Does Feliway Work and What Are The Best Things To Do For An Anxious Cat

Feliway is a synthetic form of the feline facial pheromone that cats use to mark their territory as safe and secure. It can be useful in managing stress-related behaviors in cats such as marking, scratching, and aggression.

However, it's important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment to ensure it's appropriate for your cat's specific needs.

Different Types of Feliway Products

Standard Feliway

Standard Feliway is designed to help cats feel secure in their surroundings, helping mitigate behaviors like scratching and spraying. This can be particularly useful during times of change that could stress your cat, such as moving or introducing a new pet into the home.

Feliway Friends

Feliway Friends (or Feliway MultiCat in some regions) is formulated to decrease tension and conflict between multiple cats in a household. It mimics the "harmony marker" pheromone that mother cats emit to encourage a sense of unity and peace amongst their kittens.

The ideal product will depend on your cat's unique situation. If you have a single cat showing signs of stress, standard Feliway may be most suitable. However, if you have several cats who are not getting along, Feliway Friends could be the better option.

Apart from Feliway, there are additional methods to manage anxiety in your cat:

1. Routine

Maintaining a regular schedule can greatly decrease anxiety. Consistent feeding, play times, and litter box cleaning can provide a comforting routine for your cat.

2. Playtime

Regular playtime can help decrease anxiety and also stimulate your cat mentally. Toys that emulate prey, such as feather wands or laser pointers, can be particularly engaging.

3. Quiet Spaces

Ensure your cat has a quiet, safe space to retreat to when needed. This could be a specific room, a cat tree, or even a box.

4. Comforting Scents

Some cats may find comfort in familiar scents. You can leave items with your scent, like worn clothes, in their preferred areas.

5. Thundershirt for Cats

This is a specially designed garment that applies gentle, constant pressure to a cat’s torso, creating a calming effect for most cats.

6. Consultation with a Professional

If your cat's anxiety is severe or persistent, it might be best to consult with a professional, like a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can provide advice tailored to your specific situation and may suggest treatments such as anti-anxiety medication.

How to Enrich Your Cat's Environment

1. Cat trees and perches

Cats love to climb, and cat trees provide a fun opportunity for this. Perches also offer cats a safe, elevated space to survey their surroundings.

2. Interactive toys

Interactive toys can help stimulate your cat mentally. Puzzle feeders, which reward your cat with food, can be particularly enjoyable.

3. Scratching posts

Scratching posts allow cats to indulge in their natural instinct to scratch and can contribute to claw health.

4. Windows

If possible, give your cat access to windows. Watching the world outside can be highly stimulating for cats.

5. Hiding places

Providing scratching cardboard houses, boxes, tunnels, or even paper bags can offer excellent hiding spots for cats.

6. Rotating Toys

Instead of leaving all toys out, try rotating them to keep your cat interested.

7. Different Textures

Offering different materials for your cat to walk and rest on can provide sensory stimulation. Some cats might prefer soft blankets, while others may favor hard, cool surfaces.

8. Cat-friendly Plants

Non-toxic indoor plants can give your cat a sense of nature indoors.
As a closing note, while outdoor environments can sometimes provide additional enrichment, it's recommended