
Last updated: March 2026
The Feliway Optimum plug in is a vet-recommended calming diffuser for cats. It releases an advanced pheromone complex that helps reduce scratching, spraying, hiding, and tension between cats. Each starter kit includes one diffuser and a 48ml refill that lasts up to 30 days. Backed by over 25 years of feline stress research and trusted by millions of cat owners worldwide.
Feliway Optimum is the latest generation of the Feliway calming diffuser range. It uses a patented feline pheromone complex (FPHC) that mimics the natural calming signals cats produce when they rub their face against objects. In other words, it tells your cat that home is a safe, secure place.
Unlike the older Feliway Classic, Optimum uses a reinforced formula designed to help with a broader range of stress-related behaviours. As a result, it tackles scratching, urine spraying, inter-cat tension, hiding, and fearful reactions to changes such as moving house, new pets, or a new baby arriving.
You simply plug the diffuser into a wall socket in the room where your cat spends the most time. It releases a steady, odourless vapour that disperses calming pheromone messages into the air. For best results, leave it switched on 24/7 and avoid placing it behind furniture, under shelves, or near curtains.
Each 48ml refill lasts approximately 30 days and covers up to 70 square metres, which is roughly the size of a standard three-bedroom home. You should also replace the diffuser unit itself every six months to maintain effectiveness.
Feliway Optimum addresses the most common signs of feline stress, including scratching furniture, spraying, hiding, tension between cats, and reactions to environmental changes. According to Feliway, 93% of cat owners reported enhanced calming when using the product. It also carries a 9.1 out of 10 satisfaction rating from cat parents. On top of that, each UK sale triggers a 10p donation to Cats Protection (registered charities 203644 and SC037711).
The product is drug-free, non-sedating, and clinically proven. It has no effect on humans or other pet species, so it is safe for multi-pet households. Additionally, Feliway Optimum refills are compatible with Feliway Classic and Feliway Friends diffusers, making the switch straightforward.
At around £25 for the starter kit, Feliway Optimum sits at the premium end of the calming diffuser market. Each monthly refill adds ongoing cost, so it is worth budgeting for long-term use. Some cat owners report results within 24 hours, while others find it takes up to seven days. It is also important to note that if your cat's behaviour change is caused by an underlying medical condition, a diffuser alone will not resolve it. In that case, always consult your vet first.
Buy the Feliway Optimum Starter Kit
Clinical studies and consumer surveys suggest positive results for a large majority of users. Feliway reports a 9.1 out of 10 satisfaction score, and many Amazon reviewers confirm visible improvements in scratching, spraying, and inter-cat aggression. However, results vary between individual cats, and some owners see no change at all.
Many cat owners notice a difference within the first seven days. For more established behavioural issues, Feliway recommends using the diffuser continuously for at least one month before assessing its impact.
Yes. The synthetic feline pheromones only affect cats. They have no impact on dogs, rabbits, birds, or any other species. Humans cannot detect them either, so there is no noticeable scent.
Yes, Feliway Optimum refills are compatible with Feliway Classic and Feliway Friends diffuser units. However, you should still replace the diffuser hardware every six months regardless of which refill you use.
Feliway Optimum uses synthetic feline pheromones and targets cats specifically. Pet Remedy, by contrast, uses a natural essential oil blend and works across all pet species. Check out our comparison post for a detailed breakdown.
This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our editorial content.
Follow us: Instagram
Copyright 2026 CoolCuration | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | Cool Factor
-----------
We are proud supporters of a safer more private internet via encouraging people to use Brave browser and are actively taking on Spammers as part of ProjectHoneypot. This site is hosted on servers that run on 100% renewable energy in the UK thanks to GreenWebHosting.
This site contains affiliate links, including to Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for a service via these links, at no extra cost to you. All offers and promotions are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change or withdrawal by the businesses featured. We cannot guarantee their continued availability. Read our full affiliate disclosure.
Reviews and opinions on CoolCuration reflect the personal experience of our writers at the time of publication. They are not professional endorsements and your experience may differ. Scores use our Cool Factor rating system and are given independently of any commercial relationship.
All content on CoolCuration is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations or an endorsement of any product or service. We are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and do not offer personalised financial guidance. You should always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.