Virbac announces pheromone products

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Virbac, a global leader in animal health, announced the launch of ZENIFEL Pheromone Products. The latest product from Virbac is a solution designed to calm feline patients as well as improve their wellbeing. According to the release, ZENIFEL Pheromone Products combined feline facial pheromones with Nepeta cataria extracts, a plant-based product also known as cat nip.

"We're expanding our behavior portfolio because we understand the critical need for effective and practical tools to manage pet stress," said Giovanni Abruzzini, president and CEO of Virbac US, in an organizational release.¹ "ZENIFEL Pheromone Products not only reduce stress-related behaviors but offer pet owners a flexible, long-lasting solution that fits seamlessly into their daily lives. This innovation reflects our commitment to improving the bond between pets and their families."

Virbac introduced ZENIFEL™ Pheromone Products, a solution designed to calm cats and improve their well-being (Image courtesy of Virbac)

The new products are available in 2 formats¹:

• ZENIFEL Gel Diffuser which utilizes slow-release technology that provides up to 2 months of calming effects without needing an electrical outlet. The product can also cover up to 750 square feet and can reduce signs of stress by up to 80%.²
• ZENIFEL Spray which is a portable and odorless formula that can be used for traveling, visits to the clinic, or a sudden stressful event. The bottle provides a minimum of 400 sprays.

A study conducted in Europe, which received funding from Virbac SA, compared ZENIFEL Pheromone Products to a leading competitor. The researchers found that when assessing the efficacy of 2 different diffusers to reduce undesirable behaviors, ZENIFEL Pheromone Products gel diffuser lasted 2 months while the competitor lasted one. The findings state that although both diffusers could reduce undesirable behaviors in feline patients, the ZENIFEL gel diffuser had some advantages that cat owners believe could be used regularly throughout the year. The research also confirmed the role of pheromone in the management of these behaviors.³

ZENIFEL Pheromone Products can both be used for behavioral changes in pets and help improve their quality of life. The products incorporated innovation to provide a solution that is reliable for problems that can impact pets and their families all over the globe.

"Whether it's a trip to the vet, introducing a new family member or simply adjusting to life changes, ZENIFEL Pheromone Products help cats feel safe and secure," Abruzzini continued.¹ "This product is about giving pet owners peace of mind and giving pets a chance to thrive."

Virbac will be presenting the new products and educating the veterinary community on how it works at the following conferences:

• Veterinary Meeting & Expo: January 25-29, 2025, in Orlando Florida
• Viticus WVC Annual Conference: March 2-5, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Anyone interested in learning more about ZENIFEL Pheromone Products can visit the Virbac website.

References

1. Virbac Introduces ZENIFEL™ Pheromone Products: A Game-Changing Solution for Stress-related Behaviors in Cats. News release. Virbac. January 23, 2025. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virbac-introduces-zenifel-pheromone-products-a-game-changing-solution-for-stress-related-behaviors-in-cats-302358965.html
2. Bernachon N, Beata C, Crastes NC, et al. Response to Acute Stress in Domestic Cats Using Synthetic Analogues of Natural Appeasing Pheromones with Nepeta cataria Extract Rich in Nepetalactone: A Double-blinded, Randomized, Positive Controlled Cross-over Study. J App Res Vet Med. 2015;13(2):125-134.
3. Espuña G, Nicolas CS, Girardin A, et al. A long-lasting gel-based diffuser of feline pheromone can help reduce undesirable behaviors in cats at home: comparison with an electric diffuser. Front Vet Sci. 2024;11:1445108. Published 2024 Aug 29. doi:10.3389/fvets.2024.1445108