What is catnip?
Catnip is scientifically known as nepeta cataria, and it is a herbaceous perennial plant. This plant is native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and now it grows like a weed in plenty of regions. The dried catnip plant looks like oregano, but this plant is a member of the mint family. A good catnip plant has heart-shaped leaves, and it can give blooms in several colors like white, pink, blue, and lavender. Catnip stimulates playful behavior in many cats, and it is perfect if your pet hasn’t been in a good mood lately.
Impact of catnip on cats!
Catnip has an essential oil ingredient called nepetalactone which is thought to mimic the feline pheromones. Researchers consider that this vital oil in the catnip helps cats enjoy a euphoric reaction. There is nothing to worry about at the ecstatic level because it does not last long; its effect stays for 20 minutes to 30 minutes maximum. Once your cat sniffs in the catnip, it will have some stimulating effects like it is going to purr, meow, roll on the ground, drool, and zip about. If your kitty ends up ingesting a little bit of the catnip, there is nothing to worry about, and it will make her feel sleepy and relaxed.
Is catnip safe to use with cats?
There is nothing to worry about when catnip is used in limited quantities, but if your cat consumes a lot, it might start vomiting or get its tummy upset. The good thing about cats is that they are self-regulating animals and won’t overindulge in catnip, but still, it is a good idea to keep an eye on them while they are using it. As long as catnip is used as an occasional treat for the cat, that’s fine. Know that too much use will stop its effects.
Few interesting facts you need to know about catnip:
- Catnip is a herbal mosquito repellent. Sadly, it’s not powerful when used on the skin.
- Some people treat nausea or headaches with catnip tea. It’s additionally regarded to assist with insomnia.
- You may make a paste out of dried catnip for wounds by crushing it and adding water.
- Catnip comes in many forms—dried, fresh, pressed into solid balls, and sprays. However, the sprays are much less potent than dried catnip but are beneficial for spritzing scratching posts and freshening up toys.
- There are many catnip toys in the marketplace too. However, you can also make your homemade cat toys simply as nicely.
Catnip is usually beneficial for cats and has some attractive health advantages. If you are still not used to this and unsure of the amount of catnip you want to use for your kitty, talk about this with your vet. On veterinarian advice getting a little bit of catnip for your furry friends’ fun won’t harm a bit. Your vet will also likely suggest getting kitten insurance if you don’t have a policy, to help with a wide range of health needs. In case of accident and illness related health issues, cheap cat insurance will act as a backup security plan, so you won’t have to feel financially burdened with cat problems. Feel free to get your hands on catnip and help your furry buddies to enjoy a euphoric time while researching your insurance options.
