Pheromone diffusers and pheromone sprays as a mist at the core of our expertise 

Invisible but essential, chemical signals naturally emitted by individuals of the same species play a crucial role in animal communication. These signals help animals maintain a sense of emotional security and adapt to changes in their environment. From birth to adulthood, such chemical messages influence emotions, behavior, and social interactions instinctively, without any learning or training.

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Understanding them can help owners create a secure environment for their pets. These signals guide them in navigating new situations, interacting with other animals, and adjusting confidently to life changes.  This natural communication is at the heart of our work at SIGNS Labs and underpins our Secure product ranges.  

Pet pheromones: natural chemical signals for your companion’s well-being 

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Chemical communication, such as pheromones, is a natural and innate way animals interact, like sight, smell, or taste, and requires no learning. They are chemical signals that animals naturally emit to communicate with each other. They trigger behavioral and physiological responses in other members of the species and play a key role in: 

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  • Socialization and group cohesion : for exemple, pheromones help dogs or rabbits interact safely with other members of their group, supporting healthy social bonds.  
  • Supporting emotional security and overall well-being :  they help pets navigate their environment with confidence and a sense of safety, for instance during relocations or when visitors are present. 
  • Facilitating adaptation to change :  pheromones guide animals in adjusting naturally to new situations, environments, or routines. 

Dr. Patrick Pageat founded IRSEA (the world pioneer in pheromone research) and developed the key compositions of the first pheromone-based products on the market with Adaptil and Feliway. Today, he leads the Group-IRSEA, of which SIGNS Labs is a member.  

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SIGNS Labs translates scientific insights into practical pheromone products. With a focus on practical application, SIGNS Labs turns pioneering pheromone research into products that support animals in real-life situations.

How are pet pheromones detected? 

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Animals detect pheromones using a specialized system: the Vomeronasal organ.  

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1. Vomeronasal canal: captures pheromones from the environment. ‍

2. Vomeronasal organ (VNO): contains receptors that detect pheromone molecules. 

3. Accessory olfactory bulb: sends information to the brain for processing. 

4. Brain (medial amygdala): interprets pheromone signals, coordinating survival behaviors, emotional responses, and social interactions. 

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This natural detection system allows animals to respond instantly to chemical cues. For decades, our sister entity IRSEA has studied the vomeronasal organ to understand how mammals communicate without words. This research enables us to design innovative solutions for animal well-being, based on chemical communication.

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There are different families of pheromones, each with a specific role in animal communication. These act as invisible language. Unlike regular smells, pheromones do not require conscious thought: they influence how an animal feels and reacts. 

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Pheromones help create a sense of safety, support bonding, promote well-being, and guide social behaviors. Understanding these different types of pheromones helps explain how they contribute to your pet’s emotional balance.

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Types of pet pheromones and their effects on behavior

Maternal pheromones

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‍They help create a strong mother-offspring bond and provide security and emotional stability, beginning while the animal is still in the womb. In our Secure range, these natural signals are carefully replicated to accompany pets throughout life.

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Example: Puppies stay confident and curious when away from their mother. 

Sexual pheromones

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Nature’s guide for reproduction. They signal readiness, coordinate mating behaviors, and help pets act with instinctive clarity during reproductive cycles. 

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Example: A male cat knows when a female is ready to mate. 

Territorial pheromones

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Claim and organize your space. These pheromones help pets feel in control of their environment, establishing clear boundaries and social order. 

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Example: Cats rubbing their cheeks on furniture to mark their territory and confidently navigate their home. 

Alarm pheromones

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Prepare and react. These pheromones trigger instinctive responses to danger, allowing animals to respond quickly and protect themselves. 

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Example: Rabbits immediately hide when danger is near, staying one step ahead. 

Chemical communication: supporting animals with pheromone diffusers and pheromones sprays (patented mist technology)

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From birth, animals use chemical signals to interact with their environment and conspecifics. These signals are present from the embryonic stage, during mother-offspring bonding, and continue to guide social interactions throughout life, providing them with reassurance and confidence.
 

Pheromone disruption in home environments and how it affects pets 

Today, animals are deprived of their natural chemical signals, whereas in the past they lived in a natural way, together in communities and fully exposed to the cues of their species. Everyday human activities such as cleaning, separating littermates, or keeping them in highly sanitized environments can further dilute or mask these essential signals, which may lead to behavioral challenges, particularly in situations such as: 

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  • Transport or travel 
  • Veterinary visits 
  • Encounters with unfamiliar animals or people 
  • Introduction to new environments or objects 

Without these natural chemical signals, pets may struggle to manage their emotions and display negative behaviors. What makes SIGNS Labs unique is that we are the only company in the world to maintain this chemical continuity throughout an animal’s life.  

We support them in every situation from learning and exploration to social interactions and new experiences. Restoring these pheromones helps pets stay confident and adaptable in control, no matter the circumstances. 

 

 

How do pheromone products maintain these signals? 

It can help : 

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  • Maintaining the sense of safety 
  • Regulating space and territorial behavior 
  • Supporting social cohesion and interactions 
  • Modulating behavior and physiological stability 

By reintroducing species-specific pheromones, animals maintain natural behaviors, adapt better socially, and experience fewer stress-related reactions.

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IRSEA and SIGNS Labs: pioneering pet pheromone products

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For over 30 years, Dr. Patrick Pageat and the team of IRSEA have been advancing the scientific understanding of chemical communication in animals. He founded IRSEA, developed the first pheromone-based products on the market, and today leads the Group-IRSEA, of which SIGNS Labs is a member. SIGNS Labs focusing on practical pheromone products that support natural behavior, emotional well-being, and social adaptation. 

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Key research principles include: 

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  • Faithful reproduction of maternal and territorial pheromones 
  • Continuous and gentle diffusion for modern life 
  • Restoration of chemical signals lost in domestic settings 
  • Clinical validation by veterinary behaviorists 

This combination of research and innovation ensures that pheromones can be effectively used to support pets’ well-being. 

Effectiveness of pheromone products: behavioral and physiological studies

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Our behavioral tests confirm that pheromones help animals feel secure and ensure confidence in everyday situations.

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‍For example, cats exposed to pheromone display more rubbing checks along his environment, a sign of security. 

Choosing pheromone products wisely: tips for pet owners

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Not all pheromone-based products are equally effective. Here’s how to choose the best solution for your companion: 

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  • Scientific validation: Make sure the product is scientifically tested for animals 
  • Species specificity: Choose the right type of pheromone for your species: dog, cat, etc 
  • Delivery method: Ensure animals perceive pheromones properly with the right delivery method 
  • Continuity: Maintain pheromone signals to support emotional stability and social adaptation 

Choosing the right solution ensures that pets can benefit fully from the natural effects of the product. 

Scientific recognition of IRSEA and SIGNS Labs’ pet pheromone research

IRSEA’s and SIGNS Labs’ innovations are recognized worldwide for:  
50+

scientific publications on behavioral effects of pheromones.

400+

patents ensuring quality and optimal diffusion of pheromones.

Our research goes beyond basic science: every product is designed to interact with the animal’s sensory and emotional systems, enhancing confidence, adaptability, and well-being. By combining scientific rigor, innovative formulations, and a deep understanding of pet behavior, SIGNS Labs delivers solutions that are safe, effective, and truly transformative for companion animals. 

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