Feline facial pheromone F3
Feline facial fraction F3 synthetic analogue
Also known as: Feliway · Zenifel · F3 fraction · Feline facial fraction F3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Familiarization in stressful situations or new environments | Apply spray 30 minutes before the cat has access to the area | Environmental | prn | As needed | 🌍 EU |
| Existing urine marking | 1 dose (one depression of the nozzle) from about 10 cm from the soiled site at a height of about 20 cm from the floor | Environmental | sid | Ongoing | 🌍 EU |
| Prevention of urine marking | Spray once per day in locations of behavioral significance | Environmental | sid | Ongoing | 🌍 EU |
| General anxiety and environmental changes | 1 diffuser per 50-70 m² | Environmental | Continuous | Ongoing | 🌍 EU |
- Familiarization in stressful situations or new environments: Can be applied to consultation or preparation tables to aid handling for anesthesia induction and medical exams.
- Existing urine marking: In multicat households, apply 2-3 times/day on previously marked sites and once a day on other locations of behavioral significance.
- General anxiety and environmental changes: Place in the room most frequently occupied by the cat. If area exceeds 70 m² or air conditioning is used, add a second diffuser.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Feline facial pheromone F3 is a synthetic analogue of the natural F3 fraction used by cats for facial marking of their physical environment. It is widely used to manage stress-related behaviors such as indoor urine marking, inappropriate scratching, and situational anxiety (e.g., transport, vet visits, environmental changes).
Clinical Warning: Residual enzymatic cleaners can break down the active ingredient. Ensure soiled areas are thoroughly rinsed and completely dry before applying the F3 spray.
Clinical Pearl: Pheromones are highly species-specific. This product will not have any behavioral effect on dogs or humans in the household.
Mechanism of action
The synthetic F3 analogue stimulates receptors in the vomeronasal organ (Jacobson's organ) → transmits signals to the limbic system → induces a calming and reassuring effect, particularly in the presence of stimuli associated with threats to physical resources or territory.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- None reported
Adverse effects
- None reported in animals
Precautions
Human Safety: Humans with known sensitivity to the ingredients should avoid using the product in their homes.
- Diffuser Use: Do not repeatedly switch the diffuser on and off; it is designed to be left on continuously. One diffuser covers approximately 50-70 m².
- Spray Use: Allow the spray to come to room temperature before application. Always wait 30 minutes after spraying before allowing the cat access to the area (allows the alcohol carrier to evaporate).
- Surface Testing: Patch-test fabrics and polished surfaces before extensive use to prevent staining.
Monitoring
- Behavioral response (reduction in urine marking, scratching, or signs of anxiety)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Not applicable (environmental application, acts via inhalation/vomeronasal detection).
Distribution
Not applicable.
Metabolism
Not applicable.
Elimination
Not applicable.
Overdose
Not applicable as the product is applied to the environment and not administered systemically.
Available products
Formulations
- Plug-in diffuser
- Topical environmental spray
Veterinary
- Feliway Plug-in diffuser
- Feliway Topical environmental spray
- Zenifel Plug-in diffuser
- Zenifel Topical environmental spray
Regulatory status
General sale product.
General sale product.
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature. Keep away from sources of ignition, as the spray formulations typically contain an alcohol base.
Client information
- Diffuser Placement: Plug the diffuser into an outlet in the room where your cat spends the most time. Leave it plugged in 24/7; unplugging it reduces its effectiveness.
- Using the Spray: When using the spray in carriers or on furniture, always wait at least 30 minutes before letting your cat near the area. This allows the strong-smelling alcohol base to evaporate, leaving only the odorless pheromone.
- Cleaning Accidents: If cleaning urine marks, avoid using bleach. If you use an enzymatic cleaner, rinse the area thoroughly with water and let it dry completely before applying the pheromone spray, as the enzymes can destroy the pheromone.
- Safety: The pheromone is specific to cats and will not affect humans or other pets like dogs.
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.