Ceva Animal Health has highlighted a new meta-analysis¹ which, according to the company, reveals that there is a significant (P< 0.001) association between the use of pharmacotherapy (fluoxetine and clomipramine) or pheromonatherapy (Feliway) and reduction or elimination of feline urine marking.

Ceva says this is the first time a meta-analysis technique has been used to evaluate the efficacy of interventions in veterinary behavioural medicine; the study assessed all published papers covering treatments for feline urine spraying. Ten studies in nine publications were analysed, despite their different study designs. In order to carry out the meta-analysis, the papers were rated according to importance and a 'placebo-effect' was calculated.  Primary and secondary outcomes were also identified, with the primary outcome being the 'number of cats that either ceased or reduced spraying by at least 90%' and the secondary outcome being 'the number of cats that reduce spraying from baseline levels'.

Information is available by calling Lucy Brett at CEVA Animal Health on 01494 781510.

^1. A meta-analysis of studies of treatments for feline urine spraying.  Daniel S Mills, Sarah E Redgate, Gary M Landsberg.  PLos ONE, April 2011, Volume 6, Issue 4

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