Evaluation of a new F3 fraction facial pheromone device on cat behavior: A single-binded, randomized, controlled study

11^th International Veterinary Congress

July 02-03, 2018 Berlin, Germany

Vanessa Chala and Christelle Fontaine

Medical Direction Virbac Group, France

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Vet Sci Technol

Abstract :

This field trial evaluated the benefits of two F3 fraction pheromone analogue diffusers on stressed cats. 135 privately owned indoor cats with at least 2 modified criteria of nonspecific stress among 19 (AAHA 2015, rated from 0 = absence of the sign, to 10= extremely fraction, 3.33% F3 fraction, 2% pronounced sign, minimum rate 4/10) were randomly assigned to the Test group or to the Control one. Owners were blindly F3 provided with an unlabeled device and one or two vials for the Test and the Control group respectively (based on the expected duration of diffusion of each product). Device was plugged in catâ�?�?s main living area. On D0, D7, D14, D30 and DEnd (end of all vials), the mean scores for each modified criteria (Wilcoxon test, p<0.05), the change in behaviour vs D0 (presence or absence, khi2 test, p<0.05) were compared. In case of change, stress level and fearful behaviour were assessed (increased, not modified, decreased, Binomial law p=0.5). Appeasing effect, purchasing intention and mean duration of each vial were also evaluated by the owners on DEnd. The mean duration of diffusion for one vial was 44.9 �?± 14.7 days in Test group vs 29.3 �?± 7.5 days in Control group. 16/19 criteria with homogenous scores on D0 were analyzed. Despite a longer time exposure to pheromone in Control group (58.1 days vs 44.9 days in the Test group, p<0.05), the mean scores were not statistically different between groups along time (including the most quoted: â�?�?seeking for attentionâ�?, â�?�?excessive vigilanceâ�? and â�?�?excessive meowingâ�?). The change in behaviour was noticed as from D7 (in 26/66 vs 27/67 cats, for Test and Control groups respectively) until DEnd (in 40/62 and 36/63 cats for Test and Control groups respectively). Global stress level was decreased as soon as D7 in 69% (ie 18/26) of cats in Test group vs 30% (i.e. 8/27) in Control group (p<0.05). Fearful behaviours were significantly more decreased in Test group (59% i.e. 20/34) vs Control group on D14 (29% i.e. 10/34; p<0.05) and D30 (51% i.e. 21/41 vs 25% i.e. 9/36; p<0.05). On DEnd, 50 % of cats were considered as appeased in Test group vs 25 % in Control group, (p<0.05). No adverse effects were reported. Purchasing intention was F3 fraction, 3.33% expressed by 61 % of people in T group (vs 46% in Control group). diffuser (F3 fraction, 2%) for stress reduction. The new Test diffuser was at least as satisfying as the Control.

Biography :

Vanessa Chala is graduated from the Toulouse National Vet School (France). She worked in practice during 6 years and obtained a Superior Study Dermatology Certificate (CES Dermatologie), before joining Virbac France in 2013, and then Virbac group as Medical Manager.

E-mail: luc.durel@virbac.com