Cats are highly sensitive to environmental change. Unlike dogs, who often show stress through active behaviours like barking, cats tend to internalize stress — and the most common visible sign is urine spraying or marking. Vertical spraying on walls, furniture, or curtains is one of the leading reasons cats are surrendered to shelters, yet in the majority of cases it is a stress response that can be effectively managed.
Ceva Feliway Classic is the most clinically studied cat pheromone product in the world. It contains a synthetic analogue of the feline facial pheromone — the chemical signal cats deposit when they rub their face on objects to mark them as safe and familiar. When Feliway is present in the environment, it signals to cats that the space is secure, reducing the motivation to spray or mark. It also helps with generalized anxiety, hiding behaviour, and loss of appetite in stressed cats.
Product Formats
Feliway Classic is available in three formats to suit different situations:
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Diffuser refill (48 ml, 1-pack): Replaces the refill in an existing Feliway Classic diffuser. Provides 30 days of continuous coverage up to 70 m².
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Diffuser refill (3-pack): Three 48 ml refills providing 90 days of continuous coverage — best value for ongoing management.
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Spray (20 ml or 60 ml): For targeted, on-demand use on specific objects or areas — carriers, new furniture, veterinary blankets, or spots where spraying has occurred.
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Starter Kit: Includes the electric diffuser unit and one 48 ml refill for first-time users.
Directions for Use
Diffuser: Plug into an outlet in the room where the cat spends most time. Leave plugged in continuously. Replace refill monthly; replace diffuser unit every 6 months.
Spray: Apply 8–10 sprays to the target area. Wait 15 minutes before allowing the cat access. Do not spray directly on the cat.
Supplement Advisor's Note
Feliway Classic is particularly effective for urine spraying triggered by changes in the social environment — new cats, new people, or household conflict. For inter-cat tension specifically, Feliway Friends (which uses a different pheromone, C.A.P.) tends to be more appropriate. Using both products simultaneously in a multi-cat home experiencing both spraying and inter-cat tension is a well-established veterinary approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Feliway Classic reduce spraying?
Most cat owners see a reduction in spraying frequency within 7–14 days of continuous diffuser use. Complete resolution may take 4–8 weeks depending on the severity and duration of the problem.
Is Feliway safe for dogs and other pets?
Yes. Feline facial pheromone is species-specific — it has no effect on dogs, rabbits, or other animals. It is odourless to humans.
What is the difference between Feliway Classic and Feliway Optimum?
Feliway Classic targets spraying and environmental insecurity using the facial pheromone. Feliway Optimum is a newer, enhanced formula that combines multiple feline pheromone fractions for broader stress coverage. For complex or persistent anxiety, Feliway Optimum may be more effective.
My cat still sprays after using Feliway. What should I do?
Feliway addresses the stress component of spraying but does not resolve underlying causes such as outdoor cat intrusions, litter box issues, or medical conditions like feline idiopathic cystitis. A veterinary assessment is recommended if spraying persists beyond 4–6 weeks of Feliway use.
