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Pheromones for anxiety and stress in dogs and cats

Pheromones for anxiety and stress in dogs and cats

Written by Anne | November 4, 2026

Pheromones are substances produced naturally by the body that can influence animal behaviour. Dogs and cats use them to warn other members of their species, mark their territory or during reproduction, among other things.

Some pheromones have a calming effect. Products from Adaptil and Feliway contain substances that resemble these natural pheromones. They can be used to provide support with fear, tension or stress.

What are pheromones?

Pheromones are signalling substances that animals use to communicate with each other. People cannot consciously perceive these substances, but they can influence the behaviour of dogs and cats.

Their effect differs between species. Adaptil products have therefore been developed specifically for dogs and Feliway products for cats.

Adaptil products for dogs

Adaptil for dogs

A mother dog releases a calming pheromone through her mammary glands, known as Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP). This supports the bond between mother and puppy and gives puppies a sense of security. The calming properties of this pheromone remain later in life.

Adaptil pheromone products contain a substance that resembles the natural DAP of dogs. They can provide support with behaviour associated with fear, tension or stress.

Adaptil diffuser

The Adaptil Calm Diffuser continuously releases calming pheromones into the home. The diffuser can be used for dogs that display stress-related or unwanted behaviour at home, for example due to separation anxiety or moving house.

Adaptil spray

The Adaptil Transport Spray is intended for smaller spaces, such as a car or kennel. Using the spray before a car journey can provide support with travel stress and sometimes travel sickness.

Adaptil collar

The Adaptil Calm Collar is intended for dogs that display behaviour associated with fear or stress both indoors and outdoors. The dog wears the collar continuously, so the support is not limited to one space.

Adaptil Chews

Adaptil Chews do not contain pheromones, but calming ingredients. They are intended for short-term stressful situations and can provide support within one to two hours. Examples include fear of fireworks or tension surrounding a visit to the vet.

Feliway products for cats

Feliway for cats

Cats make their surroundings feel familiar by rubbing their heads against objects. This releases facial pheromones. Cats can also mark their territory by scratching or spraying urine. When a cat displays this behaviour indoors, it may be a sign of tension.

Feliway contains substances that resemble the natural pheromones of cats. The different products are intended for specific situations.

Feliway Classic

The Feliway Classic Diffuser continuously releases substances that resemble the facial pheromones released when a cat rubs its head against objects. This can help support familiar surroundings and reduce stress-related marking behaviour.

Feliway spray

Feliway Spray can be used during short-term stressful situations. You can use the spray in the carrier, for example, before travelling with your cat by car or going to the vet.

Feliway Friends

Feliway Friends is based on the pheromone that a mother cat releases through her mammary glands while feeding her kittens. This pheromone supports a sense of security and the bond between mother and kittens.

The Feliway Friends Diffuser can be used when cats show signs of tension between them, such as chasing, staring, blocking the way or fighting.

Feliway Optimum

Feliway Optimum contains a pheromone complex that combines properties of Feliway Classic and Feliway Friends. The product is intended to provide broad support with unwanted behaviour and can contribute to familiar surroundings and harmony between cats in the home.

Choosing Adaptil or Feliway

Always choose a product that suits the animal species and the situation in which fear or stress occurs. Adaptil has been developed for dogs and Feliway for cats. Are you unsure which product is suitable for your pet? View the Adaptil or Feliway range, or contact the Vetsend vet at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.

Read our other blogs too

Separation anxiety in dogs

One of the most common behavioural issues in dogs is separation anxiety. We need to differ dogs with real separation anxiety and dogs that struggle to stay home alone. It doesn’t always mean that dogs that don’t want to be left home alone are actually scared and fearful. Separation anxiety doesn’t just hurt your dog’s wellbeing, it can also cause issues and create unpleasant situations for the owner.

Stress in cats: Causes and effects

Stress is one of the most common causes for undesired behaviour. It can lead to excessive scratching on furniture, couches etc. It can also cause issues like spraying in the house. There are many different factors that could lead to stress or behavioural issues.

Feliway – Stressed Cat Behaviour

Feliway is an synthetic copy of the cat pheromone: the so-called feline facial pheromone. This cat pheromone is released by special glands and are produced from glands around your cat's mouth, mouth and chin. By rubbing its head along objects - the typical behaviour that everyone with a cat will recognise - the cat gives off the pheromones to its surroundings. This way, the cat marks its territory, within which it feels safe and at ease. The natural marking behaviour with pheromones is essential for the well-being of your cat. The pheromones that a cat releases into its environment by rubbing give it peace of mind, security and confidence.

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