Cat appeasing pheromone
**Cat appeasing pheromone (CAP)** is a synthetic analogue of the pheromone produced by the sebaceous glands of lactating queens. It is used primarily to reduce inter-cat conflict and social tension in multi-cat households, addressing issues such as overt aggression, hissing, growling, chasing, blocking, and avoidance. > **Clinical Warning:** Chronic stress can manifest as repetitive minor medical ailments (e.g., persistent vomiting, feline idiopathic cystitis, and overgrooming). Always carefully check for and rule out underlying medical causes before relying solely on behaviour management. **Clinical Pearl:** Published reports show marginal effects when used in isolation. Pheromones are most effective when used alongside a comprehensive behaviour management plan that ensures all cats have access to their own core resources (the "N+1 rule" for litter boxes, food bowls, and resting areas).
Mechanism: The synthetic pheromone mimics the natural dermal secretions produced by a queen after giving birth, which naturally help keep kittens within the safety of the nest. Detection of these pheromones by the vomeronasal organ → triggers an innate emotional bias that does not require learning → promotes a sense of safety and security → reduces antagonism and social tension between cats sharing a home.
Dosing by species
- Conflict and social tension between cats in the same household · Plug-in diffuser which should be left on the whole time · Environmental · Continuous · Continuous (reassess diagnosis if no improvement within 1 month) · Ideally place where the cats rest; do NOT place where they come into conflict.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Routes of administration
Contraindications
- None
Adverse effects
- None reported
Monitoring
- Resolution of inter-cat conflict (reduction in hissing, growling, chasing, blocking)
- Reduction in stress-related behaviours or ailments (overgrooming, cystitis)
- Reduction in overt aggression (hissing, growling, chasing)
- Reduction in subtle social tension (blocking, staring down, avoidance)
- Resolution of stress-related medical signs (if applicable)
Overdose
Not applicable for environmental diffusers. Normal safety and handling precautions apply.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.