Researchers discovered using dog and cat pheromones could be key to a happy household where both are living. Relationship challenges between a new pet and an existing pet is one of the main reasons for cats and dogs get taken to shelters for rehoming.
Thought to be the first research of its kind, the results suggest that using the dog-appeasing pheromones had a more desirable effect on quality of the cat-dog relationship, even though the comfortability of the cat seems to the strongest influence.
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science via My Vet Candy, August 12, 2020. Link.
From the study text: It is worth noting that pheromone products* are intended for use as an environmental adjunct to aid relaxation. As pheromone products only form part of the environmental input processed by an individual they can be counteracted by more overt threatening cues, and this might explain why, for many behavioral problems, they are generally recommended in combination with a behavioral modification plan.
* Pheramone products utilized were Ceva Animal Health brands: Feliway FriendsTM and AdaptilTM
Also see: Pheromones; the nose knows, Animal Health Digest, March 6, 2018. Link.
INSIGHTS: This study provides more context on how pheromones can be used to aid in pet comfort and cross-species harmony in multi-pet homes.