Catnip belongs to the mint family that’s popularly known for its effects on cats. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is a substance that causes reactions ranging from rubbing, sniffing, licking, getting aggressive, and somewhat exuberant. Studies have shown that up to eighty percent of domestic cats react to catnip, even though it’s likely to affect senior cats and kittens.
Table of Contents
The Do’s and Don’ts of giving your cat catnip
Our list of Do’s and Donts.
The do’s
Using catnip as a treat
This herb is a fun and healthy treat for your feline friend. Simply sprinkle dried catnip leaves in places you can your kitty to be interested in going or spray catnip liquid on his favorite toys. Felines who have generic receptors to feel catnip’s effects are most likely drawn to its minty smell and enjoy chewing, rolling, and sometimes eating it. Furthermore, cats also relish in the sensation they feel when they smell catnip and are getting more excited when the scent is all over the house.
Give catnip in small doses
Cats can smell the scent of catnip very well. Thus, it does not take too much to stimulate their senses and bear in mind that just a little bit of this herb already goes a long way. Your cat will enjoy catnip for up to fifteen minutes before his senses have had enough of it and he won’t catch that buzz again for hours. If you’re living in a multi-cat household, ensure that there’s enough to go around in order to avoid catnip competition among your feline companions.
Utilize catnip products
Most cat products, especially toys, are stuffed with catnip for an instant attraction. Usually, it’s stated on the label or packaging but if you are not sure, just give the product a sniff. Scratching posts, cat towers, as well as toys of all varieties are usually pretreated with catnip. You can try giving catnip-stuffed solo play toys to your cat as it can drive him wild and watch him do swat and erratic bounces around the house.
The don’ts
Giving catnip to aggressive felines
Cats have different personalities and some cats are just born bullies. They’re the ones that trouble always follow and you always find them in conflict with other pets in the household. Giving catnip to aggressive cats can only make them grumpier and may lead to aggression.
Giving your cat too much catnip
Too much of something is dangerous – and catnip isn’t an exception. When it comes to giving your cat catnip, make sure that you don’t give him too much. Catnip is stimulating and fun for a while, however, too much exposure to it can possibly make your cat nauseous and cranky. Still, there’s no chance of your feline overdosing on catnip. Even when ingested, catnip is completely nontoxic and if your cat looks like he had too much of it, just take the catnip toy or the catnip herb itself away from him and he will be back to himself in no time.
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Common questions about giving your cats catnip
How long should a cat play with a catnip toy?
Usually, cats can play with catnip toys for about ten minutes and after that, your cat will start to lose interest. It might take as long as 2 hours for your cat to reset and gain interest in playing catnip again. When giving catnip to your cat, be mindful of overindulgence but also note that felines are unlikely to get overdosage on catnip, however, if a large amount is ingested, it may cause tummy troubles.
What does catnip actually do to cats?
When cats eat catnip, it serves as a sedative, but the moment cats smell it, it can cause them to go crazy. Catnips are thought to mimic cat pheromones as well as trigger those receptors. Kitties may chew on and rub against catnip to bruise the stems and leaves, which then release more amount of nepetalactone. Cats won’t get an overdose on catnip and it is very safe for cats.
Can too much catnip kill a cat?
Cats love catnip so much and the good thing is – it’s perfectly safe. Catnip has nothing in it that could cause any harm to your feline companion. If by chance your furry peal eats a large portion of catnip, it can cause him a mild tummy upset, however, that rarely happens.
Conclusion
Even though not all felines are highly responsive to catnip, it is estimated that up to eighty percent of kitties feel elated and this feeling can last between 5 and 15 minutes. Therefore, when you introduce your cat to catnip, make sure to consider the do’s and don’ts we have listed above. Catnip-infused products can make cats really excited and can take each playtime to a high level. Keeping these tips in mind will make sure that your feline friend has a positive and interesting experience with it.
