Pheromones for cat: what is it, what use?

Pheromones for cat: what is it, what use? The cat secretes natural pheromones that are unique to its species. They allow him to appease, communicate, socialize and mark his territory. The laboratories have developed synthetic pheromones to help cats relieve their stress, agitation, aggression and trouble in the event of a disturbing change or event. What are pheromones? What is their role? Where to find them? Discover all the answers to these questions.

What are pheromones?

There are two types of pheromones: natural pheromones and synthetic pheromones.

Natural pheromones

Natural pheromones are emitted by the cat to allow him to communicate with other cats and to perceive his environment. The cat produces them thanks to the sweat glands and the sebaceous glands located at the level of his eyes, his mouth, his genitals and his pads. Odorless and unnoticeable by humans, these chemicals have a very specific role.

Indeed, pheromones have a role in communication because they serve to transmit olfactory messages. In his palace, the cat possesses what is called Jacobson's organ or vomeronasal organ; this one allows him to perceive the smells and the pheromones that he emits to reassure himself on his environment by identifying his smell there. To capture them, the cat opens his mouth and slightly rolls his lips to suck the air, what is called a flehmen.

The cat emits several types of pheromones:

• Territorial pheromones: These pheromones are emitted by the cat through the urine when an animal enters its territory, when it feels an emotion or sexual arousal. He produces them by his urine.
• Alarm pheromones: these are emitted by the cat when the cat is afraid or stressed in order to keep the source away from his anguish. He produces them by his pads and his anus.
• Identification pheromones: they are emitted when the cat seeks to mark its territory and to obtain well-being. He produces them by his cheeks, which is why he rubs himself with objects.

Synthetic pheromones

Synthetic pheromones are created by laboratories to help cats feel good and more peaceful when their natural pheromones are not enough to reassure them or do them good, especially in case of significant stress. These pheromones are as odorless for humans as natural and they are sold in spray or diffuser. The cat who perceives them feels soothed and feels a sense of well-being.

What is the use of pheromones for cats?

When a cat is in a stress situation, he can not secrete enough pheromones to calm down, which aggravates his anxiety and can push him to mark his territory by urinating.
To bring him synthetic pheromones by spray or by diffuser presents several utilities:

• With pheromones, your cat may feel calm when he is living or facing a stressful situation such as work in your environment or another source of outside noise that he can not see or control.
• They soothe him when he sees a disturbing event such as a move, in which he loses his visual cues and his olfactory landmarks. Pheromones help him calm his stress.
• They limit urinary marking and scratching in cats that need it to mark their territory.
• They help cats with the arrival of a new pet in the home. The newcomer as the cat already present will be appeased by their broadcast for a few days before and after arrival.
• The arrival of a baby in the home is also a source of stress for the cat who feels neglected and who perceives the cries of this new "intruder". Pheromones can help him better live this disturbing event.
• They calm the cat during a trip in the transport crate or during a visit to the veterinarian.

The pheromones produced by cats are only perceived by their congeners. It is not uncommon to see veterinary clinics waiting rooms how powerful their action is. Indeed, it is enough that an anxious or stressed cat arrives so that the others start to stress or to be agitated in their turn.

Where to get pheromones?

To help your little companion to calm down, you can get synthetic pheromones spray or diffuser. The laboratories have developed effective formulas:

• The fraction F3 helps to recreate the olfactory territorial marking of the cat. This form helps relieve disorders such as stress, anxiety, scarring or urinary deposits caused by situations of change, stress or disruption of habits. You will find it under the Feliway or Zenifel brands.
• The F4 fraction promotes acceptance and familiarization. It is recommended to stimulate social contacts and to alleviate the conflicts and anxieties related to the arrival of a new animal or a human. It is marketed under the Felifriend brand.

You will find diffusers and sprays in the trade and at veterinarians for an average cost of 20 euros. A bottle lasts an average of one month. These natural anti-stress are interesting solutions to relieve the troubles of your little companion.