Is catnip good for cats psychologically?
We have a rescue kitten of 8 months and the people we got him from said he loves catnip so I have bought him a catnip toy. He does love it but doesn’t want to do anything but nuzzle it – endlessly. I’m wondering if this is healthy?
When a cat encounters catnip, it usually sniffs it, rubs against it, licks it & finally eats it. It’s actually the sniffing that gets produces the high, it’s believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip & therefore release more of the nepetalactone. The high produced will usually last between five & ten minutes.
One interesting fact is that when sniffed, catnip will stimulate kitty, however when eaten it will act as a sedative.
Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won’t overdose on it. Most cats know when they’ve had enough & will refuse any further offers. The herb can have varied effects on different cats. Since hyperactivity is one of those effects it is best not to give catnip to an aging cat or one that has health problems such as a heart condition.
Catnip may cause some cats to act aggressively toward other pets. If you notice your cat showing any type of aggression after giving him catnip, you may want to refrain from using the herb in the future.
In most cats, catnip produces a euphoric feeling that brings out kitten-like playfulness in adult cats. The effect usually lasts from five to fifteen minutes.
Young kitten rarely reacts to catnip and some cats are even immune to it. If your 8 month old kitten is showing interest, it is most likely in the toy rather than the catnip.
February 25th, 2011 at 5:46 am
i dont think it is good or bad
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February 25th, 2011 at 5:51 am
When a cat encounters catnip, it usually sniffs it, rubs against it, licks it & finally eats it. It’s actually the sniffing that gets produces the high, it’s believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip & therefore release more of the nepetalactone. The high produced will usually last between five & ten minutes.
One interesting fact is that when sniffed, catnip will stimulate kitty, however when eaten it will act as a sedative.
Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won’t overdose on it. Most cats know when they’ve had enough & will refuse any further offers. The herb can have varied effects on different cats. Since hyperactivity is one of those effects it is best not to give catnip to an aging cat or one that has health problems such as a heart condition.
Catnip may cause some cats to act aggressively toward other pets. If you notice your cat showing any type of aggression after giving him catnip, you may want to refrain from using the herb in the future.
In most cats, catnip produces a euphoric feeling that brings out kitten-like playfulness in adult cats. The effect usually lasts from five to fifteen minutes.
Young kitten rarely reacts to catnip and some cats are even immune to it. If your 8 month old kitten is showing interest, it is most likely in the toy rather than the catnip.
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February 25th, 2011 at 6:11 am
It’s not bad for them.
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February 25th, 2011 at 6:56 am
Catnip is a beloved toy for cats. he likes it. Let him have it. If he starts acting mental then take it away for a while. Maybe he will get high on cat nip.
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February 25th, 2011 at 7:04 am
i would not imagine it’s the best thing, look at it from a humanistic point of view, drug addiction, keep coming back wanting more, prolly not to good for you, however like anything to much givin is not a good plan!
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February 25th, 2011 at 7:20 am
It’s fine; it may get him a little "hyper" but it’s allright for him.
Cat’s love the smell of catnip! Don’t worry; your cat is FINE.
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Cat owner all my life
February 25th, 2011 at 7:26 am
i stopped it my male is very nasty with it but so cute and cuddly without it the female was ok with it though she chills with it guess it,s like drugs.
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February 25th, 2011 at 7:34 am
My cat acts much more pleasant when he has his catnip fix. When we try to wean him off hes witchy so don’t even bother.
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Cat
February 25th, 2011 at 8:01 am
No, no harm. but I would limit his nuzzle for special times. When he is good, or when he wants to play and you don’t LOL. Make it a treat.
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