Catnip as an effect on cats

– Training. Catnip is used as a reward for correctly performed actions and to form a pleasant association with the learning process.

Valerian, catnip and other plants that cheer up cats: How do they work, and can you give them to your pet?

Cat addict – woe in the family! Show of hands, who's ever given their furry cat Valerian from the home medicine cabinet? And catnip? Agree, the process of "consumption" sometimes looks, well, very fun! But how much of this high is safe for animals?

As it turns out, not really. It all depends on the form and amount of the pet gets the cherished herb. Cats should never be given preparations intended for humans ! The concentration of basic and additional substances even in the most common pharmacy tincture of valerian is not designed for a cat! And even "just a little to have some fun" is not allowed either. !

There are much safer and legal alternatives to make your pet happy. Scientists know of at least four types of plants that cause mild euphoria in most felines. In addition to the familiar catnip и valerian, the list includes Tartar honeysuckle и silver vine (matatabi). . What is so special about them?

All of these herbs have one thing in common. the different types of iridoids they contain. . There are three theories as to why SEALs like this substance so much. The first is that these compounds are a kind of light drug for our SEALs. . The second theory is that the iridoids are reminiscent of the smell of cat pheromones which makes our pets excited and active. The third theory also makes sense and can be used in conjunction with the other two. Numerous studies confirm that Some iridoids are natural repellents against insects . While lying in the grass, cats can apply a scent that repels parasites.

One way or another, animals try to interact with plants that contain iridoids in every way: lying in bushes, rubbing against stems, biting and chewing on leaves. Now let's break down each herb.

What is catnip

Catnip (catnip or catnip lemongrass) – perennial plant in the family Elarrow, which grows throughout the European part of Russia, the Caucasus, Siberia, the Far East, Central and Southern Europe, Asia, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

Externally, catnip resembles lemon balm. This plant reaches a height of 40-100 cm and has a straight unyielding stem with heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges and inflorescences that are lilac or off-white.

In the wild, catnip is found in vacant lots, wooded glades and roadside slopes. But you can also grow it on your windowsill if necessary. The main thing is to put pots with seedlings on the sunny side and keep them from the cold.

How catnip works on cats

The smell of catnip can both excite and soothe. But in the vast majority of cases the cat will open its mouth and salivate, rub its face against the plant, try to eat it or lick it, roll around on the floor and purr.

When eating peppermint leaves, the animal becomes calmer and more affectionate, sleeps more soundly and does not show aggression toward strangers. When inhaling essential oils, the animal will show motor activity, interest in objects emitting the scent, and signs of a good mood.

This effect lasts for 10 to 15 minutes. Then the animal's condition stabilizes, and the cat begins to behave more calmly.

It is noteworthy that interest in catnip wanes in direct proportion to the loss of its effects. After reaching a peak of activity or relaxation, the cat goes back to its usual state and forgets about the plant for at least 1.5-2 hours. However, if you remove the catnip completely and do not give it to the cat for several days, the cat will not seek it out in the house, nor will it meow or show any aggression if it is absent.

Is it dangerous to cats?

It turned out that the chemicals in these plants are not addictive, unlike opiates.

It was also found in experiments that cats' reactions to catnip and actinidia polygamina last from 5 to 15 minutes, followed by a period of one or more hours when the animals stop reacting to these plants. According to scientists, cats have an intoxication reaction that has no pathophysiological effects. That is why the dried leaves of these plants are used in toys for domestic cats all over the world.

What other animals are affected by these plants?

It was found that a similar reaction to these plants is observed not only in domestic cats, but also in other, larger, representatives of the feline family: the Far Eastern leopard, the jaguar and the Eurasian lynx.

But that's not the most interesting part. It turns out that iridoids contained in catnip and actinidia polygamina repel mosquitoes. Scientists have found that these substances are a repellent for Aedes albopictus, a mosquito common in Japan and China. They suggest that iridoids may also repel other blood-sucking insects.

How to use valerian and catnip

If you want to give your cat valerian or catnip, you need to choose only quality products and use them properly in small amounts. For example, you can buy special toys and treats with these plants.

Toys usually have a soft surface and are filled with dried valerian or catnip. Cats usually respond to the scent of these plants by playing and biting toys. Valerian and catnip treats are also available in specialty pet stores. They contain the dried leaves and roots of these plants and can be used as encouragement for cats. But, again, do not give too many treats to avoid possible overloading of the cat's nervous system.

How to properly give catnip to a cat

Veterinary drugstores and pet stores sell catnip not only in dry and fresh form, but also inside toys – in the form of dense balls and sprays. Each type has different efficacy.

In dry or fresh form.

Dry and fresh catnip is used as a daily treat and for training. Beforehand, the leaves are rubbed in hands to intensify the fragrance, and spread on the desired surface: a sleeping place, a scratching post or on a long-forgotten toy.

Fresh catnip is preferable for cats, as dry catnip gives a weaker effect. The quality of the raw material also plays a big role. Only the leaves exude the fragrance, so an excessive amount of stems reduces the overall effectiveness. Consequently, the plant is better grown at home.

In toys or balls

Catnip in its "live" form is the most effective, but it leaves a lot of dirt behind. The dried leaves collapse into fine dust, and the live plant is often overturned.

If the presence of dirt is critical for you – pay attention to soft toys stuffed with fragrant plant. Their only disadvantage is short-lived. After drying, the leaves stop emitting fragrance, so the toys require regular replacement.

Another interesting option is a hard and dense ball consisting of catnip and beeswax. Unlike soft toys, it is completely natural. It can even be eaten, so a fun game can easily be combined with a nice meal.

In sprays – as an aid

Catnip is even sold as a spray. It contains the essential oil of the plant and water, so the effectiveness is much inferior to dry and fresh leaves. If, in addition to dirt, you are annoyed by toys and balls lying around everywhere, then this option is for you.

Why a cat doesn't react to catnip

As mentioned above, reactions to catnip can vary, and sometimes they are not at all. If your pet shows no interest in the plant, it is due to one of the following reasons:

1. Lack of a particular gene. Only 70% of whiskered pets are susceptible to the smell of the plant. The remaining 30% are indifferent to it and pass this feature on to their children.
2. Small age. The effect is observed only in sexually mature individuals, as kittens are not yet familiar with the sex hunt.
3. Severe stress. Catnip is used before encountering stressors, not during.
4. Low essential oil content. Observed in products with low-quality raw materials, so be sure to look at the reviews of other buyers.

In the last 3 cases, the lack of reaction is temporary, while in the first, it is permanent. If your cat is in the same 30%, its kittens are very likely to be exactly the same.

Catnip – what is it?

This plant has an official name – catnip. What is catnip? It is a perennial herb of the Yasnokova family. Cats are attracted to it because of its lemon-scented essential oil, which contains a special substance – nepetalactone. Cats and even lions and panthers experience ecstasy when breathing in the scent. And all thanks to the gene that programmed such a reaction of the body of cats.

Although the main use of this plant has nothing to do with the pet industry. It is a spice that is added to food and perfume. It also has medicinal properties: it is used for inflammatory respiratory diseases, anemia, migraine, poor appetite, depression, is used against worms and infections. Some people manage to take it as a hallucinogen. And in ancient times, catnip was added as part of the charm potions, attributing to it magical properties. Although such an opinion is rather based on the fact that the plant acts as a pheromone.

Where does catnip grow?

This is a wild plant, which is found everywhere in Russia, Europe and Asia. It is also grown at home: in the front garden and on the windowsill. To grow it, you need to plant seeds. True, there is little light in the apartment, so the bushes will not become large. But this is enough for a cat. Even the owners will have enough left over for making tea.

Some smells are like drugs and hallucinogens for cats. These include, for example, valerian. If the animal smells it, it will go into euphoria, and when valerian is taken away, the cat may run around the apartment looking for it. If suddenly spilled valerian is found on the way, the cat may get drunk on it. This is very harmful: a hangover, headache, depression and other similar "charms" follow. If the animal has drunk valerian, it can even go into a drug-induced coma.

What about catnip? Is it a drug followed by a hangover? Is catnip harmful? Most often, its inhalation causes felines to mimic sexual behavior – they become aroused, that is, the plant acts similarly to pheromones. Aggressive cats often have a state of pacification due to the smell of catnip, while passive cats, on the contrary, have an excitable nervous system. On inhaling the scent, such an animal becomes excited, begins to lick and bite the plant (or scented object), twitches its body and shakes its head, purrs, rolls around on the floor. This condition lasts about 10 minutes, after which it recedes. Peppermint still retains its scent, but the cat just stops reacting to it.

Other reactions occur as well. Some murkies become violent. For some, particularly small kittens, catnip has no effect.

However, catnip, being similar in its effect to a drug, does not cause addiction. A hangover after inhaling the smell does not occur either.

What catnip is used for

Cats love catnip. And it's perfectly safe for your pet – there's nothing in it that can harm their health. If for some reason your cat eats a large amount of catnip, it may only cause mild stomach upset, and that's unlikely to happen.

Catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Elkwort family. It originally grew in North Africa and the Mediterranean, but today it is widely distributed in Europe and North America. Such names as catnip, catnip mint, or catnip catnip are no doubt inspired by cats' known predilection for this plant.

The active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone. Cats detect it by its odor. The nepetalactone is thought to be comparable to the action of the cat's pheromone, possibly related to mating.

Catnip acts as a natural mood enhancer. Its effect looks rather unusual: the cat becomes more playful or very affectionate. She may also roll around on the floor, scrub her paw, or rub her muzzle against the source of the catnip smell. Or she might jump and frolic, running from room to room as if stalking invisible prey.

Some cats become relaxed and stare blankly into the void. This behavior may be accompanied by an active meow or purr. Catnip has a short duration of action – usually 5 to 15 minutes. The cat will be able to react to it again in about a couple of hours.

Since your cat will love catnip, it makes a great treat during training or for getting your pet used to the scratching post or her bed. It can also be a good motivator for physical activity, and can even help the cat relax. Whatever the reason, the cat will love the scent.

Catnip comes in a variety of forms. You can buy it in powder form or in a bubble to sprinkle around or spray on a toy. Some toys are sold already scented with catnip or contain it inside. You can also buy catnip essential oil or a spray containing catnip oil – these can be used to scent toys or bedding. Cats react to even very small amounts of catnip, so don't get carried away.

Catnip how it works on cats

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How to grow catnip in a pot – step by step instructions

In nature, catnip can be found in forests, bushes, meadows, fields, vegetable gardens, on the banks of rivers and near roads. To be able to spoil your pet at home, you can grow the plant indoors in a pot. Keep in mind that catnip likes heat, moisture and light. Lack of these components can negatively affect the performance of the plant.

Catnip can be grown from seeds, which are sold at any pet store. But it is better to take a cuttings or rooted offshoot, which can be found right outside. The cuttings should be placed in a glass with water, where they should stay until the roots appear. Choosing a pot, you should give preference to a medium-sized container.

It is recommended to plant the plant in early autumn. Then the following sequence of actions should be followed:

1. In the pot pour the drainage.
2. The container is half filled with soil, which should be moistened beforehand.
3. Plant the seeds or seedlings in the soil.
4. Cover the pot with cling film, creating greenhouse conditions.
5. Put the container in a bright place.

After two weeks, sprouts should appear. When the first leaves form, the plant should be fertilized. Of the shoots, it is necessary to choose the strongest ones and clear a space for their growth. The stems should be fixed with wire. About 2.5 months after planting, with proper care, the catnip should bloom.

Warning. The pot with the plant must be placed in a place inaccessible to the cat. Otherwise, the animal will damage the sprouts, and the catnip will die.

Re-fertilize catnip in February, when the daylight hours increase and the plant starts to grow actively. It is necessary to ensure that the catnip has enough light. Otherwise, the amount of essential oils in the leaves will decrease.

Catnip products

Pet stores offer a wide range of catnip in different forms of release. First and foremost are pouches of the dried leaves of the plant. The herb can be used as you see fit: put it in toys, scratchers, under the litter box, in the cat house, etc.

Catnip "Alpine Meadows"

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Treats Dreamies Dreamies Mix pads with catnip are a good treat for cats with vitamins and minerals in the composition.
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