Adaptil vs Feliway: Which Calming Diffuser Is Right for Your Pet?

If you've noticed your dog pacing during storms or your cat hiding under the bed, a calming diffuser designed for pets could make a meaningful difference. Comparing Adaptil vs Feliway is one of the most common starting points for pet owners exploring pheromone-based calming solutions — and for good reason. Both products use species-specific synthetic pheromones, but choosing the right one depends entirely on whether you share your home with a dog, a cat, or both.

How Pheromone Calming Diffusers Work

Pheromones are naturally occurring chemical signals that animals produce to communicate comfort and safety. A calming diffuser for pets replicates these signals synthetically, releasing them steadily into a room through a plug-in unit.

Dogs and cats respond to entirely different pheromones, which is why Adaptil and Feliway exist as separate product lines. A dog won't respond to a cat pheromone product, and vice versa. This species-specificity is central to understanding which diffuser you need.

The pheromones are odourless to humans and other animals that aren't the target species. They don't sedate your pet — instead, they create an environment that feels familiar and reassuring.

Adaptil: Calming Support for Dogs

Adaptil uses a synthetic version of the Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), which mimics the pheromone a nursing mother dog produces to reassure her puppies. Adult dogs continue to respond positively to this pheromone throughout their lives.

The Adaptil range includes plug-in diffusers, collars, and sprays. The diffuser is ideal for creating a calming zone in one room, while collars provide on-the-go support during walks or car journeys.

Common situations where Adaptil helps:

• Noise-related anxiety (fireworks, thunderstorms, construction)
• Settling into a new home or environment
• Separation-related behaviours (barking, destructive chewing)
• Travel stress
• Adjusting to a new family member or pet

Most pet owners notice a change within the first seven days, though some dogs respond within hours. For best results, keep the diffuser plugged in continuously and replace the refill every 30 days.

Feliway: Calming Support for Cats

Feliway replicates the feline facial pheromone — the one your cat deposits when it rubs its cheeks against furniture, doorframes, or your legs. This pheromone signals that a space is safe and familiar.

Feliway is available in two main formulations. Feliway Classic targets general stress behaviours such as spraying, scratching, and hiding. Feliway Friends (sometimes called Feliway Multicat) uses a different pheromone — the Cat Appeasing Pheromone — specifically to reduce tension between cats living in the same household.

Common situations where Feliway helps:

• Urine spraying or inappropriate scratching
• Hiding, reduced appetite, or withdrawal
• Multi-cat household conflict
• Moving house or rearranging furniture
• Visits from unfamiliar people

Key Differences Between Adaptil and Feliway

The most fundamental difference is simple: Adaptil is formulated exclusively for dogs, and Feliway is formulated exclusively for cats. They are not interchangeable, and using the wrong one will have no effect at all.

Beyond that, there are a few practical distinctions worth noting:

• Pheromone type: Adaptil mimics the nursing pheromone (DAP); Feliway Classic mimics the feline facial pheromone; Feliway Friends mimics the Cat Appeasing Pheromone.
• Product formats: Adaptil offers collars for portable use. Feliway does not have a collar equivalent but offers a spray for carriers and bedding.
• Multi-pet formulas: Feliway Friends is specifically designed for multi-cat tension. Adaptil does not have a separate multi-dog variant, as the standard DAP pheromone generally supports all dogs in the home.

Both brands use the same style of plug-in unit with a 30-day refill vial, and both are backed by clinical research. Neither product has a sedative effect or interacts with medications.

Choosing the Right Calming Diffuser for Your Pet

The decision is straightforward if you have only one species in the house. Dog owners should choose Adaptil; cat owners should choose Feliway Classic — or Feliway Friends if inter-cat aggression is the primary concern.

If you have both dogs and cats, you can safely run both diffusers in the same home. Each product targets only its intended species, so there is no risk of cross-reaction or interference.

For situational anxiety — a one-off event like moving house or a fireworks display — the spray format can be a convenient complement. Apply it to bedding, a crate, or a carrier about 15 minutes before the stressful event for targeted support.

For ongoing behavioural concerns such as chronic spraying, persistent separation anxiety, or long-term multi-cat tension, the plug-in diffuser used continuously over several months tends to deliver the most consistent results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Adaptil and Feliway in the same room?

Yes. The pheromones are species-specific, so they won't interact with each other. You can plug both diffusers into the same room without reducing the effectiveness of either one. Each pet will only detect the pheromone designed for their species.

How long does it take for a pheromone diffuser to start working?

Most pets begin to show calmer behaviour within the first week, though some respond within the first 24 hours. For deep-rooted behavioural issues, allow at least 30 days of continuous use before assessing the full impact.

Are calming diffusers safe to use around puppies and kittens?

Yes. Both Adaptil and Feliway are safe for pets of all ages, including puppies and kittens. The synthetic pheromones are non-toxic and do not enter the bloodstream, making them suitable for young, elderly, or sensitive animals.

Ready to help your pet feel more at ease? Browse our full range of Adaptil products for dogs and Feliway products for cats to find the right calming solution — and if your pet's anxiety is severe or persistent, have a chat with your vet for a tailored behavioural plan.