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Felines react to catnip with a burst of energy and what appears to be happiness. It can give your cat the zoomies and make it wild during playtime. The question comes, of course, of how to give catnip to cats. This can be sprinkled on toys, food, beds, or scratching posts.
Catnip contains nepetalactone, an essential oil that stimulates feline pleasure receptors. Catnip comes in spray form, but it contains less nepetalactone. This may result in vomiting and diarrhea if the feline consumes too much. Originating from Europe and Asian countries, catnip is a minty, lemon-tinted herb.
It belongs to the scientific classification of nepeta cataria. Cats derive such a pleasant feeling and burst of energy from catnip that the plant is named after them. Catnip is a minimally invasive, perennial herb that has an unusual effect on cats. It makes some cats hyperactive, causing them to get the zoomies and run about the house. It depends on the cat, its age, and the amount of catnip you provide.
According to Science Advances , this active ingredient alters the behavior of domestic and wild cats. Catnip affects each cat differently, meaning that your cat could respond in the usual way, with excess energy, or in peculiar ways. Some cats rub their heads and bodies onto the herb, while others enjoy rolling around it. You might even notice your cat salivating and wanting a bite of the plant.
The most common benefit of catnip is that it helps cats relax. They often dive into playtime and run around the home with this good feeling. Some cats relax and take a nap, feeling more affectionate than normal. In any case, it makes them exceptionally happy. Since catnip is a rather easy plant to grow, most vets recommend offering it fresh to cats. You can grow the catnip plant indoors in a container or even leave it outdoors in a plant bed.
When growing indoors, make sure the container is large enough not to be tipped over if your cat gets access to it. Moreover, you should keep in mind that the plant can grow quite large and prefers full sun. Some owners are concerned that offering catnip directly, such as through food, will be too much for them. You can safely sprinkle some catnip over their food. Keep the quantity low as too much catnip can result in vomiting and digestion problems.
Catnip tea is a safe way to offer this herb to your cats, as well as encourage them to drink. Recipes often call for adding honey into the tea, but this should be avoided.
For an easier method of offering catnip to your cat, you can buy sprays at your local pet store. This is ideal if you lack the space, time, or interest in gardening but still want to offer it to your cat. Catnip spray is an aerosol that contains the volatile oils that cats react so strongly to.
In fact, it can offer a stronger dose with less effort, working well as an occasional treat. Catnip sprays are mess-free and easy to use. This is a great way to encourage your cat to spend more time in certain areas and associate these spots with good memories. It can make cats that prefer scratching furniture switch to their designated posts and even keep your feline off the counters and snug in its bed. To encourage exercise, the best way to offer catnip is through toys.
There are hundreds of catnip toys available in pet stores and online. There may be slots peppered around the sides of a plastic toy, or the toy may be fabric with pores in its threads. This allows your cat to immediately recognize the stimulating scent of the herb and react to it.
This measures out the scent and small bits of the herb over time. Since catnip often makes cats more energetic, owners mistakenly assume that it can be offered to kittens, but this is unwise.
A better idea is to offer your cats catnip after turning 6 months old. Ages months is when your cat will undergo full behavioral changes, including the ability to detect and react to catnip. These responses include your cat sniffing, chewing, and licking the catnip. It might rub its body against the herb and drool on the floor.
This is usually followed by hyperactivity or zoomies, with your cat running about at top speed. Catnip effects usually wear off within minutes for most cats. After this time, your cat will probably get a glazed-over look in its eyes and lay down, feeling exhausted. Experts recommend giving catnip to your cats no more than once a day.
Despite being safe and non-toxic, overdosing on catnip can result in diarrhea and vomiting. However, other cats can get carried away. To prevent this, give catnip in small doses. When offering it fresh, you can give your cat some of the herb every 2 weeks or so. Remember that fresh catnip is more potent than other forms. Pet owners often worry that catnip is the feline equivalent of a harmful narcotic.
In truth, this is unfounded. Catnip is non-toxic and safe for cats to enjoy. The only danger that comes with your cat consuming too much catnip is an upset stomach. You might notice your cat feeling sickly once the stimulating effects wear down. None of these negative effects are serious or life-threatening. The best ways to offer it are fresh, dried, in toys, or as a spray.
Regardless of your choice, your cat should enjoy the boost of energy and the extra fun it has during playtime. They've been known to attack and eat birds, fish, rodents, and other pets that they see….
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Do Cats and Golden Retrievers Get Along? Richard Parker I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. Richard earned his degree in journalism in He is the proud owner of 5 adult cats all adopted strays , including a senior cat who is now Leave a Comment Cancel reply Comment Name Email Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.
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