If your cat has been hiding under the bed, scratching furniture more than usual, or spraying around the house, stress could be the culprit. Feliway is one of the most trusted tools for calming cats, using synthetic pheromones to help your feline feel safe and settled. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to set up and use a Feliway diffuser so you can offer genuine stress relief for your cat at home.
What Is Feliway and How Does It Work?
Feliway products replicate the natural facial pheromones that cats produce when they rub their cheeks against furniture, doorways, or your legs. These pheromones signal comfort and familiarity, telling your cat that a space is safe.
The synthetic version is odourless and non-toxic to both humans and other pets. It's available as a plug-in diffuser, a spray, and a multi-cat formula — each designed to address different behavioural concerns. You can browse the full Feliway range to find the product that best suits your situation.
Unlike sedatives, Feliway doesn't change your cat's personality or make them drowsy. It simply promotes a sense of calm, which can help reduce unwanted behaviours triggered by anxiety.
Recognising Stress in Your Cat
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so stress can be easy to miss. Knowing the warning signs is the first step toward effective cat stress relief.
Common indicators include:
- Excessive grooming or fur loss
- Urine spraying or toileting outside the litter tray
- Hiding for prolonged periods
- Aggression toward other pets or people
- Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits
- Increased vocalisation, especially at night
Australian cats can face unique seasonal stressors too. Summer thunderstorms across Queensland and New South Wales, New Year's Eve fireworks, or even the shift to daylight saving time can unsettle a sensitive feline.
Setting Up Your Feliway Diffuser: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting the placement right makes a significant difference. Follow these steps to ensure your diffuser works effectively from day one.
Step 1: Choose the right room. Plug the diffuser into the room where your cat spends the most time. If your cat tends to hide in the bedroom, that's your starting point — not the kitchen or laundry.
Step 2: Position correctly. Place the diffuser in an open power socket that isn't blocked by furniture, curtains, or doors. Pheromones rise with warm air, so avoid plugging it in behind a couch or below a shelf where airflow is restricted.
Step 3: Leave it running continuously. The diffuser is designed to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Switching it on and off reduces its effectiveness because pheromone levels need to stay consistent to maintain your cat's sense of security.
Step 4: Replace the refill every 30 days. Each refill covers approximately 70 square metres. Mark the date on your calendar or set a phone reminder so you don't forget.
Quick tip: If you have a large, open-plan home — common in many newer Australian builds — you may need a second diffuser to cover the space adequately. One unit per main living area is a good rule of thumb.
Tips to Maximise Your Results
A diffuser alone won't solve every problem, but combining it with a few environmental tweaks can dramatically improve your cat's wellbeing.
Enrich the environment. Provide vertical spaces like cat trees, window perches, and shelving. Cats feel safer when they can observe their territory from a height. Check out our full range of cat products for enrichment ideas alongside calming solutions.
Keep routines consistent. Feed at the same times each day, keep litter trays in familiar spots, and avoid rearranging furniture unnecessarily. Cats are creatures of habit, and small disruptions can cascade into bigger anxiety.
Use the spray for travel. If you're heading to the vet or moving house, spray Feliway inside the carrier about 15 minutes before placing your cat inside. This gives the pheromones time to disperse and can make car trips far less distressing — particularly handy for long drives during the Australian holiday season.
Be patient. Most cats show noticeable improvement within the first seven days, but some need a full 30-day cycle before you see consistent behavioural changes. Don't give up too soon.
When to Use Feliway: Common Scenarios
Feliway isn't just for emergencies — it's a proactive tool for calming cats through predictable and unpredictable stressors alike.
Introducing a new pet: The Feliway MultiCat diffuser can ease tension when you bring a new kitten or cat into the household. Start using it a few days before the introduction.
Moving house: Set up the diffuser in your new home before letting your cat explore. Confine them to one room initially with their litter tray, food, and the diffuser running.
Renovations or visitors: Construction noise, tradies in the house, or a busy holiday gathering can overwhelm cats. Having a diffuser running in a quiet retreat room gives your cat a calming sanctuary.
Multi-cat households: If you notice tension between cats — staring contests, hissing, or resource guarding — pheromone support can help reduce conflict over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Feliway diffuser to start working?
Most cats begin to show calmer behaviour within the first week, though results vary depending on the severity of the stress. For best results, leave the diffuser running continuously for at least 30 days before evaluating its effectiveness.
Is Feliway safe to use around dogs and other pets?
Yes. The synthetic pheromones in Feliway are species-specific, meaning they only affect cats. Dogs, birds, and other household pets won't be influenced by the product, and it's completely safe around children too.
Can I use Feliway alongside other calming products?
Feliway can generally be used in combination with other calming aids such as anxiety wraps or puzzle feeders. However, if your cat is on any prescribed medication or you're unsure about combining products, it's always worth having a quick chat to your vet for tailored advice.
Ready to help your cat feel more relaxed at home? Browse the full Feliway collection at Sierra Pet Products and find the right calming solution for your feline companion.