Truth About Catnip
Almost every cat toy you purchase contains catnip, but is it safe? What exactly is catnip? We’ll explain what catnip is, how to use it, But why do they like catnip so much, and the factors you should take into account before feeding it to your cat. In this blog we will discuss all truth about catnip.
What is catnip?
The mint family includes the leafy green perennial plant known as catnip. Catnip, also known by its botanical name Nepeta cataria, contains an oil called nepetalactone that many cats find euphoric.
Catmint or field balm are other names for catnip. In many settings, this plant may be grown relatively easily, but if left unchecked, it might take over a garden. You can also cultivate catnip inside. If you do, make sure your cat can’t get to the plant otherwise it could get eaten to death. Too many leafy greens can upset a cat’s stomach even if they are neither poisonous or dangerous.
How Catnip Affects Cats?
Whether your feline companion is attracted to this oregano and basil relative depends on heredity. A sensitivity to the herb is inherited by around one in two cats. However, you won’t be able to tell if your kitten is one of them until it is between 3 and 6 months old.
The appeal of catnip is found in its volatile oil, notably one molecule called nepetalactone. It just takes one or two sniffs of the miraculous oil, which is present in catnip’s leaves, stems, and seeds, for vulnerable felines to start licking, chewing, and rolling about in feline happiness.
Even though it is strong, this euphoria typically only lasts for around 10 minutes for most cats. Some people’s joy manifests as violent playfulness. Others become relaxed and tranquil as a result at the same time. No of how your cat reacts, it will take them roughly two hours to respond to catnip again once the initial joy has taken off.
How to use it: Catnip
There are many other ways to get catnip, from sprays to bubble blow, and you can even buy catnip “wine” for your cat to drink as you sip your moscato! You may just set down many catnip toys and scratching posts and let the cat to start playing with them. Since it might get messy, you might want to do this in the kitchen for the loose items that the cat can roll on.
As an alternative, you might sprinkle it on an item you want your cat to engage with (like that cat tower you got), which they haven’t touched. You can use the fresh stuff almost anyplace since it is much simpler to clean up. To release the catnip’s oils, just rub it between your fingers before setting it down for Fluffy to play with.
How Long Does It Last?
Your cat will feel particularly wild for the following ten minutes or more after sniffing the catnip. They’ll probably try to consume the powder at this stage or chew on the leaves of the kind you choose to cultivate at home. After then, the nip will be inactive for thirty minutes before reactivating.
Should My Kitten Have Some?
It won’t harm your cat if you give it any of this unique herb. However, keep in mind that they might not respond in the same way as an adult or mature cat would. Once they are six months old, their sensitivity to the substance becomes more apparent and remains this strong until they are one.
What you should know about catnip
If used in a secure setting, catnip is perfectly safe for cats. This herb makes cats very lively, therefore it’s better to use it somewhere where they won’t trip over objects or knock things over. Since cats often recognise when enough is enough, overdosing on catnip is essentially unheard of. If cats consume too much, certain stomach issues like vomiting and diarrhoea might happen, although side effects are often minimal. Call Your Vet if you find these symptoms.
