed for 24 hours after
being placed in a cage with a towel sprayed with Feliwayî; some of these cats had a cat carrier placed in
the cage, while others did not. Cats with exposure to Feliwayî and a cat carrier had significantly greater
food intake than cats without a carrier in the cage.
The results of this study suggest that exposure to synthetic feline facial pheromone may be useful in
increasing the food intake of hospitalized cats. The presence of a cat carrier in the cage may also make the
cat feel more comfortable, and provide a place to hide and sleep. While Feliwayî will not make a healthy
cat eat more, it may relax a cat in an unusual environment so that it is more likely to eat. Do not get the
wrong impression: this will not increase your normal, healthy show catÕs body weight! But it may make
your cat more comfortable in a strange environment and in some instances, such as boarding or
hospitalization, more likely to eat.
* * * * * * * *
CA Griffith, ES Steigerwald, CA Buffington, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
2000;217:1154-1156
[Home Page] [Index of Articles] [Show Scenes]
[Silver & Golden Color Standards] [Exhibitor Cattery Links]
[Grand Champions/Grand Premiers] [Links] [Showcase]
[Distinguished Merit Cats] [National Winning Cats] [Favorite Links]
Copyright 2000-2004 SGENews Photo Gallery
All rights reserved. Site is maintained by Pamela R. Martin/Castle Paws
Downloading, copying and printing any article or picture from this site
is permissible for private use only.
It is strictly forbidden to download, copy or print any material from this site for the purpose of
republication elsewhere on the internet or in print
| Synthetic Facial Pheromone in Cats |
By Pamela Hill, Echo Hill silver persians & exotics
There is a certain risk inherent to the adoption of a mixed breed kitten or cat. Little is known of the
animal�s background and current state of health, even less can be predicted about its future
development. Such kittens, however, are not initially costly. Purebred kittens are expensive, and as a
buyer, you have the right to certain advantages and guarantees.
Ethical, knowledgeable breeders evaluate their kittens by the same process used by professional judges
at cat shows. They compare each kitten to the written standard that describes the ideal cat of that breed.
Experienced, honest breeders determine which kittens fall short of the standard, in qualities of coat,
coloring and bone structure. The goal of a serious breeder is to improve their breed of cat, therefore, the
kittens that don't conform to the standard, are sold as pets. Because the ideal cat is a rare creature, pets
are more numerous.
Such pets are in great demand, for they reflect the health, personalities and most of the physical qualities
that define the ideal example of their breed. Only those kittens with the potential to mirror their breed
standard closely are considered for breeding or showing. You should expect to pay $400.00 and up for a
pet Persian kitten. Exotic pets are rarer than Persians, and start at $425.00. Be certain that you get the
quality that you pay for.
Wholesalers are not qualified or equipped to evaluate or care for kittens. No ethical breeder will sell to
dealers or pet shops. The unfortunate young animals found in pet shops are produced in volume and
usually overpriced. Buy from an established reputable breeder.
Raising and showing cats is my hobby, not a business. Raising kittens properly costs a great deal. Each
kitten represents years of effort, care, research and financial investment. The quality of nutrition and
medical care received in a kittens first few months will be reflected in its lifelong health. Bargain kittens,
priced low because of a low overhead system of care by the original owner, can be expensive in the long
run. Correcting illness and deficiencies can be a depressing procedure.
Consider the environment in which a kitten is raised. Cleanliness, or lack of, will be related to the physical
condition of your kitten. Kittens need a great deal of handling and affection in the first few weeks of life,
to become a loving pet in your home. Animals raised in cages or kennels are often handicapped for life.
Do not accept a kitten that is too young. Ours are weaned when the mother cat and offspring show less
need of each other, and the kittens show an interest in forming a bond with a family member. Never
purchase a kitten that has not been inoculated against the preventable diseases. You have the right to
insist on a pet free of disease, parasites and ringworm. Conscientious breeders protect their kittens, their
ethics protect you, the buyer. Do not accept a kitten unaccompanied by instructions for its care,
immunization schedule, neuter, feeding and grooming needs. Do not buy on impulse; be prepared to
provide the necessary care and companionship for the lifetime of the kitten.
Copyright © 2000-2005 SGE News Photo Gallery. All rights reserved. Founded by Pamela R.
Martin/Castle Paws, Banners by Stephanie Ujhelyi/Purrshinka Persians and Persian Cats Online Services.
All rights reserved. Downloading, copying and printing of this article is permissible for private use only. It
is strictly forbidden to download, copy or print any material for the purpose of republication elsewhere on
the internet or in print.
There is a certain risk inherent to the adoption of a mixed breed kitten or cat. Little is known of the
animal�s background and current state of health, even less can be predicted about its future
development. Such kittens, however, are not initially costly. Purebred kittens are expensive, and as a
buyer, you have the right to certain advantages and guarantees.
Ethical, knowledgeable breeders evaluate their kittens by the same process used by professional judges
at cat shows. They compare each kitten to the written standard that describes the ideal cat of that breed.
Experienced, honest breeders determine which kittens fall short of the standard, in qualities of coat,
coloring and bone structure. The goal of a serious breeder is to improve their breed of cat, therefore, the
kittens that don't conform to the standard, are sold as pets. Because the ideal cat is a rare creature, pets
are more numerous.
Such pets are in great demand, for they reflect the health, personalities and most of the physical qualities
that define the ideal example of their breed. Only those kittens with the potential to mirror their breed
standard closely are considered for breeding or showing. You should expect to pay $400.00 and up for a
pet Persian kitten. Exotic pets are rarer than Persians, and start at $425.00. Be certain that you get the
quality that you pay for.
Wholesalers are not qualified or equipped to evaluate or care for kittens. No ethical breeder will sell to
dealers or pet shops. The unfortunate young animals found in pet shops are produced in volume and
usually overpriced. Buy from an established reputable breeder.
Raising and showing cats is my hobby, not a business. Raising kittens properly costs a great deal. Each
kitten represents years of effort, care, research and financial investment. The quality of nutrition and
medical care received in a kittens first few months will be reflected in its lifelong health. Bargain kittens,
priced low because of a low overhead system of care by the original owner, can be expensive in the long
run. Correcting illness and deficiencies can be a depressing procedure.
Consider the environment in which a kitten is raised. Cleanliness, or lack of, will be related to the physical
condition of your kitten. Kittens need a great deal of handling and affection in the first few weeks of life,
to become a loving pet in your home. Animals raised in cages or kennels are often handicapped for life.
Do not accept a kitten that is too young. Ours are weaned when the mother cat and offspring show less
need of each other, and the kittens show an interest in forming a bond with a family member. Never
purchase a kitten that has not been inoculated against the preventable diseases. You have the right to
insist on a pet free of disease, parasites and ringworm. Conscientious breeders protect their kittens, their
ethics protect you, the buyer. Do not accept a kitten unaccompanied by instructions for its care,
immunization schedule, neuter, feeding and grooming needs. Do not buy on impulse; be prepared to
provide the necessary care and companionship for the lifetime of the kitten.
Copyright © 2000-2005 SGE News Photo Gallery. All rights reserved. Founded by Pamela R.
Martin/Castle Paws, Banners by Stephanie Ujhelyi/Purrshinka Persians and Persian Cats Online Services.
All rights reserved. Downloading, copying and printing of this article is permissible for private use only. It
is strictly forbidden to download, copy or print any material for the purpose of republication elsewhere on
the internet or in print.
| Why Buy A Pedigree Kitten? |
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