Is Catnip Safe for Cats?

Are you interested in trying out catnip with your cat? Are you nervous about catnip's safety, and the effect it could have on your furry friend?

Well, there are some easy answers to all your questions. Let's answer the question: "is catnip safe for cats?"

How Does Catnip Work?

Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that affects cats. This compound basically works as a stimulant when smelled (but for cats), which is why your cat acts so weird when they smell catnip. When catnip is eaten by your cat, it will usually make your cat feel sleepy instead. However, the effects can vary between different cats. Everyone reacts to different things differently, after all!

The effects of catnip usually last for less than half an hour, and on average last between 5 and 15 minutes. You also may be wondering, "how long does catnip take to kick in?" Smelling catnip usually causes immediate effects in your cat. Eating catnip can take a little longer, but it's still usually pretty quick.

However, this doesn't happen to some cats. A percentage of cats, around 50%, simply don't respond to catnip. That's because the catnip reaction is inherited, so some cats haven't received that gene! Plus, kittens don't usually react to catnip until they're about six months old.

Catnip can be given to your cat in many different ways. You can purchase fresh catnip, dried catnip, or catnip oil. You can also get various catnip toys, for even more fun for your cat.

Is Catnip Safe?

Catnip is safe for cats to consume. However, you need to make sure that you limit their consumption. Having too much catnip can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and other symptoms in your cats, although it won't cause long-term damage.

And, using catnip too much can help your cat build up a tolerance, and lessen the effects of catnip over time. That's why you want to give your catnip to your cats on special occasions, rather than all the time. If you're worried about your cat's overall health, you can look into cat supplements to get them back on track.

Of course, if you're noticing major issues, make sure that you consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Catnip For Non-Cats

Catnip isn't dangerous for people, either. While we don't react the way that cats do, catnip can have benefits for people as well. Catnip can be drunk in tea, helping treat nervousness and other anxieties in humans. It can also work as a diuretic, which is great for bladder issues.

Catnip for dogs can be beneficial as well. Catnip can help reduce your dog's anxiety levels, and may even help reduce any intestinal or digestive issues your dog might be struggling with.

Is Catnip Safe? Now You Know

Hopefully, you now understand the answers to, "is catnip safe?". And, you'll be able to decide if catnip is right for your cat.

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