Warning: How to avoid and identify non-genuine or counterfeit FELIWAY products  

Your Cat’s Well-being Is Our Priority 

At FELIWAY, the well-being of cats is at the heart of everything we do.  

That is why we are deeply concerned about the news of non-genuine or counterfeit FELIWAY products being sold by unauthorized third-party sellers on various platforms, as they may not guarantee the same rigorous quality and safety controls.  

To help you navigate this situation, we have put together answers to your most frequently asked questions on how to avoid and identify non-genuine [or counterfeit] FELIWAY products which might turn out to be ineffective or unsafe for your companions.  

Thank you for your continued trust and patience as we work to address this issue. 

With best wishes to you and your feline friends, 

Dr Sarah Endersby BVetMed(Hons) MRCVS 
Global Technical Manager Well-being range 
Ceva Animal Health 

Which FELIWAY products are targeted?

We have received reports of non-genuine or counterfeit FELIWAY products across our pheromone range being sold by third-party sellers, including: 

  • FELIWAY Optimum 
  • FELIWAY Classic 
  • FELIWAY Friends 

the authenticity of which we cannot guarantee. 

Where can I buy genuine FELIWAY products?

All genuine FELIWAY products go through strict quality and safety controls before reaching you. 

To ensure you are getting authentic, safe, and effective FELIWAY products, we recommend purchasing from trusted sources: 

How do I know if I have bought non-genuine or counterfeit products?

If you did not purchase your products from a trusted source, we cannot guarantee that your products are authentic, safe and effective.  

You can ask the plaform or marketplaces to check where your product came from.  

How can I tell if a FELIWAY product is genuine?

Genuine FELIWAY products have: 

  • Clear, professional packaging with no spelling errors or blurry printing 
  • A batch number and expiry date printed on the box and product 
  • Consistent branding and logos 
  • A secure and sealed box (for diffusers and refills) 

However, it can be difficult to tell if a product is non-genuine. Generally speaking, if something feels off — such as unusual packaging, a strong chemical smell, a strange coloured liquid, a wobbly wick, or your cat reacting differently—stop using the product and contact us for support at contact@feliway.co.uk or by visiting: Customer Support

The only way to ensure you purchase genuine FELIWAY products is to buy from a trusted source (see above for where you can buy genuine FELIWAY products).  

What should I do if I think I suspect a product to be non-genuine? 

If you suspect that a product is not genuine:

  1. Do not use the product — it may not be safe for your cat.
  2. Contact online retailer to report the issue and request a refund.
  3. Let us know — we are here to help and can guide you on next steps.
  4. Report the seller to the platform (e.g., Amazon, eBay) to help protect other cat parents.

If you have used the product, stop using the suspect vial and unplug your diffuser. If you are concerned about your cat’s health, please contact your vet first.

Although we are not responsible for the marketing of non-genuine [or counterfeit] products, we are committed to maintaining awareness of how our pheromone products support pets. As such we request that you contact our Customer Care Team at contact@feliway.co.uk or by visiting: Customer Support if there are any unexpected reactions that occur and mention that the product could be non-genuine [or counterfeit].

Can you verify my batch number for me? 

Unfortunately, non-genuine [or counterfeit] products can replicate batch number information on their labels, so it is not a perfect way to identify non-genuine [or counterfeit] products.  

 The best way to ensure you are purchasing genuine FELIWAY products is to buy directly from FELIWAY, or from a trusted source. 

What may happen if I use non-genuine [or counterfeit] FELIWAY products?

We do not know the composition of non-genuine[or counterfeit] products but they can include a variety of ingredients – they can range from containing no pheromone to including harmful ingredients and you may also find there is leakage from the vial, smoking from the diffuser, harsh chemical smells or solids within the liquid– so it is difficult to predict what may happen if you use them. 

Why are non-genuine [or counterfeit] products a risk to my cat?

Counterfeit pheromone products may: 

  • Contain incorrect or harmful ingredients 
  • Use untested or incompatible diffuser units 
  • Fail to deliver the calming pheromones your cat needs 
  • Cause unexpected reactions or stress 

FELIWAY is the only pheromone diffuser with 25+ years track record of safe, validated and controlled diffusion that is supported by 19 published scientific studies. Genuine FELIWAY products are tested for safety and effectiveness.  

Are there any benefits to buying directly from FELIWAY?

Yes, buying directly from FELIWAY guarantees that you are purchasing genuine products. Purchasing from FELIWAY means you also have a money back guarantee, options for subscription for cost effective repeated deliveries and free shipping. By purchasingfrom FELIWAY, you can also receive our latest news, be amongst the first to hear about new products and take part in surveys and contests.

I am concerned that my cat has reacted to a non-genuine [or counterfeit] product. What should I do?

If you suspect your cat has had a reaction to a non-genuine [or counterfeit] product:  

  1. Stop using the product immediately — unplug the diffuser and safely dispose of the vial. 
  2. Contact your vet if you notice any unusual behaviour or health concerns. Your vet is best placed to assess your cat’s condition and provide appropriate care. 
  3. Reach out to our Customer Care Team to report the issue to contact@feliway.co.uk or by visiting: Customer Support. Please mention that you suspect the product may be non-genuine. Although we are not responsible for the marketing of non-genuine [or counterfeit] products, we are committed to monitoring these incidents and supporting cat parents wherever possible. 

Your feedback helps us raise awareness and protect other cats from similar experiences. 

Why FELIWAY cannot guarantee products from third-party sellers?

We work closely with trusted retailers and platforms to ensure product quality. However, third-party sellers may bypass these controls, and we cannot verify how their products are stored, handled, or sourced. That is why we recommend buying directly from FELIWAY or trusted sources.

Why should I buy FELIWAY products rather than non-genuine options?

FELIWAY has been dedicated to improving cat well-being for over 25 years. As pioneers in feline pheromone science, our products are developed by veterinary experts and backed by extensive research published in peer-reviewed journals.

Each FELIWAY product contains the exact pheromone messages discovered through scientific study—ensuring they work as claimed to help reduce stress-related behaviours in cats. Our diffuser technology is specifically designed and tested to deliver these messages effectively and safely (with UL/CE certification). Non-genuine [or counterfeit] alternatives may not contain the correct pheromones or use compatible diffusers, meaning they may not work—or worse, could be unsafe.

FELIWAY products meet strict quality and safety standards, giving you peace of mind that you are providing the best care for your cat.

I have another question not answered here!

Our team love discussing your cats and questions! If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at contact@feliway.co.uk or by visiting: FELIWAY Customer Support