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Looking for a safe way to make your cat chill and happy? Try Catnip!
If you are looking for a new way to improve your cat’s behavior or simply make him happier, then you need to consider catnip. It comes with various benefits – both physically and psychologically. Best of all, catnip is natural, safe, and effective.
In this post, let us take a look at how catnip will benefit your cat.
What is Catnip?
Catnip is known by various names. Some call it catswort and catmint. Catnip belongs to the genus Nepeta and family Lamiaceae.
Initially, catnip is only found in southern and eastern Europe, China, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Because of the perceived benefit of catnip, it is now grown in North America, New Zealand, and northern Europe.
In the past, catnip isn’t known as catnip. However, as people observe how cats become strongly attracted to them, they are eventually called as catnip and catmint.
Catnip is not just used to cats, but also to humans. It is popularly added to herbal teas because of its relaxing and sedative properties.
What are the Benefits of Catnip to Cats?
According to findings, the active ingredient in catnip that causes behavioral effects is called nepetalactone. Catnip does not only affect domestic cats, but also other types of cats such as cougars, leopards, lynxes, lions, tigers, and servals.
Today, catnips are best known as a recreational substance for cats. Smelling and consuming catnips are shown to cause drooling, purring, and sleeping.
With that being said, let me share with you some of the best benefits of catnips.
- Relaxation – catnip, when ingested, deliver a sedative effect. As a result, cats calm down and are able to release stress and anxiety.
- Happiness – cats who inhale catnip enter a euphoric or blissful state. They may exhibit hyperactivity, purring, and flipping over.
- Decreased aggression – happy and relaxed cats are less likely will get into a fight.
- Quality sleep – since your cat is relaxed, then sleep should also improve.
- Prevent or suppress other behavioral problems – there are secondary effects of catnip. When your cat is more relaxed, they can reduce the effect of anxiety, stress, and even depression. That’s the reason that catnips are commonly used in cat shelters.
- Helps cat take a bath – we know how cats don’t like taking a bath. One trick some pet owners learned is to add catnip to the bathwater. Once they pick up the smell, they would be more receptive and cooperative to you.
- Helps cat use their belongings – isn’t it frustrating when cats ignore your newest gift to him? Whether it is a cat post, toy, bed, or crater, you always expect your cat to be using it. To help your cat get interested in these items, you can add catnip to them. By doing so, you will be able to attract their interest and encourage them to use their stuff.
Things to Consider
Please remember that not all cats respond to catnip and if they do, not all of them respond in the same way. Thus, it is important that you introduce catnip little by little, just to observe how they react to it.
Moreover, be sure to store catnip in a safe, dry, and air-tight bottle. This will ensure that your catnip stays fresh and of course, effective.
If you have any doubt or question regarding catnip, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet. If possible, do your own research. The more knowledge you gather about catnip, the better.
