Cat appeasing pheromone
Synthetic feline appeasing pheromone analogue
Also known as: Feliway Friends · Feliway MultiCat · Adaptil · CAP · Feline appeasing pheromone · Canine appeasing pheromone · Apaisine
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | 🌍 EU |
- Conflict and social tension between cats in the same household: 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.
Overview
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 of action
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.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- None
Adverse effects
- None reported
Precautions
Should be used alongside a behaviour management plan that allows different cats access to their own core resources. If there is no improvement within 1 month, reassess the diagnosis and behaviour plan.
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)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Detected by the vomeronasal organ (Jacobson's organ) from the environment.
Distribution
Not systemically absorbed in a traditional pharmacokinetic manner.
Metabolism
Not applicable.
Elimination
Not applicable.
Overdose
Not applicable for environmental diffusers. Normal safety and handling precautions apply.
Available products
Formulations
- Plug-in diffuser
Veterinary
- Feliway Friends Diffuser (General Sale)
Regulatory status
Available over-the-counter.
General sale list (GSL)
General sale list (GSL)
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature. Normal precautions apply for electrical plug-in devices.
Client information
Feliway Friends is designed to help cats live together more peacefully.
- Placement: Plug the diffuser into an outlet in the room where your cats spend the most time resting. Do not plug it in exactly where they fight or come into conflict.
- Usage: Leave it switched on 24/7 for the best results. Do not plug and unplug it daily.
- Expectations: It may take up to a month to see improvements. If there is no change after a month, consult your veterinarian.
- Environment: Pheromones work best when you also provide plenty of separate resources (food bowls, water stations, litter trays, resting spots) for each cat in the home.
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.