An Initial Open-Label Study of a Novel Pheromone Complex for Use in Cats ()
ABSTRACT
Background: A number of specific synthetic pheromones have been commercially
available for many years and used to help modify different problem behaviours
exhibited by companion animals. Recently, a new synthetic feline pheromone
complex has been patented and made available commercially. Objectives:
This study was designed as an initial open-label uncontrolled trial to evaluate
the potential impact of the new synthetic pheromone complex on a range of
different problem behaviours in pet cats. Methods: 150 owned pet cats
from either one-cat (n = 66) or two-cat (n = 84) households that had one or
more of four defined problem behaviours (urine spraying, n = 31; scratching
furnishings, n = 113; fear, n = 63; or inter-cat conflict, n = 25), were
recruited to a 28-day study of a new plug-in diffuser containing the novel
feline pheromone complex. Results: By day 28, significant (P values ≤
0.01) improvements were seen in both the frequency and intensity of all four
problem behaviours, as assessed by the owners using blinded questionnaires. A
reduction in the frequency of individual problem behaviours was reported by
69.8% - 77.4% of owners and a reduction in the intensity of the problem by 64.0% - 74.2%. Conclusions:
The results of this study support the concept that the new feline pheromone
complex may have the ability to address multiple problem behaviours.
Nevertheless, further controlled studies will be necessary and important to
both confirm, and to fully assess the clinical efficacy of the product.
Share and Cite:
De Jaeger, X. , Meppiel, L. , Endersby, S. and Sparkes, A. (2021) An Initial Open-Label Study of a Novel Pheromone Complex for Use in Cats.
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
11, 105-116. doi:
10.4236/ojvm.2020.113006.