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The use of F3 diffusers (Feliway) can simulate the effect of dense facial and flank marking within an environment, whilst the cats re-establish their own marks and exchange odours that identify them, usually a behaviour carried out when the cat feels relaxed in their environment<ref>P. Pageat, E. Gaultier. Current research in canine and feline pheromones. Vet Clin N Am (Small Anim Pract), 33 (2003), pp. 187–211</ref>
The use of F3 diffusers (Feliway) can simulate the effect of dense facial and flank marking within an environment, whilst the cats re-establish their own marks and exchange odours that identify them, usually a behaviour carried out when the cat feels relaxed in their environment<ref>P. Pageat, E. Gaultier. Current research in canine and feline pheromones. Vet Clin N Am (Small Anim Pract), 33 (2003), pp. 187–211</ref>
===Usage===
'''F3 diffusers''' must be used at a rate of 1 per 50-70m<sup>2</sup>, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. They should be left switched on at all times and must not be moved from room to room. Diffusers should be installed strategically, one in each of the locations where individual cats or [[Feline Social Behaviour#Social Structure|factions]] of cats spend time. Installing a single diffuser in a hallway between rooms will not generally produce an effect in the rooms. The refill should be replaced every 28 days.
When F3 diffusers are first installed the cats should be kept away from the diffuser for the first 1-2 hours to prevent them from spraying onto the diffuser. Being plastic, the diffusers will initially release a combination of smells that some cats may find objectionable. If a diffuser becomes contaminated with urine it should be thoroughly cleaned, otherwise it will release urine odours along with the F3. Some diffusers may need to be thrown away. If a cat is repeatedly urine marking on the diffuser it should be moved to a higher location where the cat cannot reach it if possible.
'''F3 spray''' can be used to spot mark new objects that are brought into the house (clothing, bags, new furniture). F3 spray can also be used as a deterrent for scratch marking in the home: one squirt is applied daily to the claw marking location after cleaning to remove the pheromones applied during scratching. An alternative scratching post should be provided nearby.
==F4==
==F4==
The pheromone F4 ought to be very useful for treating inter-cat aggression within the household <ref>Pageat, P., Tessier Y. [http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/1880/13/1_12.pdf Usefulness of the F4 Synthetic Pheromone for Prevention of Intraspecific Aggression in Poorly Socialised Cats]. AGRIS Records, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations</ref>, but unfortunately there have been problems with its practical use. F4 signals indicate familiarity, but with cats that have already had a number of aggressive encounters there may be a dissonance between the memory of the visual appearance of the aggressor cat and the chemical ‘familiarity’ signal. This has been seen to trigger apparent panic and violent outbursts. F4 is not recommended for treating inter-cat aggression within the household, but is very useful for reducing fear of unfamiliar people and other animals and for helping in the introduction of a new member of the household. In a professional context such as veterinary clinics, catteries or hairdressers the pheromone can be applied to the individual performing the consultation to provide a positive first contact with the cat <ref>Tessier, Y., Pageat, P., 1997. [http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/1880/21/2_2.pdf F4 synthetic pheromone: a means to enable handling of cats with a phobia of the veterinarian during consultations]. AGRIS Records, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations</ref> .
The pheromone F4 ought to be very useful for treating inter-cat aggression within the household <ref>Pageat, P., Tessier Y. [http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/1880/13/1_12.pdf Usefulness of the F4 Synthetic Pheromone for Prevention of Intraspecific Aggression in Poorly Socialised Cats]. AGRIS Records, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations</ref>, but unfortunately there have been problems with its practical use. F4 signals indicate familiarity, but with cats that have already had a number of aggressive encounters there may be a dissonance between the memory of the visual appearance of the aggressor cat and the chemical ‘familiarity’ signal. This has been seen to trigger apparent panic and violent outbursts. F4 is not recommended for treating inter-cat aggression within the household, but is very useful for reducing fear of unfamiliar people and other animals and for helping in the introduction of a new member of the household. In a professional context such as veterinary clinics, catteries or hairdressers the pheromone can be applied to the individual performing the consultation to provide a positive first contact with the cat <ref>Tessier, Y., Pageat, P., 1997. [http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/1880/21/2_2.pdf F4 synthetic pheromone: a means to enable handling of cats with a phobia of the veterinarian during consultations]. AGRIS Records, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations</ref> .
==References==
==References==