Faye Winter joins Feliway & Adaptil as ambassador for Pet Anxiety Month

FELIWAY and ADAPTIL, the experts in cat and dog wellbeing, is proud to announce that Faye Winter, TV personality and passionate animal advocate, is the official ambassador for Pet Anxiety Month this March.

As a proud pet parent to both cats, Paddy and Pebbles and her beloved dog, Bonnie, Faye is supporting this campaign to help raise awareness and provide support for other pet owners facing challenges around pet anxiety.

Faye, who has been a cat mum for 11 years, and owned her Golden Retriever, Bonnie for the last three years, opens up about her personal experiences with anxiety, why pet anxiety is not widely recognised and how pet owners can better spot the signs and symptoms.  

“I was already aware of pet anxiety,” Faye explains. “Before Bonnie, I had a Newfoundland who struggled with other dogs, and my family homebred five Golden Retrievers who developed separation anxiety because they were so attached to each other, they even had to go to the vet together. Bonnie gets very anxious at the vet - she goes quiet, cowers into me and you can literally feel the anxiety and tension radiate off her - and I didn’t realise there were more things I could be doing to support her both at home and outside. Paddy and Pebbles get anxious too; even a cat up the road can leave them unsettled in the top windows. It’s so important to recognise the signs of stress and not just dismiss it as bad behaviour.”

Faye also revealed that after leaving the Love Island villa, she faced anxiety of her own. “I suffered with quite a few panic attacks, including one during a shoot, which was absolutely horrific,” she admits. “It was very physical and completely overwhelming, I didn’t understand what was happening at first, and that was terrifying.”

Faye candidly shared how adopting her beloved dog Bonnie became one of the most transformative decisions of her life, a choice she made entirely on her own, despite initial resistance from her partner at the time.

Faye explained that her love for animals has always been deeply rooted in her upbringing. “I had Paddy and Pebbles, but decided I wanted a dog, as I was always brought up around animals, and it was a home comfort for me.”

Faye credits Bonnie with helping her navigate anxiety and bringing a profound sense of healing and stability into her world. “I truly believe getting Bonnie healed me and she massively helped ease my own anxiety,” she shared. “She’s my everything and brings so much joy to my life.”

Bonnie, Paddy and Pebble’s presence have also reshaped how Faye views her future. Openly reflecting on motherhood, she explained that she has never been certain whether she wants or is even able to have children. However, she feels completely fulfilled.

“I've always said, I don't even know if I want children, I don't know if I can have children, I've never been in the position where I've tried to have children,” Faye said. “And for me, all my pets fill that space that if I didn't have children, I would never, ever feel like I've missed out. I genuinely don't think a child can even compete.”

Friends and family have witnessed firsthand the depth of their bond. Her pet’s wellbeing is a non-negotiable priority in Faye’s life, influencing everything from travel plans to daily routines.

“They’re my everything,” Faye reiterated. “In everything I do, whether it be holidays or going to London, if I can't get cover with my Mum and Dad, I simply point blank don't go, which I know a lot of people find strange. Bonnie never misses a walk; my pets welfare and needs come way before my own.”

For Faye, her animals are more than just pets, they are companionship, comfort, and unconditional love wrapped into one. And as she makes clear, that bond will always come first.

“I’ve always been obsessed with animals - that’s when I’m at my happiest,” she says. “I’m so happy when I’m with Bonnie and my cats, even just lying on the bed with them purring on me. It makes me feel really grounded.”

“When I was in the spotlight, I didn't feel grounded at all, it all felt so superficial. The only true representation of me and what I love, is my animals,” Faye adds. “If you meet them, you’ll see how well loved they are, they’re my greatest joy in life.”

As part of the campaign for Pet Anxiety Month, Faye also spoke with pet behaviourist, Rosie Bescoby about anxiety in both cats and dogs.

Faye commented: “I’ve learned that the signs of anxiety in cats can be much harder to recognise than many people realise. Behaviours we often dismiss as diva-like, sassy, or even naughty – something I’ve been guilty of myself with Paddy and Pebbles – can actually be clear indicators that a cat is feeling anxious.

Common issues such as scratching furniture or urine spraying may be frustrating for owners, but they’re often a sign that something isn’t right in a cat’s world. Greater awareness of these subtle stress signals is so important to help our cats feel safe, secure and happy at home.”

Abigail King, Senior Product Manager at Adaptil and Feliway says, “Pet Anxiety Month aims to give voice to the millions of dogs and cats who suffer from anxiety, while encouraging pet owners to look into solutions to improve their pets' quality of life.”

Faye said: "This campaign is so important, as so many people, including myself, don’t know the signs of anxiety, especially in cats. When you start to understand your pets, you can then start to treat them.”  

Pet Anxiety Month will highlight various aspects of pet anxiety, including how to recognise signs of stress in dogs and how pet owners can help alleviate these concerns with the right tools. Adaptil will be offering tips and resources to help pet owners make informed decisions about their pets’ wellbeing, helping to ensure that pets’ mental health is just as important as their physical health.