I RECENTLY mentioned the use of plug-in pheromone diffusers to reduce the anxiety in cats that can cause them to scratch in the house.

I have had a number of requests for more information. Pheromones are complex chemical substances, which, when produced by an animal, communicate a message, by way of smell, to another.

Extensive veterinary research has resulted in the formulation of two pheromone preparations that have particularly useful effects in the pet world.

The first is Feline Facial Pheromone. Anyone with a cat will have seen it rubbing its head on objects in its environment.

What it is doing is spreading traces of facial pheromone around itself. These produce a feeling of calm, security and well-being. It’s rather like you smelling your favourite flower, food or perfume. The behaviour also produces a feeling of being where you belong.

Changes in the cat’s environment (such as a visit to the vet, rearranging furniture, introducing new items, changing the bed or the introduction of a new animal) will upset it because of the absence or loss of this pheromone.

It will feel agitated, grumpy and insecure. As a result it will often indulge itself in antisocial behaviour, such as urine spraying, overgrooming or territory marking. It might alternatively lose its appetite or refuse to play or interact.

Clients often tell me that their cat goes in the huff with them after a visit to the vet. I’m pleased they now know it’s the pheromones and not me that is the problem!

Feline Facial Pheromone is available as a plug-in diffuser called Feliway, which is useful for any cat showing signs of stress. The spray version is also very handy for cats that are freaked out by transport. These poor individuals react to the stress of being stuffed into a cat carrier by biting, scratching, defacating and urinating. A few sprays in the box before travelling can make life happier (and safer and cleaner) for everyone.

Help is also on hand for dogs too. In mammals, all nursing mothers produce a substance, called appeasing hormone, from around the mammary glands when pups suckle.

This pheromone enhances the attachment between mother and offspring and provides reassurance and comfort. It explains why babies (and puppies) settle so quickly when they are nestled next to their mums, but its beneficial effects also extend into adulthood.

Dog Appeasing Hormone, called Adaptil, is available as a plug-in diffuser and has a number of uses. It is ideal for preventing the fear and stress, manifest as whining and restlessness, which is experienced by puppies when they move to a new home.

In clinical trials, destructive chewing behaviour and excessive barking, caused by separation anxiety, were reduced by 72 per cent and 81 per cent respectively. Its use also reduced, by 80 per cent, the panting, trembling, cowering and hiding that occurs in dogs who are petrified of fireworks.

The nice thing is, these products are entirely natural.

No drugs, no tablets, no sedatives and definitely no screaming and shouting required.

I just can’t wait for Veterinary Nurse Appeasing Pheromone to be invented.