Better behaved pets through chemistry?

How pheromones might actually work is a matter of conjecture. Because these synthetic pheromones are often used in concert with a behavior modification or counter-conditioning program, as in Hanko’s case, it’s possible that the pet is reacting more to the owner’s changed behavior or expectations than to the product itself.

When pheromones do appear to work, they usually do so within 3 to 10 days, although Hunthausen has seen a couple of almost immediate reactions in some animals. When a fearful reaction can be predicted, as in the case of fireworks on the Fourth of July or an upcoming car trip, Hunthausen recommends that pet owners start using the product at least 10 days beforehand.

Longtime Turkish Van owner and author of "Kittens for Dummies" Dusty Rainbolt of Lewisville, Texas, credits Feliway with keeping kitty hostilities at bay in her multi-cat household.

“I use it to help prevent territoriality,” she says. “It doesn’t stop it entirely because you can’t when you have this many cats, but it really tones it down.” The one time she ran out of it, she noticed an increase in urine marking until she was able to replenish her supply.

Rainbolt also finds Feliway effective for cats that don’t enjoy the car ride to the veterinary clinic. She sprays Feliway in the cat carrier 10 or 15 minutes before putting the cat inside it. She recommends using Feliway any time a cat faces a stressful situation: a new pet in the home, an owner bringing home a baby or a new boyfriend, or a pet sitter coming in while the owners are on vacation.

Could pheromone therapy help your pet? It’s possible, but you have to be willing to try to figure out why Misty or Max is anxious in the first place. Few cases of anxiety-related problems are successfully resolved without behavior therapy.

“There’s always a reason why the pet is doing what it’s doing,” Landsberg says. “If you don’t address the underlying cause, then you might not get the improvement you expect.”

Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning author who has written many articles and more than a dozen books about dogs and cats. She belongs to the Dog Writers Association of America and is past president of the Cat Writers Association. She shares her home in California with three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and one African ringneck parakeet.

Creature Comforts appears the third Monday of every month.

MORE FROM CREATURE COMFORTS

Creature Comforts Section Front

Scratching? Your pet could have allergies Life in dog years: More pets living longer Putty in their paws: Why we do what cats want No-kill shelter nation? Maybe in 5 years Raw deal? Some feed their pets uncooked diet Is ‘people food’ ever OK? 7 pet myths Grrr! When your pet hates your partner Stressed over a test? Pet your pooch Help your pets avoid holiday hazards Pet owners skipping vet visits as economy sinks Creature Comforts Section Front   Add Creature Comforts headlines to your news reader: