Feliway a fire hazard? I just bought one of these and it has really helped my one rescue cat. However, I'm concerned about fire. I have it in our family room downstairs and worry it will overheat or something and start a fire while I'm asleep. How can you tell if your unit is overheating? I would think it would smell like plastic burning. I read somewhere NOT to plug/unplug as the Feliway itself can coagulate and clog the diffuser and THAT will start a fire. But I have also read that people do unplug when not home. It's really helping my cat and I'd hate to stop using it. I know there's a spray but this is continuous and she really needs that. I had read NOT to use the Glade diffusers bec of fire and this is a similar device. Anyone have a bad experience (fire) or overheating issues with the Feliway diffuser? I've had mind for less than a week. Feliway a fire hazard? I just bought one of these and it has really helped my one rescue cat. However, I'm concerned about fire. I have it in our family room downstairs and worry it will... » Read More Feliway a fire hazard? I just bought one of these and it has really helped my one rescue cat. However, I'm concerned about fire. I have it in our family room downstairs and worry it will overheat or something and start a fire while I'm asleep. How can you tell if your unit is overheating? I would think it would smell like plastic burning. I read somewhere NOT to plug/unplug as the Feliway itself can coagulate and clog the diffuser and THAT will start a fire. But I have also read that people do unplug when not home. It's really helping my cat and I'd hate to stop using it. I know there's a spray but this is continuous and she really needs that. I had read NOT to use the Glade diffusers bec of fire and this is a similar device. Anyone have a bad experience (fire) or overheating issues with the Feliway diffuser? I've had mind for less than a week. « Show Less
288632
If the product poses no fire risk (per the manufacturer) then what are we to make of SuzEQ's 3/12/11 post, "However, the first one lasted about a week before overheating and catching on fire. The second one only lasted a few days before doing the same." Clearly, her experience and the manufacturer's assurances are diametrically opposed. Anyone aware of any Consumer Reports or other consumer-based agency's studies of this product? I would feel much more confident about using Feliway if there were reassurances from an independent, objective third party...
288633
We woke up this morning, and smelled something burning in our house. It was the Feliway diffuser melting inside. Our house is only 20 years old and the sockets are in good shape. I shudder to think what would have happened if we weren't at home.
288634
When I plug in the Feliway diffuser it begins to smell like something is burning. I touch the unit and it is warm but not hot. I then unplug it because I am scared it is going to catch on fire. Is this smell normal? The unit does not sag at all when plugged in so I do not know what could be causing this smell.
288635
mine caught on fire. be careful and don't leave it on while you leave the house!
288636
As I live in an older home (1920) many of my outlets hold sagging nightlights, etc. The Feliway diffuser was in the basement which has newer outlets. But I will check to see if it's sagging. I haven't used it in a while (has to get a refill) and noticed my cat is again licking all her fur off so I will replace w/refill and watch out for sagging. Thanks for the tip!
288637
Glade plug-ins don't generally cause fires; see: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/glade.asp . Granted, *nothing* plugged into a wall socket is 100% safe, but realistically there's just as great or greater a chance that a lamp, TV, computer, stereo, clock, etc. plugged into a wall socket will start a fire.
288638
I was concerned about the same thing. After doing some research I realized that the outlet I was using couldn't hold the diffuser up. It is an older outlet and therefore needs to be replaced. IF your diffuser is sagging just the slightest because of its weight, you need to remove it because it is causing a short and can start a fire.
288639
Try contacting Feliway with that question. Their website is feliway.comhere's their contact pagehttp://www.feliway.com/us/Contact-Us
1206880
Thanks everyone for you comments. I have a carbon monoxide detector right out from my stove. We have also installed a fan over top of the unit. I guess it can't burn the fumes fast enough like gordyh was talking. If it gets worse will have a teck check it out. Again I would like to thank you all. Didn't think I would get a reply.
472751
I have two female cats that usually don't spray unless they get stressed out. Last summer I moved and they really did a number on my old house. When they were still showing some stressed behavior (not spraying) my vet suggested Feliway. I re-ordered Feliway (it's much cheaper than from the vet) and plan on continuing use. Did it stop them from spraying? I don't know. Do they seem calmer now? Yes. I'll definitely continue to use Feliway for the sake of my sanity as well as theirs.
67504
I have used this on two of my cats. One is a jealous bully and was terrorizing the other. I also had some inappropriate "peeing" but never knew which one it was. I put a collar on each cat and saw some improvement, though the problem did not abate completely. I can definitely tell when its time to change the collar. I have also had luck with the plug-in pheremones, but discontinued them when I learned that the plug-in air devices have a tendency to fail and can be a fire hazard.
653480
7/5/2014 Good Day Rayn, You should STOP using this item, this is a fire hazard. You could be injured. Contact the seller you purchased this from, as common sense would dictate this is NOT how it should work and there is no fixing it. Sincerely, Customer Service Dept. JoyToyShop
1264781
I've got two cats, the first time or two they were a tad cautious around it. After that they pretty much ignored it, I think its the higher frequency noise that standard vacuum makes that tend to freak cats out, the lower frequency of the neato doesn't seem to bother them. I noticed my larger cat stalking the neato earlier while it was cleaning, didn't stick around to watch, but, there were no indignent howls or screeches and the neato finished the room w/o mishap.
141353
Same thing happened to me. It's a fire hazard. Plus, it puts out toxic fumes when it burns. I was not cooking on high (rarely do, because I use Henckel's ceramic ware). It may be a good product for some people, especially those with electric or ceramic stove tops. And it may be only a few of the items that tend to catch fire. But a few is too many for me. I wish I could return it.
316461
I don't think it's normal. That is why I returned mine. Would not run for more than a few minuets before overheating and the safety would shut it off. I know of people who have had success with it but not me and looks like not you either. I'd return it because overheating that quickly could lead to blown fuses or fire.
880744
According to the rep that assisted me he said, the O3 is not toxic but he recommended not having anyone or anything in the room that breathes. Just turn it on, take your cats on an errand for bout n hour. Go back to your place, turn off O3, open the windows or ventilate and you should be good. I turn it on, take my dog for a walk, then come back n ventilate. I love it.
169570
There was a recall on this item from the manufacture. It was starting fires. You hade to cut off the cord, to include the safety sticker and pry the serial number off the back of the unit and send it in with a self addressed envelope for a refund. I did all of this and have never heard anything back. No money, no refund, nothing, except a humidifier that causes fires. You might want to call the manufacture and check on the recall.
1188116
It's a very good possibility your cat will set it off. My dog set mine off and it was a little bit higher than that. It detects heat not movement.
1538183
I'm not an expert on electrical or fire 'codes', but I highly suspect that this warning is a standard kind of legal 'disclaimer' -- i.e. if a fire can be traced to defective wiring in this device, the manufacturer will claim that it is the customer's fault for keeping it plugged-in all the time. Furthermore, it is probably reasonable to assume that the cheaper the appliance is, the more likely it will be subject to some kind of electrical "accident."
1806608
Yes, I have it is just terrible. I returned the first one I ordered and have received the second unit, only it is doing the same thing. It does not get hot, neither does the cord or outlet but it smells of melting plastic. I really do not want to send this one back but cant stand the smell.
2119952
One concern: Does any part of the unit feel warm or hot? Run your hand all over the unit. Run your fingers over the electrical cord after it has been running for 30 minutes. Run your fingers around the wall plug. Careful not to tough the prongs. Electrical resistance causes heat. Hence a possible source of your smell. This is not safe. If you feel any of these areas warm or hot disconnect the unit and call a licensed electrician to verify that the wire servicing the wall plug is heavy enough to supply the air conditioning unit. Second suggestion: Pull out both filters. Wash with any bathroom cleaner that contains bleach. Dry with a towel and reinsert.Hope this resolves your issue. One concern: Does any part of the unit feel warm or hot? Run your hand all over the unit. Run your fingers over the electrical cord after it has been running for 30 minutes. Run your fingers around the wall plug. Careful not to tough the prongs. Electrical resistance causes heat. Hence a possible source of your smell. This is not safe. If you feel any of these areas warm or hot disconnect the unit and call a licensed electrician to verify that the wire servicing the wall plug is heavy enough to supply the air conditioning unit. Second suggestion: Pull out both filters. Wash with any... » Read More One concern: Does any part of the unit feel warm or hot? Run your hand all over the unit. Run your fingers over the electrical cord after it has been running for 30 minutes. Run your fingers around the wall plug. Careful not to tough the prongs. Electrical resistance causes heat. Hence a possible source of your smell. This is not safe. If you feel any of these areas warm or hot disconnect the unit and call a licensed electrician to verify that the wire servicing the wall plug is heavy enough to supply the air conditioning unit. Second suggestion: Pull out both filters. Wash with any bathroom cleaner that contains bleach. Dry with a towel and reinsert.Hope this resolves your issue. « Show Less
1797969
I thought I had the same problem but it started going when the heater comes up to temp. It kind of does it's own thing going on then off a minute after the flame goes out. Then the flame comes on and a few minutes later the blower comes on.My basement is big (30 x 40) with 10 foot ceilings insulated and I leave the heat on #3 about an hour before going down to rehearse (musician) and the temp has come up nicely and the blower goes on and off as needed. It also could be a break in period because you will get a slight smell until you put some hours on the unit. One other hint the blower just can't be turned on but the heater must heat up then it will work. I like the unit and works as expected. I thought I had the same problem but it started going when the heater comes up to temp. It kind of does it's own thing going on then off a minute after the flame goes out. Then the flame comes on and a few minutes later the blower comes on.My basement is big (30 x 40) with 10 foot ceilings insulated and I leave the heat on #3 about an hour before going down to rehearse (musician) and the temp has come up nicely and the blower goes on and off as needed. It also could be a break in period because you will get a slight smell until you put some hours on the unit. One other hint the blower just... » Read More I thought I had the same problem but it started going when the heater comes up to temp. It kind of does it's own thing going on then off a minute after the flame goes out. Then the flame comes on and a few minutes later the blower comes on.My basement is big (30 x 40) with 10 foot ceilings insulated and I leave the heat on #3 about an hour before going down to rehearse (musician) and the temp has come up nicely and the blower goes on and off as needed. It also could be a break in period because you will get a slight smell until you put some hours on the unit. One other hint the blower just can't be turned on but the heater must heat up then it will work. I like the unit and works as expected. « Show Less
1927903
That wasn't recommended when I first purchased the product, so I believe our original diffuser was in continual use for over a year (it does get grungy). When I saw that the instructions had added the 6 month recommendation, I did change out the diffuser. Better safe than sorry, when it comes to peace of mind (I'm imagining electrical fire issues). The comfort this product gives our fur child is worth the additional expense (I always check the Amazon deals before ordering and there are some great combo deals for this product).
414928
I have two of these heaters because I like them that much and they seem to have the best safety ratings. When the room gets up to the temperature you pick it is supposed to turn both the fan and the element off. I have read a few amazon reviews where only the fan turns off and if that is the case that may be a malfunction and/or dangerous from what others have said. But our two work very well so far. The sides of both of the fans don't even get warm, so if yours does I would recommend exchanging it. Be warned, the more expensive model keeps the fan on even when the element goes off and ends up creating a very unpleasant cool breeze in addition to bing made of plastic instead of metal so I would not recommend that one.