Feliway or Pet Remedy Diffuser?

[Sarah M]

Hey everyone,

Basically, I want to get a diffuser for my multicat household. I'm in the middle of introducing a newer member to my existing 3 cats. I want to use something that can help things along.

I have used Feliway diffuser before and it did not seem to be doing anything. Never used Pet Remedy diffuser, but I do have the Pet Remedy spray. My vet also uses the Pet Remedy spray, swears by it.

But I wanted to get a broader opinion. Feliway is not cheap.

But I also want to know if you've tried any of the two before and what your experiences were. Thanks!

 

[mani]

I'm astounded that your pet recommends the Pet Remedy spray as it includes essential oils and in my opinion and experience they are such a no-no for cats.
Valerian is considered less toxic. Cats, apparantly get quite high on it. The others I would leave well alone. It might make them more laid back, but at what cost?

I'm always wary of 'pet sprays' that supposedly work for a number of animals: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses and all pets.

 

[Sarah M]

So then Pet Remedy is out of the question. Thanks for letting me know. I do use it sparingly, only when there is extremely high stress, and yeah I have noticed them calming immediately after. But, if uts toxic, then I will promptly stop using it. Don't want anything harming my cats.

What else do you recommend?

 

[Kris107]

I used the Feliway spray in the past and I don't think it made a difference. Have also tried calming collars - not on the cat but in the cat bed. In my experience, they didn't help. There's no magic wand to make cats all calm and on the same page. If you have 4, that'll be a challenge. At least twice a day, my 2 get the crazies and go after each other to burn off energy. Luckily, they generally are both up for it and it's fairly reciprocal. You can see how with 4, that could get a bit iffy. What is going on behaviorally that you're trying to fix? Is your space otherwise calm and mellow? Is your routine/family routine relatively the same?

 

[Kieka]

I'd agree with the others, anything marketed as good for multiple species is generally a bad idea because there will be difference effects across species lines. I would imagine any positive impact you've seen in the past is more along the lines of a placebo effect or maybe it was simply being more aware of the situation helped the situation.

If I am understanding right, you are proactively trying to help with introductions? Feliway is probably the safest option for that even though the help of it is fairly debatable. I keep one in my house to hopefully calm down my crazy girl but I am very much aware that it may be doing nothing.

 

[Sarah M]

I used the Feliway spray in the past and I don't think it made a difference. Have also tried calming collars - not on the cat but in the cat bed. In my experience, they didn't help. There's no magic wand to make cats all calm and on the same page. If you have 4, that'll be a challenge. At least twice a day, my 2 get the crazies and go after each other to burn off energy. Luckily, they generally are both up for it and it's fairly reciprocal. You can see how with 4, that could get a bit iffy. What is going on behaviorally that you're trying to fix? Is your space otherwise calm and mellow? Is your routine/family routine relatively the same?

So I've been trying to integrate the new cat, Momo into my cat household for a while now. Have made significant progress with one of the cats, Nayla. However, the most problematic is Snow who fixates on Momo for the whole dang day. And then she had started redirecting attention on to Nayla. There was a pee and poop incident, where mostly Nayla, I don’t know for sure, peed and pooped in my bed. I suspected it was cause of Snow.
The other day, Nayla, definitely sure this time as she smelled of pee, again peed on the couch cushions. (But there were fireworks, and so maybe she got spooked).

I do use enzymatic cleaner and no marker spray. I have 5 litter boxes for 4 cats. Momo is contained in her own enclosure and so is Snow now. I have set up her own enclosure. I only have a studio apartment so space is limited and separation can only be done using enclosures. (I cannot use the bathroom as separation zone, as I only have one, and its not well-ventilated).

I work full time so am away for most of the day. My routine has been the same for years, but I did shift into this place in July, with all four cats. (Shifting went well, it's only now that these problems are emerging). I play with cats daily and also have set up some motorised toys recently to help with boredom when I'm not home. Plenty of high perches too with lots of windows to see out of.

I'm gonna be adding another litter box so, hopefully that will help. But I wanted to type of solution that can at least ease some of the anxiety that the cats are facing. I don't want to give medication unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Sarah M]

I'd agree with the others, anything marketed as good for multiple species is generally a bad idea because there will be difference effects across species lines. I would imagine any positive impact you've seen in the past is more along the lines of a placebo effect or maybe it was simply being more aware of the situation helped the situation.

If I am understanding right, you are proactively trying to help with introductions? Feliway is probably the safest option for that even though the help of it is fairly debatable. I keep one in my house to hopefully calm down my crazy girl but I am very much aware that it may be doing nothing.

That makes sense. Do you have any other recommendations?.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Here is the thing with Feliway. There are people who swear by it, others who say it is useless...and THEY ARE BOTH RIGHT! As with most things cat, every cat is different. You just don't know until you try something how it will work. And most of these products are expensive, which can strain a tight budget.

I did find a fairly good article on essential oils and cats. There are a few that are safe, WITH PROPER DILUTION, which is given in the article. Myself? I would do a further search on EACH of the listed "safe" oils, and not take one site's word for it. Get a consensus!

Aspca List Of Safe Essential Oils For Cats – Vet Explains Pets