Catnip is a plant that causes behavior changes in cats, making them excitable and sometimes even sleepy. You can give it directly to your cats as a treat or add it to their toys to enhance playtime. However, there are ten things you should know about catnip before giving it to your cat!
What Does it Do?
Catnip is a cousin of mint that has some interesting effects on cats. It can help some cats relax, while it makes others briefly hyperactive. The effects depend on the cat! In small doses, it can be a fun treat or a way to reward your kitty.
How do They React to it?
Some cat owners might notice their pets simply lying in a pile of dried catnip. Others will become hyperactive after smelling the plant, running around the house, and playing with their toys with high intensity. Thankfully, it’s non-addictive, so feel free to give your cat some every now and then.
As a Treat
When given as a treat, catnip can help you practice positive reinforcement. Cats love getting catnip sprinkled on their toys, their perches, or even in with their food. Some cats won’t eat it, but instead will simply enjoy smelling it. Others will gobble it up like they would a piece of food!
Small Doses
Make sure you give your cats catnip in small doses. Too high of a dose can make them resistant to the effects of the plant. Generally, try to give them a little bit of catnip roughly once per week for the best effect. Any more than that and they might develop too high of a tolerance to enjoy it.
In Products
Some toys or treats are already imbued with catnip straight from the manufacturer. If you have a toy or treat that contains catnip, make sure your kitties enjoy it in small doses. Let them eat one of the treats or play with the toy roughly once per week. Keep catnip toy playtime limited to about fifteen minutes.
As a Plant
You can also give your cats dried catnip as a treat. While some cats like to eat this plant, others just roll around in it and enjoy the smell. Either way, make sure you limit exposure to around 15 minutes and clean up the area thoroughly once catnip time is over.
Aggressive Cats
Avoid giving catnip to aggressive kitties. Some cats with behavioral issues will act in an uninhibited manner when under the effects of catnip. This can render much of your training useless and can cause issues like biting, scratching, or accidents outside the litter box.
Too Much
Don’t give your cats too much catnip. If they’re exposed to too much of the plant or are exposed to it for too long, they can build up a tolerance to it. It can always be unpleasant for them to smell too much catnip at once, overwhelming their senses and making them feel anxious.
Some Cats Don’t Like it
Some cats aren’t as fond of catnip as others. If your pet isn’t showing signs of interest in the plant, don’t try to force them to smell it or eat it. Just remove the plant from the area and let them try it again sometime. Some cats just never like catnip, and that’s okay! There are plenty of other treats you can get them.
Storage
Don’t forget to safely store your catnip in a way that will keep it fresh and out of your pets’ reach. Freeze-dried, sealed bags are ideal for this. Keeping the catnip in a drawer or some other container that cats can’t open is also a good idea!
