Pheromone Questions Flashcards

1
Q

What are pheromones?

A

Chemical messages animals use to communicate with each other or serve as reminders for themselves, such as marking territory.

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2
Q

How do pheromones communicate even when the animal is not present?

A

They leave scent information in the environment, passing messages of identity, territory, security, or warnings of danger.

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3
Q

How are pheromones detected in cats?

A

They are detected by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in the hard palate, often through a “Flehman response.”

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4
Q

What is the Flehman response in cats?

A

It’s a behavior where a cat raises its head, opens its mouth slightly, and remains still, drawing pheromones into the VNO for detection.

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5
Q

What is pheromonatherapy?

A

The use of synthetic pheromones to manage animal behavior by reducing stress or creating a sense of security.

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6
Q

How is pheromonatherapy different from aromatherapy?

A

Pheromonatherapy uses animal-specific signals, detected subconsciously, whereas aromatherapy uses plant-based aromas detected by conscious smell.

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7
Q

Why is pheromonatherapy beneficial in multi-pet households?

A

Pheromones are species-specific, don’t sedate pets, support natural behavior, and can be combined with behavioral modification or environmental adjustments.

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8
Q

Can synthetic pheromones like Feliway affect medication?

A

No, they do not enter the bloodstream and don’t interfere with any medications.

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9
Q

How does Feliway Classic® work?

A

It mimics the F3 facial pheromone cats use to mark safe areas, helping reduce anxiety and marking behaviors like urine spraying.

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10
Q

What is the purpose of the Feliway Friends® diffuser?

A

It provides a synthetic copy of the cat appeasing pheromone (CAP) to reduce tension and support harmony between cats in multi-cat homes.

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11
Q

How does Feliscratch by Feliway® encourage scratching on specific surfaces?

A

It uses interdigital semiochemical pheromones, catnip, and blue colorant to attract cats and direct scratching to specific posts.

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12
Q

Can a cat overdose on synthetic pheromones like Feliway?

A

No, as they aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream and don’t pose overdose risks.

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13
Q

How long does it typically take for pheromone products to work?

A

Ceva recommends at least one month; however, diffusers start releasing pheromones within 24 hours, and sprays work after 15 minutes.

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14
Q

In what situations is pheromonatherapy most useful?

A

It helps with stress-related issues like traveling, introducing new pets, or changes in the home, enhancing comfort and security for the cat.

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15
Q

What behavior modification can Feliway Classic® assist with in cats?

A

It reduces urine marking, travel stress, and enhances a cat’s comfort in new or stressful environments, like vet clinics or home changes.

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16
Q

How does Feliway assist with traveling stress in cats?

A

Spraying Feliway in the carrier reduces stress signs like vomiting, agitation, and vocalization, making travel easier.

17
Q

What has research shown about the feline facial pheromone in veterinary settings?

A

Cats exposed to it are easier to handle, show less stress, and may have improved grooming and interest in food.

18
Q

How does the feline facial pheromone support cats with stress-related illnesses?

A

It is useful as part of environmental enrichment for conditions like feline idiopathic cystitis, helping manage stress-related health issues.

19
Q

What is the feline appeasing pheromone’s effect in multi-cat households?

A

It can reduce conflict behaviors like staring, blocking, hissing, and biting among cats.

20
Q

When might a cat still need pheromonatherapy long-term?

A

If ongoing support is needed to manage stress or behavioral issues, there are no issues with continuous use or immediate withdrawal if no longer needed.