170 Chapter 11that any cat prescribed medication for a behaviour issue is closely monitored to gauge
improvement and to watch for adverse effects on health. One disadvantage of using
medication in cats can be the difficulty in administering it, which can itself be a source
of stress for a cat, and should therefore be a major consideration when evaluating the
possible benefits or otherwise, and which medication to use.
The most regularly prescribed medications are those that influence behaviour via
effects on neurotransmitters, primarily serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, acetyl-
choline, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, and their receptors in the cen-
tral nervous system (see Table 11.1). The precise mechanism of each drug varies, as
does the neurotransmitter targeted, but their action is primarily centred on the com-
munication from one nerve cell to another via the neuronal synapse (Fig. 11.6).
Pheromonatherapy
Scent is a prominent part of feline communication involving pheromones, which are
chemical substances that convey messages between individuals of the same species
(see Chapter 3). Synthetic versions of some of these feline pheromones are available
commercially and can be used to help cats cope with stressors or deal with potentially
stressful situational events, and/or to assist with behaviour therapy when a behaviour
problem already exists.
Synthetic facial pheromones
Five feline facial pheromones (F1–F5) have been identified, two of which, F3 and F4, have
been synthetically reproduced. The F3 fraction has been identified as being associated
with facial marking of familiar and safe areas. The synthetic analogue of this faction is
marketed under the trade name of Feliway Classic and is available as a spray or in a
plug-in diffuser that should be located near to the cat’s preferred resting place. The spray
has an alcohol base that may be unpleasant for the cat, so a few minutes should lapse
between applying the spray and allowing the cat access to the area. When using the dif-
fuser, there have been a number of anecdotal reports of cats urine marking on or close to
the diffuser when it is first plugged in. This may be due to the scent of the diffuser warm-
ing up or the cat perceiving the pheromone scent as a threat before it becomes accustomed
to it. To avoid this, it can therefore be advisable to initially plug the diffuser into an
electrical socket that is out of the cat’s reach and then relocate it after a day or so.
The F3 fraction as a spray or diffuser can be used to help minimize stress for cats
at potentially stressful times; for example:
● Moving home: plug in a diffuser in the old home a week or so prior to moving, and then
a day or two before taking the cat to the new home, plug a diffuser in at the new house.
● Travelling: spray in the carrier and around the car 10–15 minutes prior to a journey.
● Fireworks or other potentially frightening events: plug in the diffuser a few days
before the event is expected.
● Changes to the environment, e.g. decorating, building works: plug in the diffuser
a few days before work commences.
● Veterinary/cattery visits: use the spray in the carrier; diffusers can also be installed
at the vet practice or cattery.