DM4 Pt2-2 Pheromonatherapy Flashcards
Who pioneered the study of pheromones in cats?
Dr. Patrick Pageat, a French veterinary surgeon, after studying their role in other domestic animals.
What is the relationship between feline facial marking and urine marking?
There is an antagonistic relationship; they counterbalance each other in marking behavior.
How many chemicals are typically found in cat facial secretions?
Up to 40 different chemicals, but only 13 are common to all cats, and no cat secretes all chemicals at once.
What is the purpose of the synthetic F3 fraction (Feliway Classic®)?
F3, available as Feliway Classic®, is used to mark a cat’s territory as safe and secure, reducing stress.
What is Feliway Friends® (Feliway Multi-cat® in the US) designed to do?
It is formulated to reduce tension and conflict between cats in multi-cat households by mimicking the cat appeasing pheromone (CAP) released by mother cats.
What is the role of Feliscratch by Feliway®?
It is a synthetic version of the pheromone released from cats’ paws when scratching, used to redirect scratching behavior.
What is Feliway Optimum® designed to provide for cats?
Feliway Optimum® provides an enhanced message of serenity, helping cats feel secure and promoting harmony among cats.
What are some clinical uses for Feliway Classic® in cats?
It helps manage indoor urine marking, reduces spraying behavior, and provides a sense of security, particularly useful in reducing social tension in multi-cat homes.
Why is Feliway Classic® recommended for multi-cat households?
It enhances the environment’s safety perception, reducing indoor marking, defensive aggression, and passive withdrawal, especially when introducing a new cat.
How should Feliway Diffusers be used in a household?
Place one diffuser per 50 square meters in the home.
When should Feliway spray be applied?
Use the spray on new objects entering the home to reduce stress for the cat.
Why should pheromones not be used as a standalone treatment?
Pheromone therapy should be part of a multi-modal approach, combining environmental management and behavioral therapy.
What is Feliway® Friends (Feliway® Multi-cat in the US) based on?
It uses a synthetic analogue of ‘appeasines’ released by lactating mammals, which reduce fearful reactions and increase a cat’s sense of personal safety.
What is the primary goal of Feliway® Friends in multi-cat households?
To help each cat feel more personally secure, improving tolerance rather than creating friendships.
When might Feliway® Friends be useful for cats who were once compatible?
It helps if their relationship has been strained due to stressors like temporary separation.
What makes Feliway Optimum® unique among Feliway products?
It is based on a new pheromone complex that alleviates a broader range of stress behaviors and enhances social confidence and safety in dynamic environments.
How long does it typically take to see results with Feliway Optimum®?
Initial improvements may be seen within one week, with full effects by day 28.
How do Feliway® diffusers work?
They heat an oil-based solution to a volatile temperature, diffusing continuously for 24 hours a day.
Where should a Feliway® diffuser be plugged in?
Plug it into a low socket with space above and avoid placing it behind furniture, doors, or curtains.
How should the Feliway® Classic Spray be applied?
Apply the spray 20-30 minutes before the cat encounters it, allowing alcohol to evaporate to avoid aversion.
Why should Feliway® Classic Spray be used with caution regarding cleaning?
Avoid cleaners with ammonia or bleach; instead, use water, surgical alcohol, or odorless solutions for soiled areas.
What is Feliscratch® used for?
It redirects scratching to specific surfaces like scratching posts by mimicking the feline interdigital semiochemical.
How should Feliscratch® be applied to a scratching post?
Apply the liquid in vertical lines on the post, ideally over a sink or newspaper to avoid spillage.
Where should scratching posts be placed for optimal use?
Place them near favored sleeping spots, doors, windows, or the territory’s periphery, not behind furniture or in confined spaces.
How long should Feliscratch® be used to redirect scratching behavior?
A 4-week treatment protocol on the designated scratching post is recommended for lasting results.
