Pheromone Diffusers for Cats - How Do They Work?

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Why Do Vets Recommend the Use of Pheromones to Help Cats?

What Are Pheromones?

Pheromone FAQS!

Not all cats are cool cats all the time. If your kitty is showing signs of stress or anxiety, there’s one method that’s been proven to help them feel safe, happy and relaxed, and that’s a plug-in pheromone diffuser for cats.

Why Do Vets Recommend the Use of Pheromones to Help Cats?

Vets recommend the use of pheromones to help cats:

  • Feel calm and relaxed.

  • Adjust to new pets.

  • Adjust to new homes.

  • Feel less stressed during firework/party seasons like bonfire night, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

  • Separation anxiety.

  • And many other uses to reduce your cat’s anxiety.

    But what exactly are plug in pheromone diffusers for cats and how do they work?

What Are Pheromones?

Pheromones are olfactory (or scent) chemicals that are produced and released by different scent glands which are found on cats’ paw pads, bums, nipples, and heads.

Our feline friends are exposed to pheromones from birth and they’re one of the most important methods they use to communicate with other cats and kittens and the world around them.

Pusses share pheromones in some of the following cute and not-so-cute ways:

-Rubbing their heads over furniture

-Bumping their head against you or other cats 

-Kneading or scratching 

-Spraying urine 

-Emptying their anal glands

Cats use a special organ called the vomeronasal organ (located on the roof of their mouths) to understand the different pheromone signals they come into contact with. Their facial pheromone secretions alone can contain nearly 40 different chemicals - and moggies will be able to interpret the meaning behind every last one. Thanks, vomeronasal organ! 

Cats use different pheromone signals for all sorts of different reasons:

-To mark people, animals or objects as safe and trustworthy

-To create familiarity

-To soothe themselves

-To warn other cats of potential dangers in their environment

-To encourage bonding between other cats and kittens

-To mark their territory

-To let other cats know they’re feeling sexy

Pheromone FAQS!

  • How Do Pheromones Relax Cats?

    Out of the countless chemicals that kitties produce, the feline facial pheromone is the one that provides a sense of comfort, safety and reassurance to your cat - it sends out happy signals.

    You know when your cat gives you a little head bump or rubs their face on your hand, leg, or furniture? They’re basically leaving a little perfumed Post-it for themselves that says “I love and trust this!” – aww.

    When they come into contact with this happy pheromone they’re hit with feel-good chemicals which reduce stress and help them relax.

  • What Are Pheromone Diffusers?

    Pheromone plug-in diffusers are a bit like electronic air fresheners that plug into a wall socket, but instead of wafting around essential oils they release synthetic versions of the feel-good cat pheromones. The drug-free, odourless vapour creates a calm and peaceful environment for cats.

    If your cat seems particularly stressed or you don’t understand what’s behind their anxious behaviour, it’s worth having a chat with your vet to rule out any underlying issues.

  • How Long do Pheromone Diffusers Take to Work on Cats?

    Some cats will respond within 2 to 4 days, but every kitty is different so it could take up to a month before you notice any effects if your cat has anxiety issues.

    Make sure you place your calming pheromone plug-in diffuser in the room where your cat likes to hang out most and avoid using it in places where they’re unlikely to spend time, like the hallway or near their litter tray, or in a place where the plug-in diffuser is restricted such as behind the sofa.

  • Should You Use a Cat Pheromone Diffuser All Year Round?

    In order to achieve maximum kitty contentment, it’s a good idea to keep the diffuser switched on continuously. Use the calming diffuser for a minimum of one month to make sure your cat’s had time to benefit from those feel-good pheromones and refill it every month with Itch’s handy subscription service.

  • Are There Any Side Effects of Using Pheromone Diffusers for Cats?

    They are completely safe, have no side effects, and don’t pose any risk to cats, kittens, other species or humans! Because synthetic pheromones replicate the chemical messages cats send to each other as a normal part of cat communication, it’s all completely natural.

    It’s essentially just a copy of a natural signal telling your cat that everything’s cool.

Find out more about Itch Calming Pheromones Plug-in Diffuser

Our vet-approved, drug-free formula designed to help ease anxiety and reduce uncool behaviours in your cat!

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