COMPOSITION

Synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of feline facial pheromone 100 mg/mL in 89.2% ethanol.

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

Feliway Spray helps to stop and prevent urine marking, and to settle and calm cats in unknown or stressful environments (carrier basket, cage, car, holidays, new house, new companions). In addition to urine marking, reactions expressed by cats to stressful situations that may benefit from the use of Feliway Spray include vertical scratching, loss of appetite and a reduced desire to play and interact. Feliway Spray may also be recommended by veterinarians or behavioural specialists for other specific cases.

Urine marking involves a well recognised behavioural sequence where the cat: selects a vertical surface, paws at the ground, tums its back to the surface, lifts its tail to a vertical position while remaining standing, and sprays the surface with a horizontal jet of urine. The cat may perform this behavioural sequence of urine marking during a period of sexual activity, and following an event that changes its environment or is otherwise perceived as stressful by the cat. Urine marks produced in this way are characterised by a strong smell even though the quantity of urine deposited each time is usually small, and they are found at about 20 cm above the floor.

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

For all indications apply a single spray of Feliway Spray daily for up to 30 days. Do not spray directly onto the cat. Deliver a single spray (one depression of the nozzle), ensuring that the bottle is held vertically. The spray nozzle should be approximately 10 cm away from the site being sprayed and 20 cm above the ground. The treatment of each site should be stopped once the cat is observed rubbing the site with its head and marking it with its own facial pheromones. Where this is not observed, treatment should be continued for 30 days.

Stop urine marking. Avoid cleaning urine marked areas with products containing 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. Feliway Spray should be sprayed directly onto the places soiled by the cat and also on prominent objects (chair legs, table legs, anything that the cat may rub against at its height) that could be attractive to the cat. The method of use should be modified in the following circumstances.

Sexually excited cats. When a male cat is marking in response to the presence of a female in heat (this is usually accompanied by continual calling), it is not necessary to apply Feliway Spray on all prominent objects that could be attractive to the cat. In this case, it is usually sufficient to apply Feliway Spray only to the places marked, which are usually doors and windows.

Multiple cat households. The risk of urine marking is greater when several cats are present in a household. The application of Feliway Spray should be increased to two or three times per day on marked sites and once per day on prominent objects that could be attractive to the cat.
Elderly cats. Feliway Spray may need to be used daily for 45 days in the manner described above, then once every two to three days for as long as necessary.

Prevent urine marking. In order to prevent urine marking by a cat (new house, holiday, rental etc.) Feliway Spray should be sprayed once per day on prominent objects that could be attractive to the cat.
Vertical scratching. Apply Feliway Spray on scratched areas once a day and provide an appropriate altemative, such as a commercially available cat scratching pole or similar, nearby. Apply daily for at least four weeks.

Transport, boarding areas, cattery, familiarisation. For transport in a car or other vehicle, spray three to four times around the cat's place in the vehicle and in the corners of the carry cage 15 minutes before placing the cat in it. Reapply before each journey, or every one to two hours during a long journey. When boarding, spray each corner of the cattery accommodation before introducing the cat. Repeat the sprays daily until the cat is observed to rub its head in the areas of the sprays.

PRESENTATION

Spray (bottle): 60mL.

STORAGE

Highly flammable liquid and vapour. Keep away from sources of ignition. No smoking. In case of fire, use foam extinguisher for extinction. Keep container tightly closed. Store in a well ventilated area. Store below 25°C (Air Conditioning).

AVAILABILITY

From Veterinarians (APVMA 59464)

WARNINGS

Poisons Schedule Nil.

Feliway Spray is for marked objects and is not to be sprayed directly onto the cat.

Precautions: Feliway Spray will not stain or mark. Nevertheless, owing to the wide variety of materials used in household furnishings, we advise that the product be tested on a sample that is not easily visible prior to using it. For best results the product should be allowed to come up to room temperature by leaving it in the room for about one hour before using it, and it should be shaken prior to use.

Safety directions: Will irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Do not inhale spray mist. Wash hands after use.

First Aid: If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre. Phone Australia 131126.
If the product is on skin, immediately wash the area with soap and water.
If the product is in eyes, wash it out immediately with water. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Keep rinsing. If eye irritation persists or skin irritation occurs, seek medical advice.
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting.

Disposal: Dispose of empty container by wrapping with paper and pulling in garbage.
Interactions: Feliway Spray may safely be used in combination with psychotropic drug therapy.