Catnip: What Vets Say And How To Choose The Finest Products For Your Feline Companion
Whether it be turning into assistance in the kitchen or scrubbing sore spots while brushing their fur, cats never miss a chance to flaunt their skills. If you ever thought of an explanation as to why they work so well and enthusiastically over catnip, then trust me, you are not suffering alone! Rubbing catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a verified skill that cats pose because it belongs to the same family as mint. It is known to make them dance and laugh with sheer delight.
Why Does It Work In Cats?
Cats are classified as extreme predators and stalkers with numerous sharp organs and limbs. This gives them a strong edge into the world of muscles. With this layman characteristic, cats do pose a unique revolution by placing the vomeronasal gland on the roof of their mouth which enables them to suck desperately in order to smell something.The joy of it rests within a mixture named nepetalactone, which is an oil from the plant’s leaves and stems. The oil has a scent that seems to interact with the vomeronasal gland when cats sniff or lick it and releases a particular compound. This triggers behavioral changes which appear quite similar to absolute pleasure.
Why Do Cats Love Catnip?
Since Catnip consists of hormone mimics, it is not a surprise that cats tend to behave like a female cat in heat, even though both genders react to catnip. Catnip seems to affect all cats the same. However, cats might also display some affection, suggest playfulness, or even relaxation, while some could go to the extent of showing hyperactive bursts. No two cats are alike when it comes to catnip; some remain drowsy and some feel the urge to spring into action.
Does it Pose Any Risk To Cats?
Yes! Most experts would be glad to find that catnip is not harmful to cats and can offer some means of enrichment. To support this, my doctor actually advises us to offer our pets catnip 2-3 times every week. Ultimately, a light dash or a gentle spray of catnip is known to suffice in getting cats interested. Just ensure you don’t exaggerate it—overdoing things could cause too much sensory input.
If you are a new user, it is a good idea to talk to your vet about it before introducing it to your cat, as every pet owner knows that every kitty is unique. A veterinarian can attend to your kitty’s specific needs.
Is It Okay for Kittens?
While it is not harmful to kittens, they usually won’t show interest or respond to it until they’re around 6 months to a year old. However, every cat is different, so some kittens may show a mild reaction earlier.
How Do You Use It on Your Cat?
For those unsure of how to use this on their pets, it’s very useful and it comes in multiple formats. Each pet owner can select one that best suit their cat’s preferences. Here are some steps on how to involve catnip in your cat’s life:
- Fresh Catnip: You can also grow the plant at home, this is the most potent fresh supply there is.
- Dried Catnip: From a time conserving measure, a sprinkle of dried catnip on scratchers or toys will suffice.
- Catnip Sprays or Bubbles: These toy set with filled catnip scraps are wonderful during play time however they leave room for a heighten feeling of play during playtime.
- Catnip Toys: Toys filled with dry catnip are put inside toys which increase the convenience for engagement. and this leads to improvement on entertainment or fun.
Does It Work For All Cats?
It does not seem like all cats will respond to the plant genetically. Almost 60% of cats respond to nepetalactone. This means that the other 40% could be indifferent or unresponsive as well. If your cat does not respond, you might want to give silvervine a try as it is a plant that usually causes the same reactions and appeals to cats that do not respond to catnip.
How Long Do The Effects Last?
Usually, the effects tend to last for approximately 10 minutes. Afterward, it is likely that your pet cat would require a minimum of 30 minutes to take a break from the activity before becoming responsive to the stimulus again.
For storage, to ensure the lasting impact and prevent potency loss, an airtight container should be used, preserving it from air, light, and moisture exposure since it has the potential to minimize effectiveness over time.
Can Cats Have Too Much Of It?
In theory cats won’t be able to “overdose” from it, but unleashing an excessive amount can be dangerous due to health concerns like vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. To ensure no problems arise, limiting to a tablespoon of dried catnip or a fresh sprig would be ideal. For rounded edges, it is best to clear up portion sizes with your veterinarian for the minimal risk.
Since fresh catnip is more potent than dried catnip, a smaller dosage is usually enough. Also, concentrated oils are best avoided as they can be too potent for most cats.
Best Products for Your Pets:
For a hassle-free experience, try this monthly subscription service that delivers fresh catnip to your door in the US and Canada. With KitNipBox, your kitty will never miss out on their high-quality catnip, allowing you to focus on their weekly playtime.
Catnip from EntirelyPets: If you are looking for a quality dried catnip product to sprinkle on your cat’s toy, bed, or scratcher, this EntirelyPets option is an excellent choice. This catnip is perfect for occasional use and can be stored for those special treat days
How to Use It Safely
Use in moderation. Use a small sprinkle of dried catnip on the toy or scratching post or a few sprays of catnip spray. You can also offer a few leaves for your kitty to sniff or chew on if they prefer it fresh.
This product can offer value to your cat’s regimen, from alleviating stress to offering a new training exercise or play activity. Regardless, monitoring your cat’s reactions is essential, and adjusting the dosage and frequency accordingly is paramount. If any signs of discomfort or bizarre behavior arise, it is best to stop and seek guidance from your vet.
