Last Updated: 11/06/2025
Feliway: Diffusers and Spray
Do you own a cat with stress or anxiety? Check out our complete guide to using feliway.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 10 minutes - short read
Cats, our enigmatic and beloved companions, are masters at hiding their stress. While a purr might seem like the epitome of contentment, a change in environment, a new pet, or even a simple rearrangement of furniture can send them into a spiral of anxiety. That's where Feliway comes in, offering a helping hand in the form of synthetic feline facial pheromones. But what exactly are these products, and how do they work? Let's delve into the world of Feliway and unlock the secrets to a calmer feline friend.
The Feliway family compared
Which Feliway do I need?
As a general rule:
- Feliway is the best option if your cat is showing signs of stress such as urine spraying, scratching or hiding. Feliway is also useful in situations such as travelling, visiting the vet or cattery, moving house or decorating, visitors or new household members. Feliway is available in a spray or diffuser.
- Feliway Friends is the best option if you are introducing a new cat to your existing cat, or if the cats in your multi-cat household are not getting along (eg hissing, fighting). Feliway Friends is available only as a diffuser.
Can I use both Feliway and Feliway Friends together?
Yes! If you have multiple cats in conflict that are also displaying stressful behaviours (which is not an uncommon!), then you can absolutely use Feliway and Feliway Friends at the same time.
How to use Feliway
Feliway & Feliway Friends Diffuser
Feliway and Feliway Friends are both available in diffusers, which operate in the same way. These diffusers are designed to be plugged into an electrical socket and left on continuously 24/7, covering a space of up to 70m2. Avoid placing diffusers behind furniture, doors or curtains or underneath shelves as this can make them less effective. Each diffuser refill will last for 30 days, depending on surrounding conditions.
Most cat owners see an improvement in their cats within 7 days. However as every cat is different, and their stress levels and triggers vary widely, it can take up to a month to see results.
Feliway Spray
The Feliway Spray is useful for preventing scratching and spraying as well as making trips in the car and carrier less stressful. It can also be used generally around the home by spraying on prominent areas like window sills, cat flaps and doorways. For spraying or scratching, spray the area that has been marked after it has been thoroughly cleaned. To alleviate travel stress, simply spray inside the carrier or car.
Feliway Spray works in the environment immediately, however it is important to leave at least 15 minutes to allow the alcohol in the spray to evaporate before introducing your cat to the environment. If repeat applications are required, such as during long car journeys, the area can be sprayed every 4-5 hours. Remember to never spray Feliway directly on your cat.
Cats, our enigmatic and beloved companions, are masters at hiding their stress. While a purr might seem like the epitome of contentment, a change in environment, a new pet, or even a simple rearrangement of furniture can send them into a spiral of anxiety. That's where Feliway comes in, offering a helping hand in the form of synthetic feline facial pheromones. But what exactly are these products, and how do they work? Let's delve into the world of Feliway and unlock the secrets to a calmer feline friend.
