Feliway and similar products... results? And related...WOW what a rip off!

[Lisa0825]

I ordered Feliway, but also read about some other products called "rescue flower essences." People gave rave reviews on their website, but then lots of people believe water has memory, and I don't believe that. Have any of you tried either Feliway or flower essences or both? What were your results?

Here is where I read about the flower essences: http://www.catfaeries.com/feliway.html

OK, so I ordered the Feliway diffusers online because I called Petco, the only place I know of that carries it near here, and it was almost TWICE AS MUCH in the store as it was online. Then I thought even though I paid extra for 2 day shipping, I wanted something to help NOW, so I decided to drop by and see how much the spray was. I figured I'd get it even if it was 20% more. Nope, again TWICE what it was at Petco online or other online retailers.

SERIOUSLY, PETCO?? TWICE AS MUCH???? I guess you either don't want any in-store shoppers or only want to attract the ones either too dumb or too desperate to shop online. I told the clerk at the register (I did find one thing I wanted to buy at a decent price there), and she seemed annoyed by the practice too, especially since she pointed out that there were signs all over about beating other local prices, but those policies do NOT apply to their own web store. I told her I wouldn't be back... that if I needed anything from them that I couldn't find elsewhere I'd only shop online. She gave me a satisfaction survey. LOL! Definitely doing that!!!

In other news.... I haven't let Fabi out yet. I just gave her some yummy Fancy Feast. I thought I would give her an hour to come out of hiding and have din din, and then I will open the door and let her back out. I hope the Feliway gets here quick!

[Lisa0825]

1. I found my answer about flower essences....

There are a lot of links on the CatFairies page, so somehow I missed this:

http://www.catfaeries.com/essences_faq.html

Turns out it's the same concept of dilution in homeopathy... in other words, there's nothing there.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. CAREALOTPETS.COM cheapest anywhere and very fast delivery.

I have used Bach's Rescue Remedy with alot of success...stress reducing during thunderstorms and car rides.

http://www.carealotpets.com/Products/Rescue-Remedy-Pet-10-ml-Dropper__49944.aspx

[elleng]

3. Hey Bklyn!

:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Hey elleng!

How are wedding plans coming along?

[elleng]

5. OK, going to Philly Good Friday!!! to shop for MY outfit, but

more better
Going to PARIS tomorrow, for a week of museums and cuisine!!!

http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/programdetail.asp?RowId=1%2D7GFSA

[BrklynLiberal]

9. I am IMPRESSED!!!!!

[Lisa0825]

8. Thanks, I have bookmarked them for my next order :-)

I read about Bach's, but it seems to be just what I meant above about water with no active ingredient. Tests showed no difference from placebo, so I think I'll try the Feliway alone and hope it works.

Thanks for the link! :-)

[liberalla]

6. You might want to try "Good Cat"

I found it at Petco (in the store) a few years ago.
http://www.petco.com/product/6441/Pet-Organics-Good-Cat.aspx

It's a homeopathic formula that you put in the drinking water.

This stuff really works well to calm and relax the cat or cats. I can see a difference within 10-15 minutes. My cat liked extra liquid in her wet cat food and I would add 1/4 tsp or so, plus 1-2 TBL water in with her wet food. This worked better and was more economical than a larger amount in the water bowl, which she drank less of since she had the extra water in with her food. It's odorless and tasteless, and she didn't notice any change with her food (and she was finicky). I started out using it in the drinking water and she was fine with that, before I switched over to using it in her food.

She was very fearful and had never been handled. The "Mom" cat was the same way and only one person could get near her. All the kittens were skittish and wild. I got the last kitten. She was last because she was hardest to catch, but in a "it-was-meant-to-be" way, she was also the kitten that I pointed out in photos as my favorite. (ahhh....)

Luckily, I got her at exactly 8 wks so she became comfortable and loving with me, but no one else. I adored her. We had 16 1/2 yrs together. Anyway, taking her to the Vet was a nightmare - which only became worse as she grew older. She didn't like company or other animals. She would hide and hiss. This stuff just really RELAXED her. It didn't change her personality, but she seemed much happier and more comfortable. It wears off after several hours.

I have tried the Feliway, after my Vet used it with her in the exam room. The results of Feliway were disappointing. I didn't notice much of anything. With Good Cat, there's a definite change. I have used it with my two new cats that I adopted when I first got them. Same results. I really like the stuff! and much cheaper too!

Good Luck to you and Fabi.

[Lisa0825]

7. I don't believe in homeopathy if it is the true definition of it...

in which serial dilutions result in no active ingredient at all. For instance, with Bach's essences, double blind studies showed no difference from placebo. Is that what this product is?

Thanks for the good wishes :-)

[liberalla]

10. I don't know much about homeopathy...

and I couldn't vouch for the type of homeopathy this is.

All I know, is that it works. It's like kitty valium. What I like is that it's fast acting, and it wears off after a 3-4 hours. So, it's not permanent. Good for traveling, new surroundings etc.

I've personally used it with four cats - with similar results. I don't normally endorse or "push" products (figured out a LONG time ago that I'm not good in sales), but saw your post mentioning Feliway and was curious what it was about. That stuff did not help us at all.


P.S. -- I go by results. I swear by Coldcalm for colds, and Sabadil for seasonal allergies. They're both homeopathic formulations. Rescue Remedy did nothing for me, although many people love it - I didn't notice anything.

Again, I really wish you the best in your search to find comfort for Fabi and peace for all the kitties in your home. :hi:

[badgerpup]

11. One of my Sainted Vets uses a lot of natural remedies...

...she mixed up a Bach flower remedy for Riktor when he was grieving for Misha.

'Grieving' meant that Riktor was not only not eating, but he was aggressive and hostile towards both Esme AND me...
he bit me pretty seriously (left marks, but didn't -quite- break the skin).

Told him he'd just bought himself a trip to the vet- wanted to make sure he wasn't ill.
She asked about symptoms (and what had brought it on), diagnosed 'grief' and mixed up a remedy specific to what Riktor was suffering (and he was suffering, poor baby).

Within two days the hostility and aggressiveness was gone. Esme had her Best Bud and I had my Purry Boy back...and his world was a little easier for him to deal with.

I've used them for other behavioral issues as well...:shrug:
YMMV.

[Lisa0825]

12. Some natural remedies are proven to work... it's the homeopathy

and the dilutions til there is nothing but water that has not been show to do so. Natural and homeopathy are not the same thing. Many, many natural things are very effective.

[liberalla]

13. Believe it or not, a friend gave me two types of homeopathic pills

for *grief* after my Mom died and I was having such a hard time, about 5 years ago. I noticed a real difference. She asked specific questions about my moods/feelings etc. to determine what she would recommend. So I believe in it, but I go by results. If I try something and receive no benefit, as I did with Rescue Remedy, I don't use it or recommend it. But when something works, I'm a happy camper and I'll pass it along. B-)

Yes it's definitely a YMMV thing. Glad your Riktor Boy is back to his sweet old self.

[Warpy]

14. Not all cats are susceptible to Feliway

so I bought a tiny spray bottle of it on Amazon just to see what would happen.

Wow! First time I didn't have a pitched battle to get that cat into her carrier to go to the vet! She was completely calm during the examination, blood drawing, and shots. The happy, tranquil kitty lasted for a few hours after she got home and away from the sprayed carrier and then she went back to the cranky old gal I know and love.

When Feliway works, it's miraculous.

[Lisa0825]

15. You know, I started using it on Tuesday evening, and I just realized

that I haven't heard one fight since! I usually would hear at least one fight each evening, but I never made it to the scene in time to see who it was. Fabi is still hiding in the laundry room, but maybe she'll come around eventually. Even if it turns out that it doesn't affect her, maybe it is affecting whoever was doing the bullying, and THAT would be a positive for her.