Ceva Feliway Friends refill, 48 ml is a drug-free product for cats sharing a home that don't get along. The vial contains a copy of the cat appeasing pheromone (2%) that a mother cat produces in the first days after giving birth. This signal calms kittens and keeps the "family" bonded, and in adult cats it reduces tension and conflict. The vial goes into a plug-in diffuser, covers up to 70 m² and lasts about a month.
What it is and who makes it
Feliway is made by the French veterinary company Ceva. The range has two main products: Feliway Classic, a copy of the facial pheromone that helps a cat feel calm at home, and Feliway Friends, a copy of the maternal pheromone that helps cats get along. This is a refill: it needs a diffuser, which comes in the starter kit.
Classic or Friends
| Situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| Cats hiss, fight or chase each other | Friends |
| A new cat has arrived | Friends |
| Marking, scratching furniture | Classic |
| Moving, renovation, guests, environmental stress | Classic |
More on Classic in our Feliway Classic diffuser review.
How to use it
- Remove the cap from the vial.
- Insert the vial into the diffuser and screw it in until you feel slight resistance.
- Plug the diffuser in the room where the cats spend the most time.
- Don't place it under shelves or behind doors, curtains or furniture — it won't work there.
- Replace the vial monthly and keep the diffuser switched on.
Pros
- Drug-free. Not a sedative; cats stay active.
- Works on all cats at once. No need to give each cat something separately.
- Large area. Up to 70 m² per diffuser.
- No smell for people. Only cats perceive the pheromone.
- Helpful for introductions. Useful when a new cat joins the home.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Needs a diffuser. It's a refill and won't work without the device.
- Not instant. First changes usually show after 1–2 weeks.
- Ongoing cost. The vial is replaced monthly.
- Not a cure-all. Serious aggression needs a vet and a behaviourist.
- One room. A large flat may need a second diffuser.
Helping cats get along
The pheromone works best alongside good home set-up. Each cat needs its own bowl, its own litter box (the "one more box than cats" rule), its own high resting spots and hiding places. Introduce a new cat gradually: first through a door and by swapping scents, then short supervised meetings. Playing with a wand toy and giving treats when the cats are together builds positive associations. Ideas in how to entertain a cat at home.
If the stress is severe
If a cat stops eating, urinates outside the box or hides for days, see a vet — stress can be linked to illness. Sometimes a feed supplement is added to the pheromone, for example Zylkene. Other options in calming products for dogs and cats.
Who it suits
Homes with two or more cats where there's tension, fighting or one cat hiding from another, and when a new cat arrives. Other products are in cat care.
Verdict
Feliway Friends is a drug-free aid for cats that don't get along: it gently reduces tension and helps with introductions. It works gradually, needs a diffuser and a monthly refill, and works best combined with good home set-up.
Signs of tension between cats
Conflict doesn't always look like fighting. Watch for staring and "blocking" access to bowls or litter boxes, hissing when one cat walks past another, urine marking indoors, over-grooming to bald patches, and a cat that spends all its time on top of a wardrobe or under the bed. Note when and where clashes happen — it shows which resources are lacking and helps you place bowls, litter boxes and beds better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Feliway Friends vial last?
About a month, then it's replaced.
What area does the diffuser cover?
Up to 70 m².
How is Friends different from Classic?
Friends helps cats get along with each other; Classic helps with environmental stress, marking and scratching.
Can people smell it?
No, only cats perceive the pheromone.
When will I see an effect?
Usually within 1–2 weeks.
Can it be used without a diffuser?
No, the vial only works in a diffuser.
