Catnip is a unique fragrant herb that is famous for its medicinal properties. The plant material contains essential oils with multiple applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Also, other compounds, such as flavonoids, are present inside the plant. It earn its name from how cats are attracted by it so frequently. So, if you have catnip at home, you might suspect your cat to be quite keen on it. Catnip is also a common ingredient in cat toys. But is it completely safe? Let’s find out.
Is Catnip Safe For Cats?
It may help to know exactly how the plant impacts felines if you are considering introducing your cat to catnip. Anyone knows that catnip has an effective impact on altering the behavior of cats a lot. It causes them to feel relaxed, sleepy, or high. Nepetalactones are the principal compounds responsible for this reaction in cats. The plant is effective on domestic companions as well as wild felines. People use the herbs on cats to relieve stress. But what happens if a cat eats a part of the plant?
Can cats eat catnip? Experts believe they can. Catnip is not harmful to the cat’s digestive system. It is a popular plant among cat owners for its extreme safety. Catnip is used in cat toys and other items. But remember that consuming a cat catnip will not serve the expected effect. The way that cats respond to these elements of plants is via their main olfactory system. As a result, oral ingestion of nepetalactone does not elicit a response in cats.
Catnip Benefits
Cats can eat catnip. It won’t give them any valuable benefits, but they won’t be harmed if they nibble on the plant. What is remarkable about catnip is how it affects cats that inhale its aromas. The chemical constituents within the plant affect cats’ behavior. Each cat just might behave a little differently, and the strength of the reaction can also vary. Usually, adult cats have stronger reactions. The most significant impact the plant has on cats is a calming one. Contact with catnip enhances the well-being of pets. It would be great if you wanted to reduce your pet’s stress at times, for example, during travel.
There are other effects catnip causes that are quite interesting as well. That’s why it is worth planting this in your garden – the plant acts as a superb repellent against flies and mosquitoes. But you need to keep in mind that it can attract not only your cats but also other neighborhood cats. There is a natural insecticide present in catnip. What that implies is that cats that always rub up against the leaves of catnip are also spared from being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects.
Catnip Risks
Can cats eat catnip? Rest assured, catnip should not hurt your cat. While cats can use the scent of the plant as a sedative or euphoric, the herb is not addictive to cats. However, we should exercise moderation in every matter. If your cat has never been exposed to catnip before, be very careful when introducing it to your cat. Pay attention to your kitty with the plant. And if you notice any symptoms of concern, see a vet.
Keep in mind also that not every feline responds to catnip, and that is perfectly okay. The issue arises when your cat gets too over-excited from the catnip. In some cases, cats may even show aggression. In this case, it is better to limit the use of the plant.
Summary – Can Cats Eat Catnip?
Cats can eat catnip. So far, the plant has undergone testing, and no significant risks to cats have been observed. That said, using catnip with caution is still recommended. Try not to spoil your kitty with excessive catnip. If not, your cat might stop responding to it. Side effects are also rare but can occur. When in doubt, discuss with your vet.
Source
- Reiko Uenoyama, Tamako Miyazaki, Jane L. Hurst, Robert J. Beynon, Masaatsu Adachi, et al. (2021). The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7817105/
