An Initial Open-Label Study of a Novel Pheromone Complex for Use in Cats

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.