Are Feliway Products Safe for Humans?
Feliway is a popular product line developed by Ceva Animal Health that aims to reduce stress and anxiety in cats by mimicking the feline facial pheromone. These products are available in various formulations, such as diffusers, sprays, and collars, and have gained widespread use among pet owners to promote a calm and stress-free environment for their feline companions.
While Feliway is intended for use with cats, questions often arise about its safety for human exposure. In this article, we will explore the available research and scientific evidence to answer the question, “Are Feliway products safe for humans?“.
Understanding Feliway and Its Mechanism of Action:
The core ingredient in Feliway products is a synthetic analog of the feline facial pheromone, known as the feline pheromone analogue (FPA). Cats naturally produce this pheromone when they rub their faces against objects and surfaces, marking their environment as a safe and familiar territory.
When released, this pheromone signals a sense of familiarity and security, thereby helping to reduce feline stress, anxiety, and inappropriate behaviors like urine marking and scratching.
By imitating this pheromone’s signals, Feliway helps create a harmonious and stress-free atmosphere, making it particularly useful in situations that can induce anxiety in felines, such as moving to a new home, introducing new pets, loud noises, or visits to the veterinarian.
Feliway products are available in various forms, including diffusers, sprays, and collars. Each formulation is tailored to suit specific needs and situations, allowing cat owners to choose the most appropriate method for their pet’s unique circumstances.
Are Feliway Products Safe for Humans?
Feliway products have been on the market for several years, and there have been no reported major adverse effects in humans associated with their use.
The synthetic pheromone used in Feliway mimics the natural feline facial pheromone, which has a calming effect on cats but does not have a direct physiological effect on humans. This is because pheromones are specific to individual species, and the pheromones released by cats (or Feliway) have no (negative) impact on humans.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, Feliway is considered safe for humans of all ages. For new mothers, rest assured that Feliway has no negative impact on babies either, as stated on the official Feliway website.
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Relevant Studies on Feliway Safety:
No relevant (or published) studies have been carried out on Feliway effects on humans. This is because of the simple fact, that it is not possible for the pheromones emitted by Feliway to have any impact on humans.
In contrast, there have been many studies conducted on Feliway on cats, where no adverse effect was observed on either the cats, or researches involved. This can be taken as further evidence that Feliway products are safe for humans.
Are Feliway Products Safe for Pregnant Humans?
Pregnant women often take extra precautions regarding their exposure to various substances to ensure the well-being of their developing fetus.
While no specific studies have investigated the direct effects of Feliway on pregnant humans, the available evidence from general use and research on the synthetic pheromone’s properties indicates that it is unlikely to pose any significant risk to pregnant women or their unborn babies.
The synthetic pheromone used in Feliway is intended for use in cats, and its calming properties are primarily aimed at reducing feline stress and anxiety. As it does not exert any direct physiological effects on humans, the risk of adverse effects during pregnancy is minimal.
However, to err on the side of caution, pregnant women may consider limiting their direct exposure to Feliway products, especially those involving direct contact, such as sprays and spot-on applications. Instead, they can opt for Feliway diffusers, which disperse the synthetic pheromone into the air without direct contact with the skin.
Conclusion:
Feliway is generally considered safe for humans, and there have been no reported major adverse effects associated with its use. The synthetic pheromone used in Feliway products is intended to mimic the feline facial pheromone and has a calming effect on cats.
As a result, it is unlikely to cause any significant harm to any men, women, pregnant women or their unborn babies.
