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If you are concerned about the potential impact of that high on such a young cat, you can superv ise their playtime. But, a lot of the concern plays into the idea of catnip being a “drug” and kittens being “underage”. It is an overreaction. Are Catnip Toys Safe for Kittens? While your cat will go mad for the stuff and have great fun enjoying their happy rush for a while, dogs are a little more indifferent. It doesn’t seem to trigger the same sort of response in thei r brains. Instead, you might find that dogs get a little drowsier and may even settle down for a nap. As long as the cat isn’t too bothered by it, there is nothing to stop dogs from having a sniff or a chew.
Giving your kitty catnip is safe and has benefits like elevating mood and relieving boredom. It’s especially great for indoor only cats who don’t get as much daily stimulation as those who get to roam outdoors. When purchasing catnip for your cat, there are wide variety of options, so you need to keep a few things in mind. Catnip comes in four different forms. Loose is the natural leaf but dried. A few pinches will usually last a few weeks. It is great for stuffing into catnip toys, sprinkling over carpets to encourage playing, or rubbing onto cat scratching posts to encourage their use. We have this idea of catnip being like a drug for cats because they develop a “high” not dissimilar to humans taking their own similar substances. Do you love cats? Then you'll love Gus & Bella's cat subscription box, the most exciting way to treat your cat (and yourself!) each month or as a one-off gift. Find out more.Cats can eat fresh catnip leaves, and many cats prefer this form,” notes Dr. Whittenburg. “Though cats are true carnivores, many kitties enjoy munching on greens from time to time, and catnip can provide a fun way to allow them to do so. Offer fresh catnip in moderation and only as an occasional treat.” Manufacturers have found a wide variety of ways to offer catnip. Your cat may prefer one method over another so you may want to try a variety to see which form is the most exciting (or calming) for your cat. "Many owners are drawn to toys or treats containing catnip as they tend to be less messy than the dried flakes and sprays," says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg. "Freshness matters as well, as a bit of catnip goes a long way." You can have great fun finding things that smell of catnip for your kitten’s mental and physical stimulation.
Catnip toys can be bought ready-made, with pouches that contain loose leaf catnip. This is a bit less messy than rubbing it onto the toy, and there’s more in the toy, so the smell will be stronger too. The catnip can usually be replaced after a few months when the scent wears off. When finding the best catnip toys, we ensured the catnip could be replaced, which makes it longer lasting and more useful. The theory is that the herb triggers an emotional reaction and rele ase of chemicals that make the cat feel content and relaxed. Toys can also be rolled in loose leaf catnip, and bags can also be bought to pop the catnip in and place around the house or near items. Can my dog use catnip? King Catnip , the producer of a range of catnip toys, suggest that catnip stalks are great at maintaining dental health. When your cat chews on the bark it naturally flosses their teeth, and the catnip will help stimulate playful behaviour. Catnip can be a great way to get couch potato cats to exercise more. By throwing or batting the catnip toy, you can encourage your cat to run after the item and stay active, which helps in maintaining a healthy weight for your cat.
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You can also buy catnip scratching posts ready-made. Catnip is infused in the sisal rope or cardboard as they come and can be topped up with sprays or by rubbing the loose leaf on the frame. You didn’t have much choice here though, and to be honest, it is nothing that can’t be done by yourself, so not really any of these stood out to us for a recommendation. If you’re buying for a cat, also having one of the best catnip toys to hand is a really easy way to keep mess to a minimum and encourage your cat to play. Catnip can also be rubbed or sprayed onto scratching posts to encourage their use or sprinkled onto new beds. Each cat subscription and one-off gift box has 7+ products, all chosen to promote the health and happiness of you and your cat and tailored to an adorable monthly theme. Catnip toys are guaranteed, so if your cat loves catnip - then they'll love our boxes! Most cats enjoy an intense catnip experience and go nuts with each sniff of nepetalactone. This essential oil triggers a happy feeling and encourages playful behavior. Even your lazy couch potato could suddenly switch to playful mode.
About 80% of felines respond to catnip, while 30% show no reaction. Sensitivity to catnip is an inherited trait, so there is no cause for alarm if your cat shows no response to the plant. You could try other alternatives that trigger the brain’s happy receptors, like Silvervine. You can also use catnip to redirect behavior. For instance, if your cat likes scratching your carpet or furniture, sprinkling catnip on the scratching post can help. The aroma from the plant will serve as a powerful attractant, and your cat will suddenly not get enough of its scratching post! FAQsLorraine also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in environmental science. She is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy, informed, and environmentally-conscious choices to protect their pets. It gives off a slightly minty, lemony scent when fresh and growing, and is a cousin to basil and oregano. But if you’re buying it for a cat to use, you’ll likely buy it cut and dried. Originally from Europe and Asia, even larger cats like lions have been known to not be able to get enough of it. If you’ve ever given your feline friend a sprinkle of catnip, you know that it drives them wild for a short while. Catnip, Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb in the mint family that contains the active ingredient and essential oil nepetalactone. It’s just one of thousands of terpene compounds found in plants that are capable of effecting brain chemistry. A small amount of catnip can be sprinkled into the dog’s food, but it is essential to remember it shouldn’t be used at all times – only when necessary. Dogs also should not play with dedicated catnip toys, because they’re often too small and contain parts which could easily be swallowed by larger animals, and they are more likely to chew them with their stronger teeth too. Can I give my pregnant cat catnip? This is ideal from the perspective of a cat owner that just wants their cat to chill out for a little while, especially during a stressful situation like a thunderstorm of fireworks.
The herb is fine for dogs to use, although you should discuss it with your vet first because dogs can be more sensitive to certain things than cats are. The only real hazard of catnip may be the risk of injury while they are feeling wild. “Catnip of all forms is generally considered safe. Aside from mild gastrointestinal upset, the only reported issues come from kitties being injured while getting a little too crazy playing,” adds Dr. Whittenburg. “Catnip has varying effects on cats, hardly affecting some while making others go nutty with the zoomies. Cats playing with catnip should be in a safe environment and always be supervised.”
Help and Resources
Perhaps you’re wondering what is the best way to give cats catnip, and what the best catnip products are? How exactly do you use it? We have a full guide to catnip. Catnip is a plant from the mint family containing a natural chemical called nepetalactone. The scent of catnip triggers various emotional and physical responses in a cat’s brain. It commonly produces feelings of happiness and relaxation as the cat chews, rolls in, or sniffs it.
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