Have you ever seen a cat in the middle of its happy tantrum? The little furball is batting itself in the face, jumping on furniture, and generally acting like it's having the time of its life. It can't seem to stop rolling around and flailing around.
That's because cats usually go into a trance when they sniff Catnip — that's why they love it so much! That intoxication quickly fades away after your cat comes down from the high, but before long, your furry buddy will be at it again, and that might be your cue to stop giving them their favourite herb! But don't worry, this doesn't mean you need to stop buying them some.
Here's what Catnip does to cats and why some experts say you should never let them have any.
Catnip is a plant that grows worldwide in the mint family (the rose mint, for example). It is a popular herb used by herbalists and natural healers to treat various health issues, from asthma to arthritis, but it's also an intoxicant. It's also made into catnip toys, usually covered in little cat toys inside. Other varieties are known as "pokeweed" or "Catmint.
As a plant, Catnip contains two compounds, nepetalactone, and linalool, that help guide your cat's olfactory system to the same places. When a cat comes in contact with any part of the plant or its nectar, it will begin to drool and feel euphoric.
Catnip's effects on humans vary depending on their tolerance level. If you're susceptible to Catnip's influence, you'll start feeling relaxed and happy; if not, you'll be completely unaffected.
It also affects other mammals (such as dogs), birds, and rabbits — all of which enjoy it.
So most people have the questions like ‘what will Catnip do to my cat? And ‘Is catnip good or cat?’ Well it just makes your cat roll around, bite, hug and jump (and sometimes even go potty on the floor).
Catnip helps them heal faster because it speeds up their metabolism: The herb is known for various health benefits. It makes them extremely happy by releasing endorphins in their brains. Catnip contains several essential oils, which help replace lost fluids through perspiration from rolling around so much. It is also used to treat stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and a general upset stomach. The smell of the leaves or flowers can help with nausea if you have a mild case.
Catnip does have some side effects, though. It can cause bloating and diarrhea, so if your cat eats a lot of it (or you give them a lot), closely watch their health. You'll want to stay away from the herb if your cat has an underlying illness, is pregnant, or is nursing. While it's safe for most cats, they're still subject to the same risks as humans — too much can be harmful, meaning it's not good to give them too much at once.
You'll know that your cat is sick if they don't get up within 15 minutes of rolling around and appearing "drunk" or showing signs of lethargy or weakness.
Catnip is also toxic for a cat to consume, so don't ever give them any. It can be fatal if your cat has a heart condition or gastrointestinal issues (yes, it's toxic to cats). Some other cat-toxic plants are chrysanthemums, foxgloves, daffodils, and hemlock.
Please note that not all catnip toys are created equal: Some brands of catnip toys contain an unknown chemical compound that will make your cat very sick. And some products sold as "catnip" may be mixed with something completely different (like ginger). It's better to stick with the real thing.
And some people worry about cats having "too much cat nip," but their effects are entirely harmless when your pet is not severely affected. If your cat is fine and you're still concerned about overeating, keep them from possibly overdoing it by ensuring they can't get into the herb.
In many ways, Catnip is a beneficial herb for cats. It'll make them happy for a while and help them heal faster when injured. And it's fun to watch your cat go crazy when exposed to it — most cats love it!
It would be best if you never gave your cat any of their favorite herbs, though. It could be dangerous to their health if they have heart problems or a gastrointestinal condition.