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Cats are territorial animals. They mark out their territory using a variety of visual and scent signals. Changes in the environment (such as visits to the vets, return from hospitalisation, moving house, new arrivals, rearrangement of furniture... can be disturbing for the cat because of the absence or loss of these familiarisation marks and it can become anxious. The most likely reaction to this anxiety is a change in the frequency or type of marking. Unfortunately for the owner, this often results in the onset of urine spraying and or scratch marking around the house. These signs are worse in multicat households where tension can occur between animals and lead to intercat aggression.
It should be noted that urine marking and scratching are NORMAL behaviour for the cat, but they can also occur when the cat is stressed or feels threatened. Transport too is a stressful situation for cats and it can show various emotional signs such as agitation, miaowing, vomiting...
Signs of stress in cats are different but easy to identify:
Urine marking
Feline urine spraying is one of the primary methods used by cats to mark out their territory. Whether male or female, neutered or not, it is exhibited by almost every cat that goes outside. But while spraying urine outdoors may be acceptable, most owners find the behaviour difficult to tolerate in the home due to the strong odour and potential hygiene risks.
Urine marking is a very specific behavioural sequence where the cat adopts a posture that is easy to recognise:
- He approaches a vertical surface (wall, item of furniture...
- He sniffs the surface, treads the floor,
- Then he turns his back,
- And standing with his tail erected, he emits a horizontal jet of urine onto the object.
During urine spraying behaviour, the cat stands up and marks of urine are generally small and seen above the ground. Urine on the floor, large volumes of urine or urine in the sleeping area are typically not signs of urine marking. Consult your veterinary surgeon.
Scratch marking
There are several kinds of scratching:
- Scratching horizontal surfaces when waking up, during play or sexual excitation
- Scratching on vertical surfaces to keep claws in trim,
- Scratching on vertical surfaces to send a signal. Only this can be qualified as a marking behaviour.
How to differentiate the two?
If the cat is targeting only one or two specific sites in the home, usually in hidden or otherwise discreet areas, it is likely it is keeping its claws in shape for hunting.
If the scratching becomes more widespread, particularly in visible areas around doorways and windows, or is centred on prominent objects such as a settee, then this may be an indication that the cat is unsettled and his level of anxiety increased. As a result, he starts scratch marking to increase the number of visual and scent signals in the immediate environment.
Feliway® is only active on vertical scratch marking.
Other signs of stress
Cats that are introduced to an unknown environment, for example a new home or cattery, can become stressed due to the lack of familiarisation marks and show signs of stress such as:
- loss of appetite
- Reduce desire to play
- Reduce desire to interact
Trials have shown that when Feliway® is introduced into these otherwise strange environments cats are much more relaxed and will interact and feed significantly more quickly.
In any case, Feliway® will help to reduce the level of stress and to control the unpleasant reactions, by creating a state of well-being and calm in the cat's environment.
Some of these signs can have other origins than behaviour problems and we therefore advise you to always consult your veterinary surgeon before engaging in any course of action. He/she will recommend suitable options which may include behaviour therapy if appropriate.
How to use Feliway Diffuser?
As per directed on the simulation:
1. Remove the vial cap
2. Screw the diffuser onto the vial and gently tighten
3. Plug the diffuser into an electric socket and switch on for one month. Leave the device switched on continuously.
For urine marking or scratching
Use the Feliway® Diffuser in the room where marking has taken place. If the cat marks in several rooms (with a total surface area of more than 70sq. m.), place another diffuser in one of the other rooms that have been marked.
In severe cases, in particular in multicat households, it is recommended to combine the use of the diffuser with the use of Feliway® Spray for 2 weeks. Apply 1 dose per day on the marked areas as directed in How to use Feliway® Spray?
For loss of appetite or reduced desire to interact and play
Plug in the Feliway® Diffuser in the room most used by the cat. The active area of the diffuser is 50 to 70 sq. m and one vial lasts approximately four weeks. If you live in a two storey house and your cat has access to the whole house, it is recommended to plug another diffuser on the second floor.
General advice
The device and the refill are specially designed for
Feliway® Diffuser. The properties of the product cannot be guaranteed if a different device is used with the refill. Similarly, the electric device should not be used with another substance.
Feliway® Diffuser should be placed in an open area: Do not plug in behind a door, a curtain or underneath furniture. Do not cover.
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