What Happens To The Brain After Chewing Catnip
When your cat smells or ingests catnip, it binds to certain receptors in your cats nose and mouth, which in turn send messages to your cats brain. It is thought that catnip can imitate increased hormones in felines and, therefore, cause your cat to behave as though they are in heat. This effect can be seen in both male and female cats.
Most cats will start to show the effects of catnip within the first 10-15 minutes of inhaling or ingesting it. These effects can last for roughly 10-30 minutes before they begin to wear off. Once the effects have worn off, your cat may not react to catnip again for a couple of hours.
Can Kittens Have Catnip The Truth About Catnip
Cats and kittens can safely have catnip as a treat. The only concern for kittens is the plants effect on them if they try some of the leaves.
Catnips safety for cats has been hotly debated for years. The question of whether or not this is safe for your cats is understandable.
This article will tell you the answer to that question and whether or not its safe for your kitten to enjoy the benefits of catnip alongside its momma.
Here are some facts about catnip that you might want to know.
Catnip Is Safe To Eat
It is non-toxic and it can be safely digested by your kittens body system. The effects may just be stronger since shes ingesting all the oils as opposed to sniffing just a little amount. If youre wondering when your kitten can eat catnip, its best to give it to her after she starts eating her food. Now the question is, when do kittens start eating foods and drinking water? Thats usually around 4 weeks but keep in mind that her gene for that sensitivity doesnt emerge till six months.
Also Check: What Was Gargamels Cats Name
You May Like: What To Do With A Dead Cat At Home
How Does Catnip Work
The active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone, which acts as an insect repellant for the plant. When nepetalactone comes into contact with the smell receptors inside a cats nose, they cause an endorphin release, with effects quite similar to those of morphine. Studies suggest these effects are most noticeable in about two-thirds of cats, with another third seemingly less, or not, sensitive. This is probably genetic and hereditary. Kittens under the age of 3 months tend to not show much response either.
The effects of nepetalactone usually begin quickly and last for between 5 and 15 minutes. After this, cats develop tolerance and are no longer sensitive for a few hours. This being said, catnip is non-addictive and does not seem to create dependency.
Heres Why Cats Go Crazy For This Treat
minute read
Catnip isnât your average pet treat, and itâs not for every cat. The non-addictive oil can actually cause your pet to mildly hallucinate â and while some cats love it, others can have negative reactions or not feel the effects at all. Thereâs a lot to unpack here, which is why we have Dr. Aliya McCullough, veterinarian and pet health advocate, to walk us through all things catnip.â
Read Also: Cat Room Cute Cat Games
Catnip Effects On Cats
The active ingredient in catnip is an essential oil called nepetalactone . Exactly how this chemical affects the wiring of your cats brain isnt clear, but it is noted to bind to receptors inside a cats nose, which then stimulate the sensory neurons leading to a cats brain. So, what exactly does catnip do to cats? Its thought to mimic feline pheromones, which cause a euphoric reaction.
The blissful high of catnip doesnt last very long, oftentimes less than 30 minutes. Your cat might get nutty for about ten or fifteen minutes and then wander away for a nap. Once a cat has partaken of the catnip, it takes a couple of hours before they can be affected by it again.
Catnip can make cats meow, purr, growl, roll on the ground, zip about, and even drool. It can also have a mild hallucinatory effect, which helps explain why a kitty on catnip might bat at the air or dodge something that isnt there. Sniffing catnip has more of a stimulant effect, whereas eating it is more likely to make a cat all sorts of relaxed and sleepy.
Some cats can react to catnip with mild aggression, such as low growling or swatting. If you have more than one cat in the house, you should consider giving it to only one cat at a time to avoid potential fights and definitely keep an eye on them during their trip.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip
Catnip contains a specific compound that drives cats crazy nepetalactone. As soon as your cat smells this compound, it drives them crazy. The reason why isnt entirely clear, though its believed that the nepetalactone could replicate feline pheromones that are associated with mating, which would be the cause of their erratic behavior thats associated with catnip.
You May Like: Purina Pro Plan Indoor Cat Food
What Kind Of Catnip Is Best
Catnip comes in many different forms. Its most commonly available in a dried herbal format, but you can also buy it fresh, infused in toys and chews, or as an extract . Since all cats react a bit differently, you might find your furry friend prefers one type over the other. Some take some time to experiment with different types to see what they like best.
If you buy dried catnip, make sure to store it in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent it from losing its potency. We also recommend looking for a catnip that is 100% natural or organic and grown without chemicals.
Can My Cat Become Addicted To Catnip
Never. Catnip is not addictive, and while you may think that your cat is addicted to it when you give your cat the nip, this is only a matter of excitement and love for the relaxing and enticing herb, not out of any dependency.
A cat’s excitement over catnip is similar to the enthusiasm we people feel when our favorite dessert is on the table, like seeing an ice cream being pulled out of the freezer after months of not having it! Show your cat a favorite treat, and you will get the same excited reaction in your feline.
Once again, the reaction cats have over this herb is one of excitement, not dependency.
Read Also: Metabolic And Urinary Cat Food
Do Humans React To Catnip
Cats love catnip, but what about us? Are we affected in similar ways? Although we dont experience the same euphoria as our cats, humans do sometime use it as an alternative medicine. Webmd.com lists a series of uses that range from alleviating insomnia and migraines to relieving swelling and arthritis when applied to the skin.
Catnip can also be used as a mosquito repellent it doesnt last as long as the DEET that most brands use but its good for people who want a product thats not as harsh.
Kittens Cannot Be Addicted Catnip
Because many substances are capable of inducing a continued dependency, many cat owners have expressed worries of their feline getting addicted to the herb. However, theres no reason to fret as cats cannot get addicted to it. If theres any cause for concern, it should be the possibility of your pet getting used to catnip overtime, leading to low sensitivity to it.
Also Check: What Is Metronidazole Used For In Cats
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
This is a summary of the coverages in your pet health insurance policy from Fetch. No coverage is provided by this summary nor can it be construed to replace any provision of your policy. You should read your policy and review your Declarations page for complete information on the coverages you are provided. If there is any conflict between the policy and this summary, the provisions of the policy shall prevail.
Can A Cat Have Too Much Catnip
Because there is a drug like reaction to catnip, many owners wonder if its possible for their cat to overdose on catnip. While the term overdose isnt necessarily the best term to use, it is possible for your cat to have too much. There are certain cats that will be more sensitive than others, and there are some cats that will rip open their catnip toys and consume it, in these instances your cat may get sick, but they wont overdose. In most instances, cats will know when theyve had too much catnip and will further refuse any that offers made.
If your cat isnt reacting well to catnip they have sniffed or consumed, stop in to Countryside Animal Hospital and we can help provide you with answers.
Read Also: Blue Wilderness Cat Food Review
Don’t Miss: Why Does My Cat Throw Up After Eating
Buying And Storing Catnip
What Are The Symptoms Of Catnip Poisoning In Cats
Have you ever experienced your cat vomiting or having diarrhea after having catnip?
If yes, then it may be due to the consumption of more amount of catnip than needed.
Catnip usually wont poison your kitty, and its safe. However, there is still a chance to have an overtreatment.
Your cats body might fight with the quantity of catnip you gave. The same thing can happen if your kitty is not matured.
Some cats may become cranky or nauseous, thats also because of too much exposure.
If the symptom of an excess persists, contact your veterinarian and diagnose it. Mostly all these kinds of cases will be okay within 15 to 30 minutes.
So far, there are no other symptoms observed.
The catnip is a recreational drug, as well as non-addictive, so it wont make your feline friend poisonous to a great extent.
Recommended Reading: Cat Years In People Years
You May Like: Why Is My Cat Staring At Nothing
Dont: Keep Fresh Catnip Around All The Time
There are different types of catnip that can be used, such as fresh, dried, or sprayed. Some cats prefer dried catnip to fresh. If you have fresh catnip, you may ask yourself, can cats eat catnip leaves? While it is safe to consume catnip leaves, you should be sure to monitor your plant to make sure your cat is not eating too much. Fresh catnip is thought to be easier on your cats mouth. However, it is a live plant and will require some upkeep.
How To Give Catnip To Your Cat
Catnip can be effectively used to encourage your cat to adopt good behaviour. If your indoor cat needs extra exercise, you can make playtime even more exciting by tucking a bit of catnip in their favourite toys.
Catnip can also be great to encourage your cat to interact with certain toys. If you want to use a scratching post to sharpen your cat s claws and keep them away from the furniture, you can rub some catnip into the scratching post or sprinkle some at its base.
The catnips effect on cats means that theyll pay attention and want to discover what this new toy does.
If your cat adopts the sedated reaction to the plant you can also use catnip for cats that are anxious about traveling in the car. Sprinkle catnip in their carrier to help them make it through the journey stress-free.
Read Also: Pure Harmony Canned Cat Food
You Can Give Your Cat Catnip Every Day But Watch Out For
Catnipis safe to give to your cat regularly. It is non-toxic, and cats that respondto catnip love it. Too much of catnip can cause your cat to get a mild upsetstomach.
Somecats will respond to catnip by being too playful, while other cats remain calm.Fresh catnip is better than dried catnip.
Asa cat parent, you have probably heard of catnip and its effect on catsbehavior. There are wild tales out there, of how this stuff can transform acouch potato cat into an active fellow.
Ifyou are wondering if you should give your cat this special herb, and if it issafe, you have come to the right place.
Iwill give you all the details regarding catnip, how it can affect your cat, andif there are any side effects. Read more, to learn why your cat acts all sillyafter a catnip episode.
Catnip is Not Harmful to Your CatWhen Given Daily
Catnipis a healthy addition to your cat. Outdoor cats usually consume greens on theirprowls. An indoor cat may miss out on this. As a natural member of the mint family,catnip provides your indoor cat with the dose of greens it needs to stayhealthy.
If your cat gets hyper when playing withcatnip, this can help it exercise more and keep fit.
Catsrespond to catnip by chewing it, pawing on the source of catnip, and rolling onit. Not all cats respond in the same way. While some cats will get aggressiveor playful, others will remain calm.
Itcan also be used to enforce certain behaviors in your cat, such as training itto use its scratching post.
What Does Silver Vine Do To Cats
Indoor cats need a variety of stimuli to keep them happy. Silver vine produces a euphoric effect on cats thats similar to catnip.
The effects begin immediately after coming in contact with silver vine and only last up to 30 minutes. Typical cat behaviors associated with smelling silver vine include sedation, hyperactivity, rolling, and licking.
The use of silver vine for cats is common in some Asian countries, and a cats reaction to it is known as the matatabi dance. Matatabi literally means travel again in Japanese and is also a nickname for silver vine since it causes some cats to wiggle around on the floor.
According to research at Harvard University, one of the active ingredients in silver vine, nepetalactol, activates the reward and pleasure center in cat brains. This is comparable to the opioid systems response to morphine in humans. However, silver vine is not addictive in cats.
Researchers have also found that cats who rub against this plant also get the added benefit of a natural insect repellent.
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Alopecia In Cats
Whats The Best Way To Introduce Catnip To My Cat
If youre considering trying out catnip for the first time, dont buy too much until you know that your cat enjoys it. Introducing catnip to your cat is simple and can be done in a variety of different ways:
-
Try buying a catnip toy.
-
Sprinkle the loose herb on your cats toys or scratching post to see if they enjoy engaging with it.
-
Sprinkle loose catnip in a new space youre trying to encourage your cat to explore.
-
Use it when introducing your cat to a new cat to help reduce anxiety.
-
Place catnip in your cats carrier to relax them during car rides or when going to the vet.
Is Catnip A Drug Does Catnip Make Cats High
While many people refer to catnip as weed for cats, its actually not related to weed. Some people also describe the effect of catnip as a high, because many cats become very relaxed, calm and happy after interacting with the catnip.
However, scientific studies have shown that catnip doesnt affect the brain in the same way as drugs like marijuana or cocaine do. Cats are completely aware of their surroundings when under the effects of catnip, theyre just much happier. Catnip doesnt have any long-term effects on the brain, its not addictive and its considered very safe.
Also Check: Small Pet Tags For Cats
What Happens To Cats When They Eat Catnip
Observing your cats response to the effects of catnip can be entertaining. You may notice that they stumble around, seem disorientated, and hyperactive by jumping around and playing with toys or the air. In some instances, your cat may even drool or take a relaxing nap. An improved mood and relaxed state are common responses most cats will experience, and if you follow the correct dosages with guidance from your cats veterinarian, you can give catnip to your cat as a treat.
For cats who have a positive experience with catnip, they will become very mellow. This is why so many cat owners recommend using it on their hyperactive cat. Catnip will only stay in a cats system for 10 to 15 minutes before it wears off. The amount of catnip your cat eats or sniffs will cause it to experience a stronger or milder effect.
Interestingly, kittens do not develop the ability to respond to catnip like adult cats do, but they will once they reach three to six months of age.
Dont Miss: Lovecrafts Cat Name