Bruckstein's model replaces the pheromones by dynamical rules, but this does not deny
the importance of pheromones in practice: the rules are a simplified version of «follow the previous pheromone trail but smooth it out a bit».
In their randomized, blinded, crossover study, the researchers found cats were more likely to scratch surfaces with the
pheromone on them than surfaces without, and concluded the use
of FIS in changing where cats scratch —
of great
importance when inappropriate scratching can result in a cat ending up in a shelter or living outside.