Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Pheromones are chemical substances representing very specific signal messages within a species. Although a lot remains unknown about their precise effects, it is known that pheromones influence the behaviour of the receiver. Since the mid 1990s, when it was first possible to synthesise analogues of two fractions of feline facial pheromone, F3 (Feliway®) and F4 (Felifriend®), these have been used in so called pheromonotherapy to treat behavioural problems in cats. The initial use of pheromones for specific behavioural problems has been extended to cover the wide field of stress related issues. This study
contains a questionnaire where veterinary nurses and surgeons at 50 Swedish veterinary hospitals and clinics were asked about their use of synthetic analogues to feline facial pheromones in the care and treatment of cats. This study shows that over 70 percent of the participants use the products Feliway ® and Felifriend®, and that the most noticeable effects are cats that are calmer and easier to handle. The results of the study suggest that pheromonotherapy may be a means to improving the quality of care for hospitalised patients.