Do plug-in pheromone diffusers for cats and dogs really work?

If your cat or dog is anxious or stressed, you might have heard of plug-in pheromone diffusers designed to help calm pets and improve their wellbeing. These unscented devices release synthetic pheromones that mimic natural calming signals, which many pet owners find helpful for reducing stress and behavioural problems.

This article explores how these diffusers work, what scientific research says about their effectiveness, and whether they might be a good addition to your pet care routine.

What are pheromones?

Pheromones are chemical signals naturally produced by animals to communicate social information to others of their species. These invisible, odourless compounds can trigger a variety of behaviours, from mating cues to calming responses.

Cats and dogs produce specific pheromones, including sex pheromones, alarm pheromones to signal danger, food-trail pheromones, and calming pheromones released by mother animals to soothe their young. Scientists have synthesised these compounds to create products that mimic their calming effects in pets.

What are plug-in pheromone diffusers?

Well-known products like Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs emit synthetic versions of naturally calming pheromones. These diffusers work like air fresheners that plug into a socket, gently heating a liquid solution to release pheromones over time.

Feliway releases feline facial pheromones that help cats feel at home and reduce territorial behaviours such as spraying and aggression. Adaptil mimics the dog appeasing pheromone nursing mothers produce to comfort puppies, aiming to ease separation anxiety, fears of loud noises, and other stress-related behaviours.

How do pheromone diffusers affect cats and dogs?

Animals detect pheromones using specialised receptors located between their nose and mouth. When your pet senses calming pheromones from a diffuser, these signals can encourage relaxation and a sense of security.

Feliway was initially developed to manage stress-related territorial issues, but its applications now include easing the introduction of new cats and reducing general anxiety. Adaptil is commonly used for dogs experiencing separation anxiety, noise phobias, or other stressful situations.

What does research say about effectiveness?

Scientific studies and veterinary reports provide mixed but reassuring evidence about the benefits of pheromone diffusers:

• A 2024 clinical study found that both plug-in and non-powered gel diffusers helped reduce undesirable behaviours in cats, with some owners preferring the gel diffuser for its ease of use and longer-lasting effect.
• Another peer-reviewed report demonstrated that Feliway eradicated urine marking in 37% of cats studied and significantly reduced it in 40%, although 23% showed no change.
• Research on Adaptil's effectiveness is less conclusive, partly due to challenges in objectively measuring stress in dogs, but anecdotal evidence supports its calming effects.
• Studies on multi-pet households suggest combined products like Feliway Friends (for cats) and Adaptil can reduce tension and improve relaxation between cats and dogs.

While not a cure-all, pheromone diffusers are safe, non-invasive, and free from known side effects, making them a valuable tool in managing stress and behavioural issues, especially when used alongside training and environmental improvements.

How long does it take to see results?

Typically, you may need to use a diffuser for two to four weeks before noticing improvements in your pet's behaviour. It’s important to be patient and maintain consistent use during this period. Some pets may not respond to these products, so watch their reactions and consult your vet or behaviourist if concerns persist.

Should you try a pheromone diffuser for your pet?

If your Border collie dog or Bengal cat, or any other breed, shows signs of anxiety or stress, trying a pheromone diffuser like Adaptil or Feliway may be worthwhile. Remember, these products work best as part of a holistic approach including behavioural training, environmental adjustments, and vet advice.

Ensure you use products as directed and never rely solely on diffusers to manage aggression or severe behavioural issues. Responsible pet ownership means combining tools and professional guidance to support your pet’s mental and emotional health.

Overall, plug-in pheromone diffusers can be a positive addition to your pet care toolkit, promoting calm and comfort in many cases.