Behaviour & anxiety
Adaptil vs Feliway: which is for dogs and which is for cats
Adaptil and Feliway look identical on the shelf and confuse many UK pet owners. They are made by the same company (Ceva) and both deliver synthetic pheromones via plug-in diffusers — but they are species-specific and not interchangeable. This guide explains which is which, what each does, and when one or the other (or both, for multi-pet households) is the right call.
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What to look for
- Adaptil — for dogs only. Mimics the dog appeasing pheromone produced by lactating mothers, conveying a 'safe' signal.
- Feliway Classic — for cats only. Mimics the F3 facial pheromone cats deposit when rubbing their cheeks on objects (territorial marking that says 'safe').
- Feliway Friends — different cat pheromone (cat appeasing pheromone), for multi-cat households with social tension. Not the same as Feliway Classic.
- Plug-in diffusers cover roughly one room — position in the room the pet uses most, not a hallway.
- Continuous use for chronic anxiety; episodic use (week before) for predictable events like fireworks or vet visits.
- Refills sold separately — the unit lasts indefinitely, the bottle is consumable.
What to avoid
- Using Adaptil on cats or Feliway on dogs — neither species detects the other's pheromone, so both products do nothing for the wrong species.
- Plugging into the wrong room — diffusers cover one room only. A diffuser in the kitchen is useless for a dog hiding in the bedroom.
- Stopping after a week — for chronic anxiety, continuous use is the model. The diffuser doesn't 'top up' a permanent supply.
- Substituting cheaper unbranded pheromone diffusers — formulation and concentration matter; published evidence is for the branded products.
Our recommendations
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Adaptil plug-in diffuser (dogs)
The dog version. Synthetic dog appeasing pheromone. Use for fireworks, separation anxiety, kennel/boarding stress, vet visit preparation, and chronic anxiety.
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Adaptil refills
Refills last about 30 days. The unit is reusable indefinitely. Buy in multipacks for chronic use.
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Feliway Classic diffuser (cats)
The cat version. Synthetic facial pheromone. Use for fireworks, moving house, new baby, urinary stress, multi-cat tension where one cat is the marking source.
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Feliway Classic refills
Refills last about 30 days. Buy in multipacks ahead of fireworks season — they sell out in October.
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Feliway Friends diffuser
Different cat pheromone (cat appeasing pheromone). Use for multi-cat households where cats fight or hiss at each other. Not a substitute for Feliway Classic.
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Adaptil collar (for dogs that roam)
For dogs that move between rooms or visit unfamiliar places (boarding, vet visits). Replace monthly. Useful complement to a plug-in diffuser.
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Frequently asked questions
Do these products actually work?
Independent UK and EU studies show modest but real benefit for moderate stress (fireworks, kennelling, moving house). They are not a replacement for behavioural work in severe cases. They are inexpensive enough to be worth trying for most stressed pets.
Can I use both Adaptil and Feliway in a multi-pet home?
Yes, and most multi-pet UK households should. Plug Adaptil where the dog rests, Feliway where the cat rests. They don't interfere with each other.
How long do diffusers last?
About 30 days per refill. The unit itself is reusable. Set a calendar reminder to check refill levels weekly — anxious pets stop responding the day a diffuser runs dry.