Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using synthetic facial pheromone to help cats with idiopathic cystitis
By Gunn-Moore, D. A. & Cameron, M. E.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·2004·Royal (Dick) School for Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh Hospital for Small Animals, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, EH25 9RG, UK, United Kingdom·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: A pilot study using synthetic feline facial pheromone for the management of feline idiopathic cystitis
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Twelve cats with recurrent urinary issues, known as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), were treated with a synthetic facial pheromone (Feliway) to see if it could help manage their symptoms. Owners reported improvements in their cats' health while using the pheromone, with some noticing fewer days of urinary problems and less aggressive behavior. Although the results weren't statistically significant, there was a trend showing that the cats seemed to do better with the pheromone compared to a placebo. Overall, the pheromone appeared to help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve behavior in many of the cats.
People also search for: cat urinary problems treatment · feline idiopathic cystitis management · Feliway for cat anxiety
Abstract
Synthetic feline facial pheromone (FFP) (Feliway; Ceva Animal Health) was assessed for the management of cats with recurrent feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Nine of 12 cats completed the randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. They had their environment treated daily with either FFP or placebo for 2 months, after which time the treatment groups were reversed. Owners used visual analogue scales to define the severity of their cat's clinical signs and behavioural changes. Five (56%) of the owners stated that their cat's overall health was better when they were using FFP. Four (44%) of the owners noticed no difference between when using the FFP and when using the placebo. While there were no statistical differences between the two treatment groups there was a trend for the cats exposed to FFP to show fewer days with clinical signs of cystitis (FFP total, mean per cat±standard deviation, 30, 4.3±6.7; placebo 69, 9.9±19.1), a lower overall clinical score (1667, 238±476; 2009, 287±425), a reduced number of episodes of cystitis (9, 1.3±2.0; 10, 1.4±2.1) and reduced negative behavioural traits (e.g., less aggression and fear) (−128, −18.3±65.8; −73, −10.4±35.1).
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2004.01.006