Does catnip make your cat crazy? Many cat owners are unsure whether catnip is harmful to cats. Indeed, it gives some cats the appearance of being "high" or drugged. In actuality, cats are generally unaffected by catnip.
Catnip: What Is It?
Catnip is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family and is scientifically referred to as Nepeta cataria. Nepetalactone, a substance found in the plant's leaves and stems, is what makes this plant attractive to cats and has an impact on them. Catnip is available as a plant, in spray form, as well as in toys and snacks.
Side effects of catnip on cats
Most cats experience exhilaration after inhaling or swallowing catnip because it contains nepetalactone. In response, they frequently roll about, vocalize, play, run, scratch, sniff, and rub their heads and mouths on the herb. It seems to be an enjoyable response that follows psychosexual stimulation. However, whether a cat is spayed or neutered has no effect on how they respond to catnip; both types of cats respond to the herb.
Catnip often has effects that last up to 15 minutes. After the joyful experience, many cats snooze. Some cats will just feel drowsy and relaxed after being exposed to catnip, not excited and lively. It is entirely typical for various cats to react to catnip in different ways.
Some cats may even be said to benefit from catnip. To keep indoor cats engaged and happy, they frequently require additional enrichment. Both emotionally and physically stimulated cats have better, healthier lives thanks to catnip. Catnip-infused scratchers can entice cats to these locations and deter destructive scratching.
Not every cat reacts to catnip. Some felines are born without the characteristics that allow them to respond to nepetalactone. Catnip often has no effect on young kittens. While some animals will react within as little as six weeks of their age, it may take up to eight months for them to show any interest in the plant.
Is catnip harmful to cats?
Even when consumed by cats, catnip is not poisonous to them. Cats are unaffected by catnip's euphoric effects, which are short-lived. There is no indication that catnip has any long-term consequences, and it is not addictive.
It bothers some cat lovers that cats may appear to be "high" after ingesting catnip. There isn't any evidence to suggest that catnip is hazardous or addictive, even if we may never fully understand how cats are affected by it. You are in charge of determining when and where to give a cat catnip. Consult a vet for advice if you have any questions.
While catnip in and of itself is completely safe for cats, there are some scenarios to avoid. Certain catnip-related items, games, and settings might be harmful if utilized incorrectly.
Catnip-infused tinctures, sprays, or solutions should not be given to cats unless they are specifically labeled as being suitable for felines to consume. Many of these are only supposed to be used on bedding or toys. They might have alcoholic beverages or other unfit-for-ingestion substances.
Steer clear of catnip toys with strings or components that can be consumed by cats and cause harmful gastrointestinal blockages.
When administering catnip to cats who are known to be aggressive, exercise caution. Lower inhibition and an increase in aggressive behavior are also possible effects.
Cats who are ill, injured, or recovering from surgery shouldn't be given catnip. Some cats experience catnip-induced hyperactivity, which could hinder healing.
How do I feed my cat catnip?
You can offer catnip to the cat in a number of secure ways. There are various varieties of catnip. It can be bought in dry form, grown and dried within the house, or acquired like a potted plant. Catnip-infused foods, tinctures, and sprays are frequently offered in pet supply stores, as are catnip-filled cat toys and pressed catnip balls.
Cats appreciate catnip best in small quantities since it takes very little to have an effect. Catnip can also lose some of its cat-attracting properties if taken frequently.
There are various ways to provide catnip to your cat. On cat furnishings, beds, and scratching posts, it can be dusted. It is even possible to "marinate" cat toys with dried catnip.
If your cat likes to eat plants, consider cultivating a tiny container of newly harvested catnip that you may occasionally give to your cat. Read This: Why do cats like catnip so much?
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