Mary Allen
Cats are drawn to catnip like a moth is drawn to a flame, or more specifically like a cat is drawn to catnip. It belongs to the mint family and stimulates the cat’s “happy” brain area. Like sugar, is catnip addictive and dangerous for cats? Or is it useful? Should cats eat catnip or just play with it in a cat-safe toy?
CAN CATS EAT CATnip
Because cats are born and raised to be obligate carnivores, the foods we eat as omnivores do not offer the same benefit to cats. In the wild, cats primarily feed on birds, rodents, and even insects, all of which contain essential amino acids that help the cat’s digestive system to function optimally.
Cats have always been extremely sensitive to smells, and catnip has an unusually strong aroma for cats. Whether you’re sprinkling catnip on the floor for your cat to roll in or tossing a catnip toy in the air, here are some facts about catnip’s special properties.
SO WHAT EXACTLY IS CATnip?
One of over 250 species of mint, catnip has a lush green appearance. The essential oil found in catnip, nepetalactone, has the ability to turn even the laziest couch potato into a manic ball of fur—if that ball of fur has inherited sensitivity to its effects. This trait only becomes apparent when a cat is between three and six months old; a kitten only reacts at this age. Sensitivity to catnip is inherited – an estimated 50% of cats do not respond to it.
DOES CATnip A COMMON EFFECT ON ALL CATS?
Catnip has an active component that not all cats respond to. According to veterinary research, over 60 percent of cats show a behavioral response to catnip use. If your cat doesn’t respond to catnip, you might want to try silverrue as an alternative. Additionally, there is evidence that a cat’s sensitivity to catnip is a dominant trait that is influenced by hereditary factors.
THE BENEFITS OF USING FRESH CATnip
To give your cat the best possible experience, fresh catnip is recommended. Catnip plants are usually available in small, pre-grown packages at pet stores and farmers’ markets. You can keep them in good condition by watering them occasionally and providing good drainage. Also, they have the added benefit of regrowing when needed. Unless your cat manages to destroy the entire plant in a single sitting.
However, if you offer your cat a fresh catnip plant, be sure to keep an eye on her, as she may get a little cocky eating the leaves and knock over the plant pot. Therefore, it is better to use plastic jars.
IS CATnip HARMFUL TO CATS?
Catnip has no recognized nutritional benefits, but it does have psychological effects. Catnip gives cats a sense of well-being. Catnip is non-toxic and completely safe for cats. Most cats “self-regulate” their consumption of catnip; H. they just go away after a few minutes.
If your cat consumes an excessive amount of catnip, it is likely that he will fall asleep for a long time. While some owners have reported that their cats have experienced stomach problems from overconsumption of catnip, there are no long-term negative health effects of catnip.
Although cats usually enjoy catnip, it should be given in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to excessive lethargy, which negatively impacts the cat’s neurological system.
WHY DO CATS LOVE CATnip?
Nepetalactone is the active ingredient in catnip. Cats detect this chemical through their sense of smell. The nepetalactone is believed to reflect the function of a feline pheromone, believed to be used in mating.
Catnip is a natural mood enhancer. It can cause your cat to act oddly; she may become more kitty or overly clingy. She can also roll in the catnip, scratch with her paws, or rub her face at the source. She may also bounce around and get playful, jumping from room to room as if chasing a phantom.
Some cats also become very calm and stare into space. All of these behaviors are likely to be accompanied by a loud meow or growl. The effects of catnip are brief, often lasting between 5 and 15 minutes. After that, it takes several hours for a cat to show the effects of the catnip again.
WHY SHOULD I GIVE MY CAT CATnip?
Since your cat will happily accept the catnip, it makes an excellent training gift to encourage a cat to use a scratching post or to sleep in its own bed. It’s also a great way to get your cat moving and can even help them relax. Regardless of the cause, it’s a lot of fun!
CAN CATS CONSUME TOO MUCH CATnip?
Cats that eat too much catnip can develop health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, or difficulty walking. Use only a small amount at a time and always discuss the correct dosage with your veterinarian.
Because fresh catnip is more effective than dried catnip, you don’t need to feed your cat as much. It is also advisable to avoid the highly concentrated oils in catnip as they are toxic.