All about Catnip and it’s Benefits
If you are a cat lover, chances are you've heard about catnip. Let’s take a moment to get to know this herb that excites our fur balls.
🌟 For those cats that are sensitive to catnip, there are many benefits🌟
Catnip encourages playtime
It is extremely important for indoor cats to indulge in play time to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Under stimulated cats may be prone to destructive behaviors, weight gain and lethargy. Offering cats catnip influences them to engage in more physical activities such as playing, running, hunting, etc. These forms of play respond and satisfy their inner feline instincts.
Catnip prevents destructive behaviors
Sometimes, when cats get too bored, they tend to find different ways to entertain themselves. Unfortunately, this may also include clawing and chewing on your clothes, shoes or furniture. During such times, catnip can be of great help. Sprinkling a little catnip over their scratching posts, scratching boards or toys can influence them to indulge in positive scratching or chewing habits, preventing destructive behaviors.
Catnip calms cats
Catnip can have a sedative effect on some cats, especially if it’s eaten rather than just sniffed. Situations such as going to the vet, introducing a new pet, going into heat, etc create a stressful environment for cats. Even something as simple as bathing can get some cats quite frantic. Sprinkling some catnip over their food can help them relax and successfully transition through a taxing situation. You can also add some catnip into their bathing water to help soothe them with its fragrance.
Catnip repel pests
Catnip might be your cat’s favorite but pests despise it. The active ingredient, nepetalactone, repels mosquitos, ticks, and mites. Although its effectiveness for pests is often questioned, you may notice that mosquito population decreases when your house has catnip positioned at random places. You can plant catnip in your garden(if you have one) or plant catnip in pots and place them in areas where your cat frequently visits. You can even use catnip sprays on your cat’s bedding to repel pests and let your cat have a decent sleep.
Catnip helps to improve sleep
There are some cats who often suffer sleep deprivation, insomnia or other sleep disorders and they benefit from the sedative properties of catnip. Before bedtime, add some catnip to their dinner or provide a catnip treat to help them doze off. Being a natural sleeping aid, catnip is safer than prescribed medication. However we suggest that you consult your vet before using catnip to cure sleep issues.
Provides medicinal benefits
Catnip is a good remedy to use if your cat is injured with a minor cut or bruise. You can apply catnip over the cuts by making it into a paste to accelerate the healing process. Crush fresh catnip leaves with a small amount of water to make a thick paste, and then apply it to any cuts or scratches. The plus point is that it’s safe for your pet, even if they lick it off.
So you can see there are many benefits to catnip. Here are some points to keep in mind while using catnip
- Catnip should be given in moderation because if your cat ingests too much, it may lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
- Frequent use might reduce the effect catnip has on your cat so occasional use is recommended.
- It is possible that your cat may not be sensitive to catnip at all. Sensitivity to catnip is hereditary and there are many cats that show no reaction to catnip at all.
- Catnip is also available as sprays which is a good option for cats that get an upset stomach from ingesting the plant. You can spray it onto your cat’s favorite toy, cat tree or cat scratcher.
🐾Cats are mysterious beings and some of their odd behaviors that follow after using catnip is not always understandable. Some become hyperactive while some can get mellow. What is understandable though, is that catnip is a handy herb that has multiple benefits. Using catnip with consideration can provide you with a well-stimulated cat who can be the most pawsome friend you ever had!🐾
