Many cats enjoy catnip, whether it’s fresh, dried, powdered, or placed in a toy. If you’ve ever seen a cat ‘under the influence’ of catnip, you might be curious about whether cats can eat catnip and if it’s safe for them to do so. So, what exactly is catnip? Is it good to give your cat catnip? And how often can cats eat catnip if they chose to have a nibble?
What is Catnip?
Catnip is a herb plant in the mint family and has a powerful smell. Its scientific name is Nepeta cataria. The plant Nepeta cataria is also known as catnip, catswort, catmint, and catwort. Catnip is indigenous to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
It includes the compound nepetalactone, which is responsible for certain cats’ behavioral changes. You may cultivate your own catnip plant if you wish but it’s also available in dry or powdered form, which you can sprinkle on toys, beds, scratch posts, and cat trees.
Is Catnip Safe for Cats to Eat?
Unlike chocolate that is toxic and dangerous to cats, catnip is safe to eat. Although cats are more likely to react to the fragrance of catnip, they can sometimes eat it too. This is especially prevalent if they’re rolling around in a spot where it’s been sprinkled. You shouldn’t be concerned if your cat consumes catnip in moderation because it’s completely harmless. Even if your cat ate a lot of catnip, it shouldn’t cause anything more than a little stomach upset.
Can Cats Eat Catnip Flowers?
When encountering a catnip plant, your cat may munch on the flowers first since they contain more nepetalactone than the leaves. Because nepetalactone levels drop as flowers begin to seed, most cats are uninterested in catnip seeds.
Can Cats Eat Catnip Leaves?
Fresh catnip leaves and stems are high in nepetalactone, so limit your cat’s consumption to 10-20 grams.
Can Pregnant Cats Eat Catnip?
Because catnip stimulates the uterus, it should not be given to a pregnant cat as it may cause preterm labor. It can potentially harm the placenta and risk the health of her litter.
Can Diabetic Cats Eat Catnip?
Yes, diabetic cats can consume catnip without a problem. It is not harmful or toxic to diabetic cats.
If you have a diabetic cat, however, you must prioritize its dietary needs and control its blood sugar levels with a balanced and appropriate diabetic food suggested by your veterinarian.
Can Young Cats Eat Catnip?
A little amount of catnip wouldn’t harm a kitten, but it is best to wait until they are adults and have grown a healthy weight before giving them the treat. After chewing a few catnip leaves, many kittens might get diarrhea or may vomit, so it’s not worth the risk.
How Does Catnip Work?
Cats are especially sensitive to the scent of catnip, which is created by nepetalactone. When a cat smells catnip, its nose’s olfactory sense receptors communicate information to its brain, causing it to feel happy, relaxed, or playful. Catnip, on the other hand, does not always change a cat’s behavior for the better, and some cats might get a little aggressive as a result.
This is most likely due to the fact that catnip enhances a cat’s mood. So, if they are happy, they will get happier, but if they are angry, they might become aggressive. The aroma of nepetalactone is supposed to be like feline pheromones, which is one of the ways cats interact with one another.
Benefits of Catnip: What Does Catnip Do to a Cat’s Behavior?
Although catnip plant appears to be just a fun way to entertain your cat, it may also be quite useful. It’s ideal for encouraging your cat to engage with or show interest in specific objects. If your stubborn cat refuses to play with their cat tree or scratch posts, try dusting them with catnip to capture their attention.
Similarly, if your cat is a bit chubby, you may stimulate calorie-burning activity by using catnip-filled toys. If your cat suffers from anxiety or stress, catnip may assist, either by motivating them to play or by calming and relaxing them.
How to Use Catnip
Catnip is available in a variety of forms, including:
- Fresh catnip (growing your own plant)
- Dried catnip
- Catnip sprays
- Toys with catnip
Catnip sprays are a fantastic solution for cats who have stomach problems after consuming the plant. Spray your cat’s favorite toy, cat tree, or scratcher. You may also wrap a toy in dried catnip or sprinkle it on a cat tree, scratching post, or cardboard scratcher.
How Much Catnip Can a Cat Eat?
Begin with a pinch of catnip and see how long it lasts your cat. Everything you feed your cat, including catnip, or human food should be given in moderation. If your cat expresses a need for more, offer another pinch or two. Safety is more of a concern when providing your cat with fresh catnip. Large quantities of fresh or dried varieties may cause stomach distress.