Is catnip safe

[Timbo ba jimbo]

I want to see where people are at with a subject I don't hear talked about much. Is catnip okay for our cats I don't know it's history nor do I really know much about it other than it makes my cat goes bonkers completely out of her mind. We've all seen it that crazy eye look they give us followed by moments of hilariously wild movements I can't help but laugh every time. But I have to ask myself am I giving my cat drugs can something that makes them seemingly lose their mind for a few moments be okay I don't know the science of it or if they've even done studies maybe you guys can help I would like to give my cat some with a clear conscience or stop giving it to my cat .I d like to hear what others have to say about it so I can be better informed.

 

[catloverfromwayback]

I can’t answer your question, but this is why I have never given it to my cats. I don’t use recreational drugs myself, including alcohol - no way would I give them to my cats.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Catnip is perfectly safe, and non-addictive. And the effects are short-lasting. However, cats don't react to it until they are six months to a year old. And many never do, although that can change. My cat was non-reactive to catnip until she turned ten. Now she is a big fan.

 

[DreamerRose]

I have one cat that loves it and a second that couldn't care less for it. It won't hurt them and sometimes it helps sprinkled on food they don't like.

I grew some of it in my garden years ago, and one of our cats at the time would roll around in it, totally blitzed.

 

[Kflowers]

Most - 24 - of my cats enjoyed it. Two, well, it seemed to remove the already thin veneer of civilization in those two. Neither of those were ferals, one was hand raised from birth, the other had a mother cat. Both indoor only cats.

If it un-inhibits your cat do not approach the cat. Even if he recognizes you, he won't be himself.

However, as noted above the effects were short lived. Once the cat moved to another room we were able to vacuum up the remaining catnip and life continued. In short, test a very small amount with your cat to see if they just like to flop around in it, or if they turn into something willd.

Note the 26 cats lived with us over a 30 year period so I'm not talking about an over crowded situation, just your normal cat groupings.

 

[Furballsmom]

I have found a couple small leaves of fresh catnip to be very handy and helpful, it can be an enticement for a new toy or new pet bed he wasn't convinced about or to help distract him and even calm him a little.

 

[Timbo ba jimbo]

What about possibly using it before a long car ride

 

[Furballsmom]

I think a little bit of it before, and maybe also during could be helpful

 

[susanm9006]

Over the years I have had the cats who found and helped themselves to my catnip supply. While it was messy and they were very very relaxed, no one had to visit the vet or seemed worse for the experience.

 

[Pywacket21]

Had an outside cat who rolled in it in my garden. It’s in the mint family, think peppermint or spearmint. Can also be used to make tea for yourself and won’t make you goofy. My cat doesn’t react to it.

 

[Timbo ba jimbo]

She's four and a half years old just a really sweet good cat I took her on a couple test drives for a few miles it didn't go well at all my guess is she'll be freaked out for a short time and then go to sleep if she's doing okay I may let her cozy with me or maybe I won't .I know safety it is true though. Well at the very least it won't be uninteresting.

 

[Alldara]

Catnip is very safe for cats. Catnip is not like marijuana or alcohol for humans. It actually mimics female hormones. So it is not comparable.

It can reduce stress and anxiety for cats. It also acts as a mild pain relief.

What Is Catnip and What Does It Do to Cats? | PetMD

The phenols in catnip actually deter things like mosquitoes from biting cats. Mosquitoes can carry diseases that can kill cats. So of course, we have more cats who react to catnip because they are more like to survive outdoors, and therefore to mate and pass on the gene that attracts cats to catnip.

When cats chew catnip it releases mosquito-repelling chemicals.

 

[Kflowers]

It is rather dangerous to let the cat ride free in the car. They have been known to get under the brake pedal, wrap their hands over your eyes, when a large truck comes by attack you if they are close to you. The cat will feel safer in her carrier, more so if it's cool enough to cover most of it with a towel. AND this is important, if you are in an accident there is a good chance the carrier will be found with your cat in it. (put your name address and an emergency phone # on the carrier). If the cat isn't in a carrier she can be thrown against the windows or even out of the car. If she's not badly hurt by landing, there is a good chance she will panic and run. A panicked cat doesn't always recognize her person and she might be lost forever.