You must have seen funny cat videos where the kittens and cats behave in the funniest of ways after getting a whip of that fresh catnip. But did you ever wonder if catnips are a boon or a bane for cats? Are they the cat-version of narcotic drugs?
Catnips are plants belonging to the mint family, and they bore several names such as Nepeta Cataria, Catmint, etc.
Most households grow catnips for their numerous health benefits. It is used for brewing herbal teas, herbal medicines, and in making stuffed toys as well.
Catnip is considered a feline drug and an addictive substance in the pet world, and it has a different kind of effect on both humans and cats. Then why do people give catnips to their cats and why do pet stores sell them?
Conflicting opinions about the safety of its consumption in the case of cats has worried the cat-owners for some time now. Through this blog, the pros and cons of catnip will be analyzed, to determine whether catnips are suitable for cats or not.
Table of Contents
Do Catnips Affect All Cats?
Firstly, catnips will not have similar effects on all cats in most cases. It depends on the amount consumed and the cat’s digestive tract.
The fresh catnips have more effect on the cats than dried catnips, which are often used as stuffing for soft toys, and in making herbal medicines. The cats first get mildly sedated from the scent of catnips, and then they will slowly start exhibiting the effects.
Catnips have this effect only on matured cats, which are over three months, and it is irrespective of their sexual orientation.
Hence, the effect of catnips might not be the same on all cats.
Where to Buy Catnip in India?
Catnip for cats can be ordered on Amazon or other online retail stores at an affordable price, where a wide variety of options can be availed. In case of physical purchase, the cat-owners can approach nearby pet stores which will provide them with catnips for cats.
Benefits of Catnips
Catnips, as a plant, certainly does have some plus points which might benefit the cats. Although there might not be much to benefit from, they will certainly cause no harm when consumed as per the veterinary doctor’s advice. Here are some benefits:
Relaxation and Calmness
The presence of a substance called Nepetalactone in Catnips acts as a mild sedative and puts the cats under an intoxicating spell. It pushes them into relaxing and entering a mellow stage. It is believed that Catnips help in relieving stress and anxiety as well. It can be said that it is safe for consumption in most cases because of its non-toxic properties.
The Right Amount of Consumption
When Catnip is consumed in meagre amounts and as per the veterinary doctors’ instructions, it seldom causes any change in the cats’ behaviour. Catnips, although, will not add much nutritious value to their diet compared to humans. Hence cats will not need to refrain from consuming Catnips.
As Part of Cat Training
Sometimes catnips can be used to the cat-owners’ advantage by using them as a treat while training cats. Because cats respond to the effects of catnip repeatedly.
Catnip sprays are used on their toys and other belongings to encourage them to be more active. It also works as a surface for scratching to prevent the cats from scratching the furniture or inflict damage on any other property.
Catnips Do Not Affect Kittens
Kittens often avoid catnips because of their strong odour, which is what causes the intoxication in the first place. Even if the kittens end up nibbling on these catnips, it will almost never affect other than sparking a slight interest and curiosity.
Until the cats are 3 months or older, catnips are almost impotent on them. Hence, cat-owners won’t have to worry unnecessarily about their kittens, but must still prevent them from overdosing on catnips.
Disadvantages of Catnips
Catnips have their fair share of the underside as well which must be taken into consideration before introducing them into cats’ diet plans.
Seeing the numerous health benefits associated with catnips when consumed by humans, some cat-owners are often misled into believing that they will have the same effect on them. But they fail to understand their cats’ bodily needs as they mostly sail on their assumptions rather than consulting a vet. Here are some disadvantages of catnips that have been listed below:
Does Not Help Much with Diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, and only animal meat can provide them with all the vitamins and proteins they will be needing. Irrespective of the nutritional values that plants or vegetables hold, they will do little to nothing in comparison to humans. Hence catnips will not help much with the cats’ diet.
Health Issue When Consumed in Large Portions
Although small amounts of catnip won’t have much effect on the cats’ behaviour or health, the same does not apply when it is consumed in alarmingly high quantities.
Adding on to the previous point, a cats’ digestive system is simply not designed to digest plants or vegetables, especially in large portions. They will most probably end up with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
High Sexual Arousal in Male Cats
As catnips mirror the cats’ sex hormones, it will result in cats behaving like they are in heat by growling and rolling around on the floor. Although it’s mostly in the case of male cats, it has a similar effect on both male and female cats.
Premature Labour in Pregnant Cats
Cat-owners are cautioned by the veterinary doctors against feeding pregnant cats with catnips as it will promote premature labour by stimulating their uterus. To avoid these situations, catnips are usually stored away from the reach of the cats.
Some Common Effects of Catnip on Cats
- Drooling
- Purring
- Rolling their body on the floor
- Making loud noises
- Rubbing against or kicking the Catnip plant/toy
- Staring while lying/sitting on the floor
These are just some mild effects after consuming catnip and will only last up to 10 to 15 minutes before it starts wearing off. But in case of Gastrointestinal problems, the cat-owners must refrain from feeding more catnips until they return to being normal again.
Conclusion
The effects of catnip on cats might be quite concerning to the cat-owners, but it’s never too adverse or life-threatening. Because catnips don’t contain any harmful or toxic substances, they are safe for the consumption of cats.
But it is pivotal to ensure that the catnips are not consumed frequently, and are fed in small measured quantities. Preferably the cat-owners must consult with veterinary doctors before introducing catnips to their pets.