Feline pheromones may help reduce stress in cats, and a recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science compared the gel diffuser Zenifel with Feliway Optimum, an electronic diffuser, to see if they performed similarly.
A group of 90 cats with behavior problems were included in a two-month study. The six most reported stress behaviors were hypervigilance, seeking the owner’s attention, hiding, excessive vocalization, inactivity, and excessive scratching. For the study, only single-cat households without dogs were chosen. Owners completed questionnaires about observed behaviors on days 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 of the study period.
Both diffusers reduced cat stress behaviors. The owners reported that their cats were calmer even when away from the diffused areas, such as on car trips to the veterinary clinic. Overall, however, the study found all six behaviors significantly improved over time with Zenifel while only four improved with Feliway Optimum. The Feliway cats showed no improvement for excessive meowing and inactivity.
Owners reported that Zenifel is more convenient to use throughout the year since the gel diffuser has no need for an electric outlet.
Espuna, G., et al. “A long-lasting gel-based diffuser of feline pheromone can help reduce undesirable behaviors in cats at home: comparison with an electric diffuser,” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Volume 11, 2024, August 2024.
