Pheromones for cats – What they are and how to use them

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The animals have a multitude of ways to communicate with each other, they can connect through sight, sounds, vocalizations, body positions, smells or pheromones, among others. However, in this article, we will focus on pheromones, specifically the feline species, to give information to those people who have a “multigato” home (2 or more cats) and usually find themselves facing aggression problems between them. This fact is very frustrating and saddening for the human who lives with them, since all he wants is for his cats to live harmoniously.

If you do not know What are pheromones for cats or how do they use them?, continue reading this article and you will solve your doubts.

What are pheromones of cats?

The pheromones are biological chemical compounds, mainly formed by fatty acids, which are produced inside the body of animals, are Secreted to the outside by glands special or joining other body fluids such as urine. These substances are chemical signals thrown and captured by animals of the same species and influence their social and reproductive behavior. They are released constantly to the environment or at specific times and places.

Pheromones are very present in the world of insects and vertebrates, it is known that they also exist in crustaceans and molluscs, but they are unknown in birds.

Why do cats rub their head? – Feline facial pheromone

Cats capture pheromones by a special sensory device located on the palate called vomeronasal organ. Have you ever noticed that your cat pauses a little when it smells and leaves its mouth ajar? Well, at that moment, in which the cat opens its mouth when it smells something, it is smelling pheromones.

The glands that produce pheromones are found in the area of ​​the cheeks, chin, lips and whiskers. These glands exist in both dogs and cats. As a curiosity, the dog has two more glands, those of the ears, one in the ear canal and one in the outer ear. In the cat, they have managed to isolate five different facial pheromones in the sebaceous secretions of the cheeks. At this time, we know the function of only three of them. These pheromones are involved in the behavior of territorial marking and in certain complex social behaviors.

The cat seems to mark some points around its preferred paths in its territory rubbing the face Against them. In doing so, he deposits a pheromone, which can reassure him and helps him organize the environment by classifying it into “known objects” and “unknown objects.”

During the sexual behavior, to detect and attract females in heat, the male cat rubs the face in places around where the cat is and leaves another pheromone different from the one used in the previous case. It has been observed that in sterilized cats the concentration of this pheromone is minimal.

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Other pheromones in cats

In addition to facial pheromones, other pheromones are distinguished in cats for specific purposes:

  • Pheromone of urine: the urine of male cats has a pheromone that gives it its characteristic smell. The marking of urine is undoubtedly the best known behavior in the cat and is considered the main problem of behavior of the cats that live with humans. The position that cats acquire during tagging is typical; small amounts of urine are raised and sprayed on vertical surfaces. This hormone is linked to the search for a partner. The cats in heat usually mark also.
  • Scratching pheromone: the cats release it by scratching some object with their front legs, and they also attract other cats to perform the same behavior. Therefore, if your cat scratches the furniture and you do not know what to do, see the article “How to prevent my cat from scratching everything”, understand its behavior and guide it.

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Pheromones for aggressive cats

Feline aggression is a very common problem observed by ethologists. It is a very serious fact because it endangers the physical integrity of other animals, including humans and other pets. A cat in a home can achieve high well-being by sharing the territory with humans or other animals such as dogs, but they are little tolerant to the presence of other feline companions in closed places. Feral cats that live in social groups with a lot of food form matrilineal groups, that is, the females and their daughters are those that remain in the colonies. Young males usually leave the group and adults, if they are tolerant with each other, could overlap their territories although, in general, they keep their territory actively defended. In addition, a social group will not allow another adult cat to join. On the other hand, a feral cat can have a territory of between 0,51 to 620 hectares, while the territory of a house cat has artificial limits (doors, walls, walls, etc.). Two cats that live in a house should share space and time, besides being tolerated without showing aggression.

In the case of aggression in cats, there is a pheromone called “soothing pheromone” It has been observed that in cats that live together or between a cat and a dog or a cat and a human being, when the cat is sociable to these species, this pheromone decreases the likelihood of aggressive behavior between the cat and the other individual that has been sprayed with this hormone. There are also diffuser pheromones that promote a relaxed and calm environment, making felines appear calmer. This is how the hormones sold in the market work, however, we recommend consulting with a specialist to know which is the most appropriate for our specific case.

Homemade pheromones for cats

One of the most used home remedies to calm a hyperactive or aggressive cat is to grow catnip or catnip grass at home. This herb attracts most cats in an irresistible way, although we must bear in mind that not everyone is equally attracted (Approximately 70% of the world population of cats is and is due to genetic factors) and that not all cats have the same effects after ingesting it.

We can use this herb as a treat, rub it against objects or new animals to make them attractive. This homemade “pheromone” for cats also serves as a relaxant for hyperactive cats or as an insect repellent.

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If you want to read more articles similar to Pheromones for cats – What they are and how to use them, we recommend that you enter in our Curiosities section of the animal world.

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