If your cat is spraying, hiding, or scratching furniture, understanding how Feliway supports cat behaviour could be the breakthrough you've been looking for. This synthetic pheromone product mimics the natural facial pheromones cats use to mark safe spaces, offering genuine cat stress relief. Here's everything you need to know about using Feliway to help your feline feel calm and settled at home.
What Is Feliway and How Does It Work?
Cats naturally produce pheromones from glands around their face, which they deposit by rubbing against furniture, doorways, and even your legs. These chemical signals communicate safety and familiarity to the cat. Feliway is a synthetic version of these feline facial pheromones, designed to replicate that same reassuring message.
When a cat detects these pheromones in its environment, it receives a signal that the space is secure. This can reduce stress-driven behaviours like urine marking, excessive scratching, and hiding. Feliway is available in several formats — plug-in diffusers, sprays, and travel options — so you can choose what suits your household best.
Unlike sedatives or oral supplements, Feliway works passively in the background. Your cat simply breathes in the pheromones as it moves through the room. It's odourless to humans and won't affect other pets in the household.
Common Cat Behaviour Problems Feliway Can Address
Stress in cats often shows up in ways owners don't immediately connect to anxiety. Knowing the signs helps you act early and use the right anxiety and stress relief products before behaviours become entrenched.
Urine spraying and marking: One of the most common reasons cat owners reach for Feliway. Vertical spraying on walls, doors, or furniture is typically a stress response rather than a toileting issue. Feliway helps by signalling to the cat that the territory is already "claimed" and safe.
Destructive scratching: While scratching is normal, cats under stress may scratch excessively or target new surfaces. Pheromone support can reduce the anxiety driving this behaviour.
Hiding and withdrawal: A cat that suddenly spends most of its time under the bed or on top of the wardrobe may be feeling overwhelmed. This is especially common after moving house, introducing a new pet, or during Australia's storm season — particularly in subtropical regions like South East Queensland, where summer thunderstorms can be relentless.
Inter-cat tension: Multi-cat households sometimes experience conflict that ranges from subtle (blocking access to resources) to overt (hissing and fighting). Feliway MultiCat, which mimics the appeasing pheromone produced by mother cats, is specifically designed for these situations.
Feliway Diffuser Guide: Setup and Placement Tips
Getting the most out of a Feliway diffuser comes down to correct placement and consistent use. Here are the key steps to follow.
Choose the right room: Plug the diffuser into the room where your cat spends the most time or where the unwanted behaviour is occurring. If your cat sprays in the hallway, that's where the diffuser should go. For general calming, the living area is usually the best spot.
Keep it unobstructed: The diffuser should be plugged into an open wall socket, not behind furniture or curtains. Pheromones rise with warm air, so anything blocking the unit will reduce coverage. Avoid plugging it into power boards or extension leads.
Leave it running continuously: Feliway diffusers are designed to operate 24/7. Switching them on and off reduces their effectiveness. Each refill typically lasts around 30 days and covers approximately 70 square metres.
Quick tip: If you have a larger home or multiple problem areas, consider using one diffuser per floor or zone. For travel or short-term situations like vet visits, the Feliway spray applied to a carrier blanket 15 minutes beforehand can make a real difference.
Replace refills on time: Mark your calendar for monthly refill changes. Running a diffuser with an empty or expired vial means your cat is getting no benefit at all. The diffuser unit itself should be replaced every six months for optimal heat distribution.
Getting the Best Results from Feliway
Feliway works best as part of a broader approach to feline wellbeing. Pheromone support is powerful, but combining it with environmental enrichment amplifies the results.
Give it time: Some cats respond within the first few days, but most owners notice meaningful changes after two to four weeks of continuous use. Don't give up after a few days — consistency is essential.
Address the environment: Ensure your cat has access to elevated perching spots, clean litter trays (one per cat plus one spare), and quiet retreat spaces. Browse our range of cat supplies for scratching posts, beds, and enrichment toys that complement a calming routine.
Reduce obvious stressors: Loud renovations, new furniture with unfamiliar scents, or a neighbourhood cat visible through the window can all trigger anxiety. Where possible, manage these triggers alongside Feliway use.
Use during predictable stress events: If you know a stressful event is coming — such as holiday fireworks, house guests, or a move — start the diffuser at least 48 hours beforehand. Australian summer brings New Year's Eve fireworks and increased storm activity, both of which are common triggers for indoor cats.
Keep a simple behaviour diary noting any spraying, scratching, or hiding incidents. This helps you track progress over the first month and decide whether to continue, adjust placement, or try a different Feliway format.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Feliway to start working?
Most cats begin showing calmer behaviour within seven days, though the full effect typically builds over two to four weeks of continuous use. Every cat is different, so patience and consistent diffuser operation are key.
Is Feliway safe to use around dogs and other pets?
Yes. Feliway pheromones are species-specific, meaning they only affect cats. Dogs, rabbits, birds, and other household pets won't detect or be influenced by them, so you can use the diffuser in shared living spaces without concern.
Can I use Feliway alongside other calming products?
Absolutely. Many cat owners combine Feliway with calming treats, enrichment toys, or other stress relief solutions for a well-rounded approach. If your cat's behaviour doesn't improve after a month of combined strategies, it's worth having a chat with your vet to rule out underlying health issues.
Ready to help your cat feel more relaxed at home? Explore our full range of cat anxiety and stress relief products at Pacific Pet Supplies and find the right Feliway solution for your household.