COMPOSITION

Synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of feline facial pheromone 16.5 mg/mL.

ACTIONS

Pheromones are chemical messengers used for communication between members of a species. The pheromones emitted by one individual can affect and change the behaviour of other individuals of the same species. When a cat feels safe in its environment, it rubs its head against the furniture, the corners of walls or the bottom of curtains, and leaves facial pheromones behind. These pheromones convey a message of well being, calm and the absence of stress, resulting in a significant reduction in unwanted behaviour such as urine marking, vertical scratching etc., and helping to resolve relational problems in multicat households.

The pheromone in Feliway is a synthetic copy of the familiarisation facial pheromone that cats use to mark objects in their environment. It creates and maintains a state of well being and calm. The concentration of pheromone in the air at anyone time is very small and, as pheromones are species specific, the familiarisation pheromone in Feliway will have no effect on humans or other animal species. Since pheromones are not systemically absorbed, the absence of toxicity and side effects makes them particularly beneficial to sick or aged pets, and allows for their safe use alone or in combination with psychotropic drug therapy.

INDICATIONS

The Feliway Diffuser aids in alleviating signs associated with fear and stress in kittens and cats. When there are changes in the cat's environment (e.g. moving house, renovations or building work, a new baby or pet, visitors or the loss of a feline or human companion), or if a cat is scared (e.g. in multicat households, fireworks or thunderstorms, visits to the vet or boarding), a state of disquiet or stress may develop. This state can be conveyed by changes in behaviour, such as urine marking, vertical scratching, loss of appetite and refusal to play and to interact. In these situations, the Feliway Diffuser can be used to restore the natural balance.

If a behavioural problem is due to the cat feeling fearful or stressed then Feliway will help reduce this behaviour, especially If used in conjunction with behavioural modification therapy. If the problematic behaviour is unrelated to stress, Feliway will have no effect.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Remove the vial cap. Screw the diffuser onto the vial and gently tighten. The vial must be used with the Feliway Diffuser electric device. Plug the diffuser into a power point, switch on and leave on continuously day and night for four weeks. The refill should be replaced as required. It should be plugged in low to the ground so that the cat can lie next to it. The diffuser covers an area of 50 to 70 m² and must not be covered, nor placed behind a door or underneath furniture. Replacement of the diffuser every six to 12 months is recommended.

Urine marking and vertical scratching. Avoid cleaning urine marked areas with products that contain ammonia (a byproduct of urine) or bleach. Use water, surgical alcohol, enzymatic washing powder or a commercially available pet urine remover to treat the soiled area. Plug the Feliway Diffuser into the room where the marking has occurred. If the cat marks several rooms (with a total area of more than 70 m²), place another diffuser in the other rooms that have been urine marked. Leave the diffuser switched on continuously day and night for four weeks. Replace the refill as necessary until the problem subsides. Feliway Spray may be used in addition to the Diffuser for spot treatment in areas where urine marking persists.

Stress or fear provoking situations. Plug in the Feliway Diffuser in the room in which the cat spends most of its time. Ideally, plug in three to four days before the expected change in the cat's environment, i.e. before bringing home a new baby or before thunderstorm seasons starts. Leave the diffuser switched on continuously day and night for four weeks. Replace the refill as necessary until the problem subsides.

Loss of appetite, reduced desire to play and interact, intercat aggression. Plug in the Feliway Diffuser in the room in which the cat spends most of its time. Leave the diffuser switched on continuously day and night for four weeks. Replace the refill as necessary until the problem subsides. To reduce stress in multicat households, each cat should have its own place to sleep, eat, drink and go to the toilet in peace, as well as a safe place to hide.

The duration of use may be adapted according to veterinary recommendations. Pheromone therapy should be discussed with experts in the field (veterinarians and animal behaviour specialists) who can assess the individual situation of the animal involved and suggest additional measures that may be taken to help the animal cope with stressful situations.

Use in veterinary practice. Plug in diffusers in the waiting room, consultation rooms, preparation area and cattery areas and leave on continuously. Replace the refills every four weeks.

Boarding areas, cattery. Plug in the diffuser in the cattery area and leave switched on for the duration of the stay. Consider using a diffuser in the home environment when the cat returns.

PRESENTATION

Diffuser and vial, 48 mL; refill 48 mL. The diffuser is specifically designed for this product. The properties of this product cannot be guaranteed if a different device is used.

STORAGE

Store below 25°C (Air Conditioning). Keep out of reach of children.

AVAILABILITY

From Veterinarians (APVMA Number 59157)

WARNINGS

Poisons Schedule Nil.

The Feliway electric diffuser device should only be used with the Feliway Diffuser formulation. Use of another substance may increase the toxicity or flammability of the product. The Feliway Diffuser formulation is specifically designed for use with the Feliway electric diffuser device. The properties of the product cannot be guaranteed if a different device is used.

Precautions: Keep out of reach of children. For use in the animal's environment only. Do not apply directly to the animal. Ensure that the bottle and unit are kept upright at all times. Do not cover the device or place underneath furniture. Do not place near a source of heat or direct sunlight. Switch off the unit when the bottle is empty or has been removed.

Safety directions: During and immediately after use, do not touch the diffuser device with your hands. When plugged in, do not touch the device with wet hands or with metal objects. Never insert a refill into the unit while it is connected to a power point. The surfaces of the diffuser device reach high temperatures to encourage evaporation of the active ingredients. These surfaces should not be touched during use of the product. Do not attempt to repair or alter the unit.

First Aid: If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre. Phone Australia 131126. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Give a glass of water. If skin contact occurs, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. If eye contact occurs, wash out immediately with water. If irritation persists, consult a doctor.

Disposal: Dispose of empty container by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage.
Interactions: May safely be used in combination with psycho¬tropic drug therapy.