Glossary

Pheromones

Chemical signals that cats release from glands and in urine to communicate with other cats, sensed through the nose and a special organ.

Also called: feline facial pheromone, cat pheromones, calming diffuser, pheromone diffuser

Pheromones are chemical messages released by an animal that change the behaviour of others of the same species. Cats make several types. Facial pheromones, spread when a cat rubs its cheeks on objects, are linked with a sense of calm and familiarity. Other pheromones are found in urine, in the anal glands, in the skin of the paws and in a mother's milk area, where they help kittens feel safe.

Cats sense these signals through the nose and the vomeronasal organ in the roof of the mouth, and the grimace they pull while doing it is the flehmen response.

Manufacturers sell synthetic copies of cat facial pheromone as plug-in diffusers, sprays and collars, which are marketed for stress and marking. Studies of their effect have given mixed results. Some cats seem calmer, while others show no change, and they should be seen as one small part of a plan, not a cure. They do not replace dealing with the cause of stress, such as a lack of resources or a medical issue. Ask your vet whether a product is worth trying, and for any behaviour change that worries you.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Vomeronasal organ A small scent-analysing organ in the roof of a cat's mouth that reads chemical signals such as pheromones. Flehmen response The open-mouthed grimace a cat makes when it draws a scent to a special organ in the roof of its mouth. Scent marking How a cat leaves chemical messages on objects, people and places using glands in its face, paws and body, and in its urine. Bunting A cat pressing its head, cheeks or chin against a person, object or another cat to leave scent and say hello.

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